Escaped slaves who formed communities in the mountains. Known for fierce fighting spirit and raids against whites, freeing slaves.

Speak Kromanti

Religious practice: Obeah

Syncretic mix of Christianity, African ritual, and Black Messianic Judaism

Marcus Garvey, a "prophet" predicted the return of Jesus

Lij Tafari Makonnen, "Ras Tafari", emperor of Ethiopia was seen as the fullfillment of Garvey's prophecy.

Musical style: nyabinghi, african drumming

Popular Jamaican style with roots in rural folk traditions.

First Jamaican style to be extensively recorded.

Light hearted and humorous, depicting daily life. 

Rarely love songs.

Acoustic instruments such as guitars, and banjos, harmonicas fiddles, flutes, and whistles, bamboo clarinets, and the rumba box.

Urban, danceable sound.

Influenced by rock and roll, highly syncopated, fast and danceable.

Music of the unemployed, rebellious youth called rude boys of the 1960's in the urban slums.

Slower beat and heavier bass than ska, with emphasis on vocals and harmony.

Built on the platform of rocksteady's vocal lines.

Expounded on the Rastafarian ideals often related to black liberation. 

Made famous by Bob Marley and The Wailers.

Most famous Reggae superstar.

Symbol of pride for the poor. 

Embraced Rastafarianism

Famous for his dreadlocks

Call and response and improvisation singing style

Slow or fast, 2 beats per measure with a syncopated feel

Linked with carnival

Highlighted the oral abilities of the performers

Depended much more on lyrics than rhythm or melodies

Key instrument of Trinidad music

Traditionally made from 55-gallon oil drums

Blend of African and European rituals and beliefs

Based on the lwa, ancestral spirits with their own instruments and music. 

Catholic saints are associated with spirits of specific natures

French Caribbean fertility festival, closely related to vodou

Starts after Ash Wednesday

Popular style of Martinique and Guadeloupe

Early 1980's

Joyful party atmosphere and dance beat

Syncretic group of mixed African and Ameridian descent with almost no European cultural influence.

Garawon drums made from hardwood and deer skin

Religion revolves around evocation of spirits and ancestors

PUnta, suggestive courtship dance, 6/8 meter

Modernly known for Punta Rock