Versatility in Caribbean Music - Intro
"I think I'm unique to the game 'cause of my versatility" - Ice Cube
In today's blog post, we will be discussing the topic of Versatility and how it is manifested throughout the Caribbean. Now you may be asking what is versatility and how does it relate to the Caribbean? Well, let's find out by continuing to read down below.
What is Versatility?
Before we take about versatility, I think it is only right if we define it by its correct meaning. In the simplest of terms, versatility is defined as the ability to change easily or be used for different purposes.
The assigned book for this course, Tour De Force: A Musical Journey of The Caribbean provides us with a "model of versatility" and how musicians have had to adapt in order to make it in the music industry. Musicians are undoubtedly one of the most hardworking and versatile artists who are not given an easy path in making it big in their career paths. Having to take on an additional career such as playing in churches or singing in choirs, offering music lessons, they must do what they can to provide a living for themselves.
For someone like Mozart who has been known as one of the contributors and composers to music, he too had to hold several musical roles before he made himself known as a famous composer. He taught students, was a pianist in his own timing, and composing music. In the Caribbean, the practice of being involved in more careers before actually pursuing a musical career is considered to be a norm. There is a saying that goes if you really want something, you must be willing to do whatever it takes until you get it. And I definitely think that this resonates well with musicians because not much credit is given to them for their efforts and sacrifices that are made to continue to go after something they truly love. Are you that passionate about something in your life?
Versatility As A Caribbean Native
Versatility isn't only limited to the musical genre, but it can also be found in the Caribbean people. No matter who you ask, there is no one who is truly one nationality here in the Caribbean. We are all mixed with one nationality that differs from our country of residence. There are Haitians living in The Bahamas, Bahamians living in Turks & Caicos, Trinidadians living in Barbados, etc. Society can often look down upon those who are connected to two worlds at once, but this can create a conversation on being diverse and not limited to one world. I've learned to appreciate where I come from and where I live because I know it's not easy to be different from everyone around you.
Being a native of Guyana and living here in The Bahamas, I can say that I have the best of both worlds. There is no set limitation on how many of either culture I can identify or participate in. I can indulge in Guyanese cuisine and lose myself in the rhythms and beats of Bahamian music. I can travel through the 700 islands and cays while speaking to others in my Guyanese slang. I can express my Guyanese heritage and background through the essays in classes of Bahamian schools. I can be Guyanese in a Bahamian world and no one can say that I can't because that is ME. When looking for versatility as a Caribbean native, this is something that I embody and I am proud of it!
To end of this post, I would like to say that versatility is an important factor in our identity irrespective of where it can be applied, music, cuisine, geography, and everyone should get to experience it. And as my girl, Rihanna says "I want to give people a taste of the Caribbean and show them the fun side of me"
Until next time!
References:
Gangelhoff, C., & LeGrand, C. (2020). Tour de Force: A Musical Journey of the Caribbean (1st ed.). Sound Caribbean.
iswearenglish. (2019, January 25). 🔵 Versatile Versatility - Versatile Meaning - Versatile Examples _Versatility in a Sentence [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/ROE3il_ekkk
Jirie Caribbean. (2021, August 4). Caribbean music Genres - Vibe like the locals [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMVXYdkgZyo
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