Rum and Rhythm

The Afro-Caribbean and Latin American musical heritage is a rich mixture, changing from country to country according to our varying backgrounds, and growing from year to year as young musicians build on their legacy.

This is the birthplace of the steel band, and of "beats" like calypso, compas, merengue, rumba, salsa, soca, and ska. Bob Marley exported reggae across the globe; salsa followed soon after. Some of the lands maintain musical traditions -- like drumming - dating back to the time of slavery. Gospel music reflects both our colonial past and the influence of American culture.

The Caribbean is now a center for world music. Jazz, rhythm & blues and country music are popular imports from the United States; concert venues around the region attract top artists from all three genres, as well as international stars of the classical music circuit, for sell-out performances.