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Music Extra: The Caribbean Musical Melting Pot: Keeping it Real?

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Keeping it Real?

06/08/2016 GMT

The Caribbean Musical Melting Pot

BBC World Service - Music Extra, The Caribbean Musical Melting Pot, Keeping it Real?

Gemma continues her search for new sounds on the islands of Guadeloupe and Puerto Rico

Gemma Cairney continues her look at new Caribbean sounds visiting the islands of Guadeloupe and Puerto Rico

Gemma Cairney reports on attempts to keep musical traditions alive on both Guadeloupe and Puerto Rico. In Guadeloupe – much of the music is driven by a belief in “you have to know where you come from to know where you’re going” and many young people are rediscovering their Creole music and language as a result. Meanwhile in Puerto Rico, they have created their own 'soca' – Reggaeton – which has gained international success, although many of the musicians have left for places like Miami to exploit their commercial success. Left behind is a movement to rediscover the more traditional roots of Puerto Rican music – particularly 'plena'. 

Gemma interviews the father of Zouk and founder of Kassav, Pierre-Edouard Décimus, Gwoka band Kan’nida, and Guadeloupian singer Tanya St Val. She finishes her journey in Puerto Rico in the land of Reggaeton and visits the studio of Reggaeton godfather DJ Nelson and chats to "Ileana "iLe" Cabra, vocalist of Puerto Rico’s Calle 13, and Puerto Rican Rumba and Bata band ÌFÉ.

(Photo: Guadeloupian band Kan’nida in their rehearsal studio)

Music Extra: The Caribbean Musical Melting Pot

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Gemma Cairney looks at new Caribbean sounds, beyond reggae and Rihanna. Does this new music reflect a changing Caribbean?

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