Bèlè is a musical style which evolved in Martinique through a process of transcultural exchange. It blends influences of various African or even European traditions. The genre however, mainly ties to the time of slavery in Martinique and is a legacy of Africa. The slaves who were imported to various Caribbean Islands for labour were forbidden to practice their traditions and religion, even speak their own language in many cases. However this didn’t deter them but birthed the innovative song dance genre that became a form of resistance.
Bèlè music consists of elements of singing, percussion instrumentation and dancing. When combined these elements are used to tell stories of the beautiful island’s community, personal experiences and culture. There are a variety of bélè song-dances which include bèlè dous, bèlè belya, bèlè pitjè, biguine bèlè , and gran bèlè. Some of these song dances are combat dances and song dances that accompanied slave labour while others are the fertility and mating rites dances derived from West Africa.
Musical Structure
Bèlè music is a structured art form that has different steps to ensure that the music is performed well. There is the lead singer who is called the “lavwa.” He will make a call and then a choir will respond utilizing the call and response music format. The tibwate player will keep the rhythm while the player on the Bele drum will accompany the chants.
Feeling the Spirit Bèlè Dancers Fort de France Martinique
photo by: Adama Delphine Fawundu2
Bèlè Dance
Photo: A dance group performs at the Bélé Djouba festival in Martinique.
During the time of slavery in Martinique, bèlè music was played to mesh conjoint labor and the dance performed during periods of festivity and bereavement. There was a rhythm for work, for fighting, for worship, and a rhythm to celebrate and to seduce. Each step and drum beat had a meaning. Today a basic “Bèlè ronde” (dancing circle) is composed of 8 dancers, with 2 couples dancing simultaneously while the other couples wait their turn to join the dance. The movements tend to be flirtatious and the musical experience is also a very engaging one for the audience.
Je m'appelle Martinique: Bélè et Zouk 