Early history of music in Barbados

The slavery from 1627-1838 brought about African music which includes work songs, funeral and religious music into Barbados. While slave owners initially allowed dance, this was put to stop in 1688 because officials feared that the slaves would plan a rebellion at such celebrations. The same law also banned the use of drums and horns, which were feared to be used as communication to equipped slave rebellions. The influential plutocracy of the island during the colonial period that felt Christianity was ill-suited for slaves, instead, the Church of England sent missionaries to convert the salve population. Also, any cultural element of clear African origin was suppressed in the name of promoting Christianity. Legal restrictions furthered this goal by banning parties on Sundays, the Christian day of rest, as well as dances which include the outdoors fertility dance, Jean and Johnnie.

source of picture: www.islandmix.com

The cultural African music continued despite the legal restrictions and it include the use of drums and rattles,  oratorical and ad hoc call, and response vocals. Several African music were used in Obeah, and African religious found throughout the island. During the 19^th century, slaves provided most of the musical accessory for plantation celebration, such as the Harvest Home and it was influential in the dignity balls.