FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Martinique Caribbean Vibes Spotify Playlist: discover the signature sounds of the Island
New York (November 19, 2020) – In anticipation of the re-opening of borders between the United States and the French West Indies’ Isle of Flowers, the Martinique Tourism Authority has created a musical experience of the island’s most vibrant genres.
Debuting on November 19, 2020 “Martinique Caribbean Vibes,” the Martinique Magnifique Spotify playlist will showcase 80 songs of the island’s traditional and contemporary music, offering listeners over 6 hours of the best that the French Caribbean Island has to offer. The playlist features groups and artists such as Malavoi, Jocelyne Béroard—female lead singer of Kassav, Ralph Thamar as well as the new generation of Martinican dancehall, rappers and hip-hop artists such as Kalash, Paille, Tiitof and Meryl—who was nominated in the “Best International Flow category” in this year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards.
Music is deeply rooted in Martinique’s culture; as an expression of freedom during the time of slavery on the plantations or to lighten collective work in the fields, known as lassotè; music has always been ingrained in the daily life of the people of Martinique. As time goes by, musical styles have evolved through the generations. These unique and distinctive musical genres reflect the island’s cultural and historic mix of African, European and Caribbean influences.
Martinique Caribbean Vibes Spotify playlist will showcase the variety of the Island’s musical genres. It includes styles like the oldest Creole music and dance forms of the French West Indies such as Bèlè, Chouval Bwa and Biguine. Zouk music. Zouk was created and popularized by the group Kassav and its lead female singer Jocelyne Béroard, characterized by a fast tempo, percussion and horn driven rhythm and form. The playlist also features Dancehall music, an upbeat variation of Reggae, embraced by Martinican artists and other local musicians inspired by soul, pop and jazz music. The Martinique Caribbean Vibes has been created in conjunction with a local campaign Partez en Musique en Martinique (aka Let’s discover Martinique in Music), to support local artists, restaurants and hotels which have been impacted during this pandemic. The concept was to invite the local population and its visitors to musical events respecting all sanitary measures, performed by local artists, all around the island.
“Music is in our DNA, and launching our Martinique Caribbean Vibes Spotify playlist is the perfect way to celebrate and share our culture. We wish to bring joy and food for the soul to our listeners during this time” said Karine Mousseau, Martinique Tourism Commissioner. “We are blessed by so many signature styles and iconic artists, listening to our music is a great way to taste the Isle of Flowers.’’
Going forward, Martinique Magnifique Spotify channel will offer additional playlists following the island’s calendar of events and most notably favorite songs from Martinican and international celebrities like top model Mélodie Monrose, the island Tourism Ambassador. To connect with Martinique Magnifique’s “Martinique Caribbean Vibes” on Spotify click here
Stay Tuned!
ABOUT MARTINIQUE (us.martinique.org)
The French Caribbean Island of Martinique is also known as the Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, the Birthplace of coffee in the New World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – Martinique ranks among the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. As an overseas region of France, Martinique boasts modern and reliable infrastructure – roads, water and power utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications, services all on par with any other part of the European Union. At the same time, Martinique’s beautifully unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, rainforests, 80+ miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders are unparalleled in the Caribbean, so visitors here truly get the best of both worlds. The currency is the Euro, the flag and the official language are French, but Martinique’s character, cuisine, musical heritage, art, culture, common language, and identity are of a distinctly Afro-Caribbean inclination known as Creole. It is this special combination of modern world conveniences, pristine nature, and rich heritage that has earned for Martinique several notable distinctions in recent years. Hot off the press: Martinique has earned Silver honors in Travel Weekly’s 2020 Magellan Awards as an Art & Culture Caribbean Destination. In December 2019 and for the second year in a row, Martinique was named “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean” by the Caribbean Journal. The island was also recognized in January 2019 by OprahMag.com and in first place in their list of “The 19 Best Winter Getaways.” Martinique was also featured in the Caribbean Journal’s Best Caribbean Islands to visit in 2019. Martinique has also been featured in Travel + Leisure and the New York Time’s “52 Places to go in 2018.”