Beguine Music of Martinique

Beguine is a Martinican type of clarinet and trombone music which is divided into two different parts;

·         Bidgib bele or drum beguine: - it was originated in slave bele dance and it is characterized by the use of bele drums and tibwa rhythms sticks along with the call and response, nasal vocals and improvised instrumental solos which has its origin from the west African ritual dances, however ceremonial parts do not survive in Haitian beguine.

source of picture: www.martinique.org

·         Orchestrated beguine: - this originates from Saint Pierre in 18^th century and is highly affected by the French music though vocals are usually in creole.

Changing the cord band music, beguine extended to mainland France in 1920s, the early musicians like Alexandre Stellio and Sam Castandet became the most famous. Its popularity abroad died relatively quickly and it lasted as a major force in renowned music in Martinique until Haitian compass took over in 1950s and the mini jazz musicians such as Les Gentlmen and Les Vikings de Guadeloupe became popular in the late 1960s. During the late part of the 20^th century, beguine artists like clarinet virtuoso Michel Godzom support the transformation of the genre.