Creating Their Own Space : The Development of an Indian-Caribbean Musical Tradition

Characterized by fast-paced, highly danceable rhythms, Chutney is a fusion of traditional and contemporary Indian and Caribbean influences. With its roots in the Hindi folk songs performed at birth and wedding ceremonies, Chutney has recently emerged in contemporary Indian-Caribbean life and has gone largely unrecognized in the body of scholarly literature.

In this volume Tina K. Ramnarine explores the revolution of Chutney and introduces the emerging Indian-Caribbean genre into the arena of scholarly discourse about music. Through analysis of the music, Romnarine provides insights into social processes, effects of the diasporic settlements, and ways the music operated as a symbol of Indian-Caribbean identity. Some of the Indian elements in Chutney are not traditional, rather they are new ideas incorporated into the construction of the Indian-Caribbean identity. This introduction of new cultural elements is a common occurrence among people transplanted to an unfamiliar geographical and cultural environment.

Ramnarine’s careful research and accessible style speak to scholars and general readers alike.

TINA K. RAMNARINE lectures in ethnomusicology and social anthropology at the Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland. She is also a violinist and has played with symphony orchestras and folk fiddlers.