Traditional music
Reflecting its society, the Guyanese musical tradition also enjoys a great plurality. One of the most emblematic styles of the region is without a doubt the kasékò. Designating both the drums that play it and the dance that accompanies it, kasékò is above all a rhythm, led by the ti-bois - a percussion instrument where a drum is struck with two sticks. It has its origins in the traditional dances of the slaves, and over time has incorporated European and Amerindian elements. Among the other rhythms that one frequently encounters in Guyana, the kamougué is one of the most authentic and energetic. Played on the "yongwé" drum, the movement of the kamougué evokes physical labour - it used to accompany collective work. Another typical Guianese rhythm, the grajé also refers to the (ballroom) dance that accompanies it, which is highly codified and performed in couples. On the whole, the grajé is quite slow and graceful, while its songs are often tinged with nostalgia. Apart from these essentials, the traditional Guyanese repertoire is still very rich and includes dances such as the léròl, a Guyanese variant of the Creole quadrille, the béliya, whose movements are inspired by the agricultural world, the grajévals, a graceful and solemn dance, related to the waltz, the labasyou, a dance of seduction and celebration of love with circular movements of the pelvis, and the kaladja, which combines the rhythms of the grajé and the kasékò.
Not endogenous to French Guyana, traditional Latin music such as the samba, merengue, cha-cha-cha or salsa are very present due to the proximity of Brazil, Venezuela or Cuba. Moreover, salsa lovers will gladly go to the Crique district in Cayenne where there are a good number of bars specialising in the genre. Overall, the traditional Guyanese repertoire is an important showcase for the wide range of instruments typical of the region. These include the kapaujété, a bone flute, the patété, a nasal transverse flute, the waitakala, a kind of bamboo clarinet, the titilu, another transverse flute, the pupu, a pan flute, the malaka, a rattle, the kaway, a set of bells made of dried seeds, and the sambula, a cylindrical drum with two parallel skins.
These instruments can also be heard during the Guyana Carnival, the major event in the region. Music plays an essential role, orchestrating the great parades, the vidés and the paré-masqués balls. The carnival is an opportunity to hear many styles of Caribbean essence such as the mazurka, the piké djouk, the Creole waltz, the Creole quadrille, the polka, the biguine, etc. Given the importance of the event, certain orchestras or artists have become prominent figures in the region: the Mécènes, Karnivor or the Blue Stars - and its famous leader Victor Clet, better known as "Quéquette". A good plan for anyone in Cayenne during carnival time is the Domino. Located behind the market, this bar usually hosts the end of parades and organizes karaoke nights, shows and concerts.
Popular music
One of the great gifts Guyana has given to popular music is none other than Henri Salvador. Born in Cayenne in 1917 to Guadeloupean parents, Henri Salvador moved to France with them in 1924. It was not long before he discovered jazz and began learning music (guitar, trumpet, violin, etc.). He started playing in public in 1933 (accompanying Django Reinhardt) and gradually became known and appreciated by the public and professionals for his musical and imaginative talents. Salvador quickly gained great success, particularly in Brazil, then in France after the Second World War. In a career spanning more than a decade, Salvador cultivated a refined melodic talent coupled with a casual fun-loving personality. Henri Salvador died in Paris on 13 February 2008, leaving behind the image of one of the greatest showmen of French variety.
In Guyana, the most popular genre is by far zouk. Originally from Guadeloupe and Martinique, zouk burst onto the scene in the 1980s. The genre quickly made its mark in French Guiana, where it found some of its biggest stars, such as Warren, Fanny J (nicknamed the "Queen of Zouk") and the Saint Laurent-based group Sweet Way. Also very popular are Marvin and Chris Combette, loved for his smooth voice and his mix of zouk, reggae and Brazilian influences.
Also originating from the Caribbean, Jamaican reggae has been an integral part of Guyanese music since its creation. All generations listen to it. One of the most intense voices in Guyanese reggae is surely that of Jornick Joe Lick, whose lyrics are a mix of Creole, French and English. The headliners that young people like to see on stage today are Lova Jah, Prince Koloni, famous for his mix of reggae and alèkè (traditional drum-based music) or Little Guerrier. By extension, Jamaican dancehall is also very popular in Guyana where it has produced many children. The most famous are undoubtedly Jahyanai and his sidekick, the singer Bamby, with whom he often collaborates. All of these artists regularly perform alongside the pundits of the genre (Alpha Blondy, Beenie Man, the I-Threes...) at the Cayenne Reggae Festival, a major annual event dedicated to the genre. Let's also note the evenings of the Reggae Dub Foundation held at the Jungle Bar in Cayenne, often well programmed as well as the Café́ de La Gare and the Club 106 which each host their share of zouk, salsa, ragga, kizomba, bachata etc..
