Zouk
From ArticleWorld
Zouk is a style of rhythmic music that has originated from the Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. It has its roots in Cadence music. As popularized by both Grammacks and Exile One. Zouk means 'party' in the local creolean language, which is of French with English and African influences, all three of which contribute the sound. In Europe it is particularly popular in France, while on the African islands of Cape Verde they have developed their own variation of Zouk.
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Origin
Zouk was invented in the early to mid-1980s when many different styles were fused, such as Kompa, balakadri, the Dominica based Cadence and bal granmoun dances, mazurka and biguine, French and American pop, and kadans, gwo ka and other types of indigenous styles.
Dance Zouk
Zouk, which means party, is a dance practised in the Caribbean, especially in the islands of Guadalupe and Martinica. The example of Merengue, is danced changing the weight basically in the rhythm of the musical times (what many professors of dance call time simply). Its choreography sufficiently simple and is barely elaborate.
Lambada Variation
There is a Lambada variation of the music and the dancing that has developed in Brazil. It is a huge fad and has gained popularity throughout the country. Whether it will remain a subgenre or develop into its own for is something that will have to be seen.
Kassav
The leading band to emerge is Kassav, who gives a style of pan-Caribbean sound by taking elements from Kompa, reggae, and salsa. They have become one of the most famous bands in the world.
Kassav' was formed in 1979 by Pierre-Edouard Décimus, a long-time professional musician who worked with Freddy Marshall. Together, the two of them decided to take carnival music and make it a more modern and polished in style. Their first album, Love and Ka Dance, established the sound of zouk. They continued to grow more popular, both as a group and with several members' having solo careers, finally peaking in 1985, with Yélélé.