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where did caribbean music come from

by Anita Wolf PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Where did Caribbean music originate? Music that developed within the Caribbean during the 20th century was influenced by an eclectic mixture of cultures. Calypso began in Trinidad and Tobago and shows influence from their French and African heritage.Mar 23, 2017

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Where did calypso music come from?

Calypso music. Calypso is a style of Afro-Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the early to mid-19th century and eventually spread to the rest of the Caribbean Antilles and Venezuela by the mid-20th century.

What are the different music genres in Jamaica?

Dig deeper and learn more about some of these fantastic Caribbean genres. Reggae is the best-known of Jamaica's many styles of music and finds its roots in traditional mento music, ska and rocksteady.

What kind of music did indigenous people in the New World?

However, it is important to remember that the indigenous people of the New World had their own music. For instance, the Maya culture gave great attention to music producing all kinds of percussion and wind instruments. Wind instruments were very popular among Pre-Columbian cultures.

What kind of music is Cariso?

Cariso is a kind of Trinidadian folk music, and an important ancestor of calypso music. It is lyrically topical, and frequently sarcastic or mocking in the picong tradition, and is sung primarily in French creole by singers called chantwells.

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How did Caribbean music start?

It developed out of West African tribal songs that came to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago when French settlers brought African slaves to Trinidad. It also adopted traditions related to griot court singing, a West African tradition in which the singer was a storyteller.

When did the Caribbean music start?

Although the roots of afro-Caribbean music go back to the 15th century, the official local industry only began in the 1920s. Following this, afro-Caribbean music gained global popularity throughout the 20th century. As afro-Caribbean music gained popularity, many sub-genres began to emerge.

Who brought music to the Caribbean?

Music in the Caribbean was first developed by the Neo Indians around 1600 the Neo Indians died taken their culture and music. Music then reemerged when the African slaves came to the Caribbean. The type of music the Africans brought was both lively and entertaining.

What is Caribbean music known for?

Music Of The Caribbean 101: Everything You Wanted To KnowCalypso. The calypso style is one of the most recognized traditional music in Trinidad and Tobago, San Andrés, and Providencia Islands. ... Zouk. ... Reggae. ... Salsa. ... Bachata. ... Merengue. ... Quelbe. ... Cumbia.More items...•

What is another name for Caribbean music?

What did you not like?...Crossword answers for CARIBBEAN MUSIC.ClueAnswerCARIBBEAN MUSIC (7)CALYPSO2 more rows

What is Caribbean culture?

The Caribbean is a melting pot of cultures with influences from European colonizers, the native community who lived there before colonization, and the waves of immigration. In Jamaica, people believe that the soul of the dead can linger for nine days. African culture has left an indelible mark in Caribbean history.

How did Jamaican music start?

Reggae's roots trace back to the late 1940s and 1950s when the Jamaican recording industry was in its infancy. Mento—a rural-based music that developed from the period of slavery and which came to be influenced by Trinidadian calypso in the urban context of Kingston, was then the popular music.

How did music start in Jamaica?

Revivalism began in Jamaica between 1860 and 1861 as a part of a religious movement called the Great Revival. It is a combination of elements from African pagan beliefs and Christianity and has several forms, the two major forms being Revival Zion and Pocomania.

What is the most played song in the Caribbean?

Most played songs in Jamaica in 2021Doja Cat - Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)Doja Cat - Need to Know.Giveon - Heartbreak Anniversary.Lil Nas X - INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow)Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)Intence - Yahoo Boyz.Dua Lipa - Levitating (feat. DaBaby)Justin Bieber - Peaches (feat.More items...•

What is music from Jamaica called?

reggae, style of popular music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s and quickly emerged as the country's dominant music. By the 1970s it had become an international style that was particularly popular in Britain, the United States, and Africa.

Is Hip Hop Caribbean music?

"Hip-hop music, urban music, all come from Caribbean culture." Now that trap music has evolved to become a global music staple, the give and take relationship between trap and Caribbean music is no longer unequal.

What genre is Caribbean music?

World musicCaribbean music / Parent genreWorld music is an English phrase for styles of music from non-Western countries, including quasi-traditional, intercultural, and traditional music. Wikipedia

What is the most played song in the Caribbean?

Most played songs in Jamaica in 2021Doja Cat - Kiss Me More (feat. SZA)Doja Cat - Need to Know.Giveon - Heartbreak Anniversary.Lil Nas X - INDUSTRY BABY (feat. Jack Harlow)Lil Nas X - MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)Intence - Yahoo Boyz.Dua Lipa - Levitating (feat. DaBaby)Justin Bieber - Peaches (feat.More items...•

What is a musical set in the Caribbean?

Musicals set in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central or South America. We Take The Town-Conquering Hero-Pink Jungle demos CDR. Pancho Villa. Preston. Demo.

Is reggaeton a Caribbean music?

Reggaeton is regarded as one of the most popular music genres in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, in countries including Puerto Rico, Panama, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Colombia, and Venezuela.

What is calypso music?

It's often satirical, commenting on people or current events. Calypso plays a huge role in Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago. During the season, competitive calypso tents feature rival singers. It's upbeat, infectious music that uses percussion to great effect.

What are the different types of music in the Caribbean?

Styles of Caribbean music include the following: Calypso, which developed out of West African tribal songs that come to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago when French settlers brought African slaves to Trinidad. We learned that it also produced the distinctive sound of steel bands, which were developed on Trinidad by combining earlier African percussion traditions with used oil drums; ska, which developed in Jamaica out of calypso and rhythm and blues and features an upbeat tempo, aggressive use of horns, vocal harmonies, and staccato riffs; reggae, which was also developed in Jamaica and refers to the syncopated beat of the music, where emphasis is placed on dragged beats; and finally merengue, which is a style of music and dance from the Dominican Republic that features a two-beat or four-beat rhythm and uses instruments like the saxophone and the accordion, which came to the island through German traders. We also learned that it makes crucial use of the tambora, a double-headed drum that provides the driving rhythm, and the guira, a metal percussion instrument that's played by scraping it.

What type of music was used in Trinidad during World War II?

During World War II, a related type of music, the distinctive sound of steel bands, developed on Trinidad by combining earlier African percussion traditions with used oil drums, which were the cast off materials of war.

What is the Calypso tradition?

Calypso features a steady driving rhythm, elements of call and response, and improvised verses. It's often satirical, commenting on people or current events.

What is merengue dance?

Merengue is considered a style of music and dance from the Dominican Republic. Its history is a bit murky and different sources suggest influences from competing Caribbean islands, as well as from Spanish customs (again, there's that connection to colonialism), but we know it was played and became increasingly popular during the mid-19th century. Merengue always features a two-beat or four-beat rhythm and uses instruments like the saxophone and the accordion, which came to the island through German traders. Crucial to the music is the tambora, a double-headed drum that provides the driving rhythm, and the guira, a metal percussion instrument that's played by scraping it.

What is Jamaica's musical style?

In the late 1950s, ska developed out of calypso and rhythm and blues. It features an upbeat tempo, aggressive use of horns, vocal harmonies, and staccato riffs.

Where did Calypso come from?

Calypso & Steel Bands. Calypso is considered Afro-Caribbean music. It developed out of West African tribal songs that came to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago when French settlers brought African slaves to Trinidad.

What music was developed in the Caribbean during the 20th century?

Music that developed within the Caribbean during the 20 th century was influenced by an eclectic mixture of cultures. Calypso began in Trinidad and Tobago and shows influence from their French and African heritage. Ska developed in Jamaica with influences from American Jazz and R&B but it also draws inspiration and similarities from Calypso.

Where did reggae originate?

Perhaps the most famous genre of music to originate from any Caribbean nation ; Reggae has become hugely popular worldwide and was formed as an evolution of both Ska and Rocksteady in the late 1960s. As reggae initially developed it displayed similarities with the Rocksteady genre but as it grew and gained momentum it established its own personality with lyrics targeting socio-political and religious elements. Reggae is dominant within Jamaica, Barbados and Belize.

Where is calypso music found?

This style of music developed around the 20 th century and is often known by its highly rhythmic and harmonic vocals. Due to the British, French and Spanish influence in Trinidad at the time of its conception, it is often accompanied with the use of guitars, banjos and multiple other percussion instruments. Calypso music is found across the entire Caribbean; however, it is most commonly found within Trinidad, Bahamas and Barbados.

What type of guitar is used in Puerto Rico?

The cuatro, a guitar with five pairs of strings, is commonly used within Puerto Rico. The majority of latin inspired Caribbean nations incorporate the use of guitar into their music. Reggae music also incorporates the use of guitar but it is primarily electric guitar with a bass also often used.

How many countries are there in the Caribbean?

The Caribbean is made up of over 28 nations, each with a rich and varied cultural heritage; gaining huge influence from nations within Europe, Africa, and Asia from centuries past -and this is forever evident within the music that has originated throughout.

Where was Wyclef Jean born?

Born in Haiti in 1969, Wyclef Jean first found success with his group The Fugees whose second album The Score (1996) sold over 15 million copies worldwide. Wyclef later found solo success with his platinum selling album Carnival in 1997; taking influence from Afro-cuban and reggae styles.

Where did the steel drum originate?

Perhaps the most commonly recognised Caribbean instrument, the steel drums originated in Trinidad and grew in popularity in the 1940s. It is not uncommon to see this instrument used within street music across the world due to the range of notes that can be made from a single drum. These are often created by cutting a 55-gallon steel drum; the shorter the drum is cut the higher the notes that are produced.

What is Mento influenced by?

Mento was strongly influenced by calypso, the musical traditions of the Kumina religion and Cuban music. During the mid-20th century, mento was conflated with calypso, and mento was frequently referred to as calypso, kalypso and mento calypso; mento singers frequently used calypso songs and techniques.

What is the music of Honduras?

The music of Honduras is varied. Punta is the main "ritmo" of Honduras, with other sounds such as Caribbean salsa, merengue, reggae, and reggaeton all widely heard especially in the North, to Mexican rancheras heard in the interior rural part of the country. Honduras' capital Tegucigalpa is an important center for modern Honduran music, and is home to the College for Fine Arts.

What is twoubadou music?

Twoubadou is another form of folk music played by peripatetic troubadours playing some combination of acoustic, guitar, beat box and accordion instruments singing ballads of Haitian, French or Caribbean origin. It is in some ways similar to Son Cubano from Cuba as a result of Haitian migrant laborers who went to work on Cuban sugar plantations at the turn of the century. Musicians perform at the Port-au-Prince International Airport and also at bars and restaurants in Pétion-Ville .

What is Mizik Rasin?

Mizik rasin is a musical movement that began in Haïti in 1987 when musicians began combining elements of traditional Haitian Vodou ceremonial and folkloric music with rock and roll. This style of modern music reaching back to the roots of Vodou tradition came to be called mizik rasin ("roots music") in Haitian Creole or musique racine in French. In context, the movement is often referred to simply as rasin or racine .

What is Shanto music?

Shanto is a form of Guyanese music, related to both calypso and mento, and became a major part of early popular music through its use in Guyanese vaudeville shows; songs are topical and light-hearted, often accompanied by a guitar. Other genres include:

What is tumba dance?

Performance is often competitive in nature. Tumba is a style of Curaçao music, strongly African in origin, despite the name's origin in a 17th-century Spanish dance. Traditional tumba is characterized by scandalous, gossiping and accusatory lyrics, but modern tumba often eschews such topics.

What is the name of the song that is performed by partygoers?

Chanté mas ( masquerade song) is a tradition from the music of Dominica, based in Carnival celebrations and performed by groups of masquerading partygoers. They use the call-and-response format, and lyrics are often light-hearted insulting, and discuss local scandals and rumors. Other genres include: Bélé.

How did Calypso spread news?

Calypso evolved into a way of spreading news around Trinidad. Politicians, journalists and public figures often debated the content of each song, and many islanders considered these songs the most reliable news source. Calypsonians pushed the boundaries of free speech as their lyrics spread news of any topic relevant to island life, including speaking out against political corruption. Eventually, the colonial government in Trinidad began to censor the genre, and police were ordered to scan these songs for "damaging content".

What language is Calypso sung in?

It is characterized by highly rhythmic and harmonic vocals, and is most often sung in a French creole and led by a griot. As calypso developed, the role of the griot became known as a chantuelle and eventually, calypsonian. As English replaced "patois" ( Antillean creole) as the dominant language, calypso migrated into English, and in so doing it attracted more attention from the government. It allowed the masses to challenge the doings of the unelected Governor and Legislative Council, and the elected town councils of Port of Spain and San Fernando. Calypso continued to play an important role in political expression.

Why is calypso music important?

Calypso music has been used by Calypsonians to provide sociopolitical commentary. Prior to the independence of Trinidad and Tobago, calypsonians would use their music to express the daily struggles of living in Trinidad, critique racial and economic inequalities, express opinions on social order, and voice overall concerns for those living on the island. During the colonial era, the Black lower class used calypso music to protest their poor economic situation and the discrimination which they were subjected to. Calypso music frequently was used as a form of musical protest.

Why was Lord Kitchener's song "Windrush" so popular?

Kitchener used calypso to shed light on the grievances of the windrush generation, a generation of Caribbean families migrating from the islands to England in response to increased labor demands after World War II. Kitchener’s 1948 song “Windrush” was written in two versions. The first version gained more global popularity as the lyrics expressed gratitude and appreciation for British colonial rule. However, second version found greater popularity amongst Caribbean people themselves as the lyrics conveyed a story of West Indian immigrants facing discrimination and cultural alienation while living in Britain. Although Kitchener’s alternate version of “Windrush” did not gain as much commercial popularity, the duality of the two versions exemplify how calypso music was used as an outlet for social commentary.

When did calypso start?

As calypso developed, the role of the griot became known as a chantuelle and eventually, calypsonian . Modern calypso, however, began in the 19th century , a fusion of disparate elements ranging from the masquerade song lavway, French Creole belair and the calinda stick-fighting chantwell.

Where did the word "calypso" come from?

It is thought that the name "calypso" was originally "kaiso" which is now believed to come from Efik "ka isu" ("go on!") and Ibibio "kaa iso" ("continue, go on"), used in urging someone on or in backing a contestant. There is also a Trinidadian term "cariso" that means "old-time" calypsos. The term "calypso" is recorded from the 1930s onwards. Alternatively, the insert for The Rough Guide to Calypso and Soca (published by World Music Network) favours John Cowley's arguments in Carnival, Canboulay and Calypso: Traditions in the Making, that the word might be a corruption of the French carrouseaux and through the process of patois and Anglicization became caliso and then finally "calypso"; however, Cowley also notes that the first mention of the word "calypso" is given in a description of a dance in 1882 by Abbé Masse.

What was calypso music used for?

Calypso music frequently was used as a form of musical protest. During the independence movements of Trinidad and Tobago through the early 1950s up until 1962 when the nation gained independence, calypso lyrics frequently critiqued British colonial rule.

What is the origin of the song "Soca"?

Shorty was the first to define his music as "Soca" during 1975 when his hit song "Endless Vibrations" caused musical waves on radio stations and at parties and clubs - not just in his native Trinidad and Tobago, but also in cities like New York, Toronto and London. Soca was originally spelled Sokah, which stood for the "Soul of Calypso" with the "kah" part being taken from the first letter in the Sanskrit alphabet, representing the power of movement as well as the East Indian rhythmic influence that helped to inspire the new beat. Shorty stated in a number of interviews that the idea for the new Soca beat originated with the fusion of Calypso with East Indian rhythms that he used in his 1972 hit "Indrani". Soca solidified its position as the popular new beat adopted by most Trinidadian Calypso musicians by the time Shorty recorded his crossover hit "Endless Vibrations" in 1974.

How many BPM is Dennery segment?

Dennery segment beats have a simple build, aggressive drums, and are always above 140 BPM. The style is also different from other soca because it is less melodic and more repetitive, usually only having one lead instrument that carries the entire beat.

What is Ragga Soca?

Ragga soca is a fusion of soca and the former artistic lyrical delivery of Jamaican artists known as "DJing or Chanting". It is a fusion of dancehall and contemporary calypso/soca, which has an uptempo beat with moderate bass and electronic instruments. Bunji Garlin is one of the artists that has sung ragga soca in Trinidad and Tobago since the late 1990s and has been dubbed the King of Ragga Soca. "Dancehall Soca" and "Bashment Soca" are other terms used to refer to "Ragga Soca" music and these other terms are sometimes used depending on the artists and Caribbean country they hail from.

Where did Chutney Soca originate?

Chutney soca is one of the original soca styles started by Lord Shorty that contains strong East Indian musical influences; It is a soca style that originates in Trinidad and Tobago; many of the songs have both English and "Hindi" lyrics. The term Chutney soca was coined by the Indo-Trini artist, Drupatee Ramgoonai in 1987 when she recorded a hit song called "Chatnee Soca". Soon after 1987 the spelling was changed to Chutney Soca. Before 1987 this fusion style was sometimes referred to as Indo Soca or Indian Soca. The term Chutney that is now being used to refer to Indo-Caribbean music did not come into popular use until after 1987 when many Indo-Trinis started to abbreviate the term "Chutney soca" to "Chutney" in reference to those Chutney soca songs that were sung only in the Hindi language.

Where did Soca come from?

The main source of Soca is Calypso developed in Trinidad in the 17th century from the West African Kaiso and canboulay music brought by enslaved Africans and Immigrants from the French Antilles to Trinidad to work on sugar plantations during the Cedula of Population of 1783 .

What genre is Soca?

Soca's development as a musical genre included its fusion with Calypso, Chutney, Reggae, Zouk, Latin, Cadence and traditional West African rhythms. A sound project started in 1970 at KH Studios in Trinidad to find a way to record the complex Calypso rhythm in a new multi-track era.

What was the Calypso's early rise?

Calypso's early rise was closely connected with the adoption of Carnival by Trinidadian slaves, including canboulay drumming and the music masquerade processions. The French brought Carnival to Trinidad, and calypso competitions at Carnival grew in popularity, especially after the abolition of slavery in 1834.

What are the Latin pop and rock en Espanol?

Latin Pop and Rock en Espanol have been shaped by the foreign sounds of Rock, Alternative and Pop music. Regional traditions like the cowboy way of life in the plains of Colombia and Venezuela have produced Llanera music. Social conditions, especially those created by immigration and class divisions, are behind the development of Tango in Argentina.

What genres of music were developed by the development of jazz?

More recently, African-American styles like R&B and Hip-Hop have defined the development of Latin music genres such as Reggaeton and Urban music.

What is the cultural mix and social environment that produced Latin music?

The Cultural Mix and Social Environment that Produced Latin Music. The samba has a rich history in Latin music. Lonely Planet / Getty Images. Latin music is the result of a complex social and historical process that took place in the Americas after the arrival of Columbus. Despite the traumatic experience, Latin music is one ...

What did the African slaves bring to the New World?

The African slaves that arrived in the New World brought with them all the traditions and beats of their continent. The African influence in Latin music is so big that this could be the single most important element in Latin music history.

What was the second contribution that Europeans brought to the new land?

The second contribution that Europeans brought to the new land was their music . In fact, when the Spanish conquerors arrived on the American continent their homeland had rich musical expressions that included traditions from both the European and the Arab worlds.

What is the social environment of Latin music?

The encounter of the three cultures mentioned before created the dynamic social environment that has shaped Latin music since the colonial times. This environment has been nurtured by foreign sounds, regional traditions, class divisions, and even national identities.

Why did Europeans bring instruments to Latin America?

Along with their music, Europeans also brought their instruments. Originally, these instruments were intended to recreate the music that was played in Europe. However, they soon became the ideal tools to express the feelings of the new inhabitants that were defining the roots of Latin America.

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What Is Traditional Caribbean Music?

Where Did Caribbean Music originate?

  • Music that developed within the Caribbean during the 20thcentury was influenced by an eclectic mixture of cultures. Calypso began in Trinidad and Tobago and shows influence from their French and African heritage. Ska developed in Jamaica with influences from American Jazz and R&B but it also draws inspiration and similarities from Calypso. Reggae a...
See more on littleharbourestates.com

Traditional Caribbean Instruments

  • Recognisable in their tone, rhythm, tempo, and feel-good quality, it is easy to identify these styles; but have you ever wondered what instruments are used in Caribbean music? It’s a diverse list that can vary per nation, as the style of music changes. However, there are a few instruments that are commonplace amongst many popular Caribbean music styles, here are a few examples: Steel D…
See more on littleharbourestates.com

Most Famous Caribbean Musicians and Artists

  • Unless you have roots within the Caribbean, or a passion for the music, you may not be able to list many famous Caribbean musicians. However, there are some that you will undoubtedly be familiar with, if not a fan! Here are a few of the most famous and successful musicians and artists to come from the Caribbean: Bob Marley One of the most influential and recognisable names to …
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Overview

Caribbean music genres are diverse. They are each syntheses of African, European, Indian and Indigenous influences, largely created by descendants of African slaves (see Afro-Caribbean music), along with contributions from other communities (such as Indo-Caribbean music). Some of the styles to gain wide popularity outside the Caribbean include, bachata, merenque, palo, mambo, denbo, baithak …

Antigua and Barbuda

Benna is an uptempo Antiguan folk song, also spelled bennah and known as ditti. It is characterized by lyrics that focus on scandalous gossip, performed in a call and response style. It has also been a means of folk communication, spreading news and political commentary across the island. Other genres include:
• Extempo

Bahamas

• Goombay
• Junkanoo
• Rake-and-scrape
• Bahamian Rhyming Spiritual

Barbados

• Folk
• Tuk
• Spouge
• Fling
• Calypso jazz

Belize

• Punta
• Punta rock
• Chumba
• Fedu
• Brukdown

Colombia

• Berroche
• Bullerengue
• Champeta
• Chandé
• Chalupa

Cuba

• Abwe
• Afro-Cuban jazz
• Areito
• Bakosó
• Batá and yuka

Dominica

Chanté mas (masquerade song) is a tradition from the music of Dominica, based in Carnival celebrations and performed by groups of masquerading partygoers. They use the call-and-response format, and lyrics are often light-hearted insulting, and discuss local scandals and rumors. Other genres include:
• Bélé

1.Caribbean Music: An Overview - LiveAbout

Url:https://www.liveabout.com/music-from-the-caribbean-3552832

35 hours ago  · The music was born in the city of Valledupar (known in Spanish as the “valley of [Indigenous chief] Dupar”). A person born in this valley would be called a vallenato. Notable …

2.Origin And Facts About 12 Caribbean Music Styles

Url:https://www.dictionary.com/e/caribbean-music-dance-terms/

24 hours ago HISTORY OF MUSIC IN THE CARIBBEAN: Calypso music, aka. Goombay music, can be compared to the blues of the deep south during slavery. It was used as the way to eas the woes of the …

3.A Guide to Caribbean Music - Little Harbour Estates

Url:http://www.littleharbourestates.com/a-guide-to-caribbean-music/

5 hours ago Calypso is a style of Afro-Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the early to the mid-19th century and spread to the rest of the Caribbean Antilles and Venezuela by the …

4.List of Caribbean music genres - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Caribbean_music_genres

3 hours ago Bouyon soca is a term coined by non-Dominican producers and musicians, mainly from St Lucia, who embrace both Soca from Trinidad and Bouyon music from Dominica and so find it natural …

5.Caribbean Music - University of Kentucky

Url:https://www.uky.edu/~cecilia/MUSIC/Caribbean/

13 hours ago  · Where did the ancestors of the Caribbean come from? Introduction. Most Caribbean people have African ancestors. It has been estimated that more than 1.6 million …

6.Calypso music - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calypso_music

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7.Soca music - Wikipedia

Url:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soca_music

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8.A Brief History of Latin Music - LiveAbout

Url:https://www.liveabout.com/latin-music-history-2141147

20 hours ago

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