History of Music in Montserrat

Montserrat music is influenced by the Irish customs, obvious in the set dance-like Bam-chicj-lay and the presence of fife and drum bands that is similar to the bodhran. Indigenes are also witness to the jumbie dance and the pattern, which is still strong in African. The instruments include ukulele and shak-shak, an African instrument that is made from the calabash gourd; both of them are used in the traditional string ensembles. Calypso and spiritual influenced the vocal choirs such as Emerald Isle Community Singers which is popular.  

source of picture: www.spainculture.us

The previous artists include soca bandleader Alphonsus Arrow Cassell who was renowned in 1983s Hot! Hot! Hot! Calypso music is also renowned as the vocal choirs Voices and the Emerald Community Singers was popular all over the island. They perform at different special events like December Festival throughout the year. The greatest popular new steel band from Montserrat is known as Rude Boys Strings Band.

Montserratian culture is generally a combination of African and European, especially Irish and British elements. The African influenced is the most prominent and apparent in the local Creole language, as well as the island’s stories, folktales, dances, songs and religious. Montserrat became large remote from the international popular culture until 1960s and the island’s folk customs remained lively until the outbreak of the Soufriere Hills volcano in 1995 and then most of the populace left the island. The fame of the Arrow also helps to the demise of traditional music which replaced a large number of imported renowned styles.