Chillin' and Groovin' to the Music of Barbados

Music is very powerful and it gives identity to abecomes a training ground for the children to become
country. The Caribbean islands are known for itsmusicians.
festive music celebrations, where tourists are treatedThe most anticipated and famous musical celebration
to the country's best ear candy sounds. If you areon the island is the Crop Over Festival. The celebration
staying in a Barbados small hotel, as soon as you getoriginated in the 18th century, where the large scale
out for some fresh air you will also be treated to a mixproduction of sugarcane at 500 mills on the isle
of different sounds courtesy of the Bajan culture. So ifhappened. At the event of the harvest, workers
you are looking for some cool sound tripping thiscelebrate the blessing by having food and song
Caribbean island will treat you to a melody feast.festival. It is a month long celebration which begins
The country is known for many of its high class andfrom the start of July till the beginning of August and it
very talented musicians like Lalah Hathaway, Smokeyis usually held in the country's capital Bridgetown. There
Robinson and Grammy Award winner Rihanna. Theare many events in this festive celebration.
Tropical Island is heavily influenced by various musicalThe country's finest calypsonians gather for the
styles such as folk, western classical, religious andPic-O-De-Crop Calypso Competition. Each of the
popular music. Most of these styles are imported fromparticipants performs several times weekly for the
Trinidad and Tobago which also includes jazz, reggae,whole month long celebration. Seven of the
ska and Calypso.participants will face off with the last year's winner.
In 1974 Calypso music became organized, it was backTravelers and visitors can definitely join in the musical
in the revival of the Crop over festival. This type ofcelebration. They can participate in the Party monarch
music's rhythm can be traced back in the arrival of thecompetition, where they have to sing on stage. There
very first African slaves in the country in the 17thwill be a winner for both male and female performers;
century. Music became a tool of communication andwinners will be crowned as the Party Monarch king
planning for revolution by the slaves which is why it isand queen. Last but definitely not the least; the annual
a fundamental part of the country's culture. Calypso isfestival is ended with the Celebration of Grand
composed of various skills including story-telling, singingKadooment. It is a massive street parade with lively
and instrument making. Through the years it wasmusic and vibrant costumes.
influenced by European, North American and otherThis tropical country is known for its beautiful places,
Caribbean cultures. Calypso usually involves somegood food and of course engaging music. It is a
social commentary presented in a humorous satire onperfect place to get away from the toxicity of the
both social and political events blended with a catchyurban life. Music is the language of the soul and it is
and infectious beat. It is an integral part of Bajanvery important component of life. If this music is what
culture. The Bajan community is very proud of thisyou are looking for this is the place to go. So get out
type of music. Children under 16 years old take part infrom your Barbados small hotel and groove and chill to
the Junior Calypso Monarch competition which alsothe Bajan music.