We will explore the genres of music influenced by traditional Caribbean culture and reflect on the movements, political and personal struggles of the diaspora and how they have manifested themselves in Caribbean music forms. Music is an essential part of Caribbean lives and culture and has influenced the region politically and socially. Here, we discovered how music is responsible for bringing awareness to the region and for providing a voice to the diasporic movement by exploring the ties between music and social issues and community affairs. We will start off exploring certain Caribbean styles and fascinating history of how it was spurred and how it has been incorporated in NYC culture and society.

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Artwork:

116th Street by VINCENT SMITH

Minton’s Playhouse (uptown), The Movers and Shakers (downtown), 1999