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Rhythms of Havana: The Enduring Influence of Sexteto Habanero

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  Tichea Ferguson Central Artist: Sexteto/Septeto  Habanero     With  this final music playlist, we will center our focus on enthralling sounds of the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, more specifically this playlist will feature the band Sexteto Habanero (later Septeto Habanero). Their band's name means "Havana Sextet/Septet". Personally, I am very excited about this playlist because the Spanish music and culture is a big part of programme of study. Therefore, I have studied the genre of Cuban son a bit prior to this class, but I am grateful that this playlist allows me to learn about it in more depth. Originally founded in 1920 Havana, this sextet blazed a trail by becoming one of the first group of people to popularize the Cuban son music genre,  a vivid Afro-Spanish fusion of musical styles . There are two style tiers in Son. A range of percussionists freestyle over a rumba rhythm, which falls under the first level (of African origin). The second level, which originates in
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Padú del Caribe's Musical Tapestry: A Cultural Treasure of Aruba

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  Tichea Ferguson Central Artist: Juan Chabaya 'Padú' Lampe     In  this playlist, we will delve into the unique melodies and music of the Dutch-speaking Caribbean, more specifically we will focus the discussion on Juan Chabaya 'Padú' Lampe. He was born on April 26th, 1920 and died on November 28th, 2019, both in Oranjestad, Aruba.  His nickname "Padú del Caribe" (which means Father of the Caribbean) after the death of his grandfather who had the same name when he was alive. He taught himself how to hone his skills on the clarinet, violin, mandolin, and cuatro, but his preferred instrument was still the piano. During his five decade long career , he has cemented himself as one of the most revered legacies in Caribbean music.  Lampe's musical history dates back to the late 1960's when his debut record entitled, "Padú del Caribe en Venzuela" was released. It went on to sell 50,000 copies in the initial year of release, making him an instant sen
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Mizik Rasin: The Powerful Pulse of Boukman Eksperyans' Revolutionary Sound

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Tichea Ferguson Central Artist: Boukman Eksperyans     This curated compilation of songs by the Haitian, Mizik Rasin band, Bouksman Eksperyans, truly dives into the harmonious world of the French-speaking Caribbean. Mizik Rasin is the "roots music" of Haiti. This talented band has been playing together since being founded in 1978 Port-au-Prince by Theodore Beauburn Jr. (Lolo) and his sister and wife, Marjorie and Mimerose Beauburn respectively.  The rest of the band includes a plethora of percutionists, guitarists, and backup vocalists. The band's name is inspired by a Vodou priest, by the name of 'Dutty Boukman', who in 1791 led a ceremony that some people believe to have catalyzed the Haitian Revolution. The second part of the name 'Eksperyans' is the Haitian Creole way of saying 'Experience'.  The band is renowned for its dynamic and captivating live performances, and when their songs are performed on stage, the audience frequently joins in the
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Steelpan Serenades: An Overview of the Trinidadian Classical Fusions by Atiba Chike Williams

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Tichea Ferguson Central Artist: Atiba Chike Williams     With this playlist, the sounds, talent, and artistry of the English-speaking Caribbean will be highlighted, where we will particularly study Mr. Atiba Chike Williams of Pleasantville, Trinidad. As his name is being heard more throughout the region for his prodigious talents on the steelpan, he is also making a name for himself in the world of music composition. Even though his mother thought him to be possessed when he displayed his musical talents when he was one and a half years old, he has gone on to become quite the accomplished musician. Just like his musical inspirations, Len "Boogsie" Sharpe and Richard Bona, Williams blends the unique melodies from Trinidad's steelpan with the more structure European classical compositions.      First, we will take a look at a piece entitled,  Sonata for Piano and Steelpan . Sonata being the classical music term for a piece of music that is played by a piano or an instrument
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