Steel pan music was developed on Trinidad, but its influence spread
throughout the Caribbean and eventually began molding the musical styles of Jamaica. Its beats are
an integral part of many celebrations, but Jamaica's own African-influenced musical styles share an
important part in the development of modern island genres, including reggae.
Music of Steel
Trinidad has a rich musical history, but the development of steel pan music (often called steel
drum music) is based on more than just music. Before World War II, Carnival celebrations were
becoming raucous, and the island's government made attempts to keep these celebrations quiet – by
limiting the use of traditional percussion instruments.
The people of Trinidad, however, quickly found a way to use household objects – and large steel
drums left over from the petroleum industry – to create new percussion instruments. This ingenuity
led to the creation of the 20th century's only acoustic instrument. Steel pans can now play a full
scale.
Trinidad's steel bands become popular even outside the Caribbean, but their island neighbors,
including Jamaica, quickly took to this musical style. It is based on African rhythms and styles of
playing, and it's no surprise that this popular musical style hails from the same spot that
originated calypso music.
Crossing Over
Jamaica's African musical traditions may not be as strong as those on Trinidad, but they are
still present in elements of everyday life. The strongest influence of African rhythms can be
traced to the development of reggae, Jamaica's own musical style. However, African musical stylings
have held a place in Jamaica throughout history.
African-style rhythms survived plantation life mostly because they were used in Obeah and Myal
spiritual practices. The creolization of Christian beliefs and their combination with African
spiritual practices also incorporated these same rhythms and dances that were a part of these
African beliefs.
Revivalism kept African sounds alive both in music and in Jamaica's culture. The Pentecostal
faith, for example, still retained some African elements. In modern times, the peoples' music has
made its way to international recordings through its influence of many Jamaicans in the music
industry.
It's not unusual to find elements from around the world in Jamaica's culture, but it's also not
unusual to see Jamaica's islanders create something wholly unique from these cultural pieces.
Still, African culture has been a lasting influence on the music of this strongly independent
island.
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