African and British identity in the music of Barbados

Bajan folk are syncretic, and the island’s musical culture is apparently a mixture of African and British music, with a unique element that are derived from indigenous origin. The tension between African and British culture has long been a main element of Barbadian history, and this include the banning of certain African-derived practices and black Barbadian parodies of British cultures. Entertainment is the basis for most Barbadians participation in music and dance activities, though religious and other functional music are also present. The Barbadian tradition culture declined significantly in the 20^th century, but then rekindled in the 1970s. Then several Barbadians became interested in their national culture and their history.

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The religious music of the Barbadian Christian churches plays a significant role in Barbadian musical identity, especially in the urban places. Several distinctive Barbadian musical and other cultural folks originated from parodies of Anglican Church hymns and British military drills. The British military performed drills to provide both security for the Island’s population, as well as intimidate slaves. The modern Barbadian tea meetings, tuk bands, the Land ship tradition and several folk songs came from the slaves parodying the practices of the white authorities. British- Barbadians used music for cultural and intellectual enrichment that will feel the sense of kinship and connection with the British Isles through the maintenance of British musical forms. Plantation houses featured music as entertainment at ball dances and other gatherings. For the Afro-Barbadians, drum, vocal and dance music was an integral part of everyday life, and songs and performance practices were made for normal, everyday events, as well as special festivity like Whitsuntide, Christmas, Easter, Landship and Crop over. These songs remain a part of Barbadian culture and make the rich culture of repertoire.

Western classical music is the socially accepted form of musical expression for Barbadians in Bridgetown, which include a variety of vocal music, chamber and oratorios, cantatas and other religious music. Chamber music of the Western culture remains a significant part of Barbadian music through the integral role it plays in the services of the Anglican Church.