Creolization in the French Caribbean

Hello everyone! Hope all is well. Ever since my last entry I've been so excited to speak on this topic. Keeping in line with our theme of creolization, today we'll be discussing examples of creolization found in the French Caribbean. Our first example to be highlighted is none other than Gwoka, a french creole term which is used as an umbrella term for all of the music and dances performed with the Guadolopean drum, the "gwo ka". I discovered this significant piece of culture from Christine Gangelhoff's book titled, Tour De Force, in chapter 2 titled "Guadeloupe". This style of music and dance was said to develop in the rural areas of Guadeloupe, and gained further traction based on the popularity and prevalence of movements involving the appreciation of African heritage. With how I adore music, learning more about this was quite interesting.

                                 

Above is a photo of the Guadeloupean gwoka being played in a rural looking area, with a lady seemingly vibing to the sound of the drums. This picture was derived from the site https://karibbeancars.fr/index.php/2020/04/01/le-gwoka-patrimoine-culturel-de-guadeloupe/

 Please see above a video of a skilled Gwoka player displaying the 7 distinctive rhythms often played on the Guadeloupean gwoka. Although their is no english comments nor commentary, it still gives you a good idea of the types of sounds created with this unique instrument. 

Continuing on a musical note, we also have "Zouk", which is a musical style associated with Martinique. Mentioned in Tour De France, zouk fosters an amalgamation of a wide variety of local and imported musical styles. Ancestors of note for zouk musical style include Beguine of Martinique and Haitian compras music. Zouk was pioneered by the French Antillean band Kassav' in the early 1980s, and is renowned for its fast tempo and percussion-driven rhythm. 

                                    

Kindly see above a photo highlighting those participating in local zouk dances. This photo was taken from https://celiadesgalier.wordpress.com/category/genre/zouk/

In the video above, we are witnessed to a potential couple engaging in a passionate traditional Zouk dance, with zouk music being played in the background. The choreography is quite sensual and flirtatious, with the movements of the dancers hips signifying one another's passion for each other. 

Lastly, to break the cycle of musical examples, we're moving onto my favorite topic once more, food! This time, we'll be featuring cuisine of the Haitian variety, alongside what makes them so unique. I've had my fair share of food from Haitians before, and they are always such a treat with how great they taste. Primarily drawing influence from the French, Africa and even the Middle East, Haitian cuisines are a site to behold.

                                        

Please see above a picture of Griyo, also known as baked pork shoulders. Many herald this dish today as the national food of Haiti. Photo was derived from https://themom100.com/recipe/fall-apart-roasted-pork-shoulder-rosemary-mustard-garlic/

In the video above, a Haitian native gives a brief summary and explanation of Haitian foods. He chronicles how many Haitian cuisines today were essentially slave food, e.g., pork shoulders were often discarded and left for Haitian slaves to consume rather than those in upper class.

References

Gangelhoff, C. (2019). Tour de Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean. Vital Source Bookshelf.

N/A. (2011, October 28). celiadesgalier. Retrieved from Wordpress: https://celiadesgalier.wordpress.com/category/genre/zouk/

N/A. (2020, April 1). Le Gwoka, patrimoine culturel de Guadeloupe. Retrieved from karibbeancars: https://karibbeancars.fr/index.php/2020/04/01/le-gwoka-patrimoine-culturel-de-guadeloupe/

Workman, K. (2019, October 18). Fall-Apart Roasted Pork Shoulder with Rosemary, Mustard and Garlic. Retrieved from The Mom 100: https://themom100.com/recipe/fall-apart-roasted-pork-shoulder-rosemary-mustard-garlic/