Curated by Jade Bassien - Capsa for the first momentum of our program, this books curation was conceived to provide an introduction to the diverse genres of Caribbean music, with a particular focus on Martinique and Guadeloupe. We have carefully selected texts that illuminate the intricate connections between music and the histories of these islands, marked by themes of struggle, opposition, resilience, and creativity. Through the genres of Biguine, Gwo Ka, Bèlè , and Zouk music, our aim was to shed light on the contributions of musicians who have not only shaped but also significantly influenced music well beyond the confines of the Caribbean. The various music genres found in the Caribbean mirror the diverse cultural identities of each island. This musical history is intricately intertwined with political strife, acts of resistance, and the flourishing of artistic and cultural expression. It is the result of a dynamic fusion, born from the fusion of traditional African rhythms, European influences, and Latin elements, resulting in something entirely novel and groundbreaking. This fusion is why Caribbean music stands as the true essence of Creole / Caribbean Culture.
Jade Bassien-Capsa ( @jadesrooom ) is a Guadeloupean writer and cultural researcher based between Paris and London. She graduated from l’École Normale Supérieure Paris in Art History and History, working primarily on youth culture and counter-cultures, specifically on teenage girls. Now, she is focusing on the effects of intergenerational trauma on the minds and bodies of the afro-caribbean people. Apart from research papers, her means of transmission are poetry, zine making and collages. In her works, she emphasizes the importance of both personal and national archives. Jade is as well the co-creator of the program SIANO .