Chutney Music

In Search of Identity

Abstract

Music is a great cultural expression in Caribbean. Predominant space of music in life of Caribbean has been expressed in calypso, Chutney and Soca. Chutney is not only a form of music but it is a cultural expression of East Indian diaspora as peter manual argues “With the decline of traditions like caste and orthodox religion in Indo- Caribbean society, cultural entities like music and dance have come to assume unprecedented symbolic importance”[i] This is important to see that how East Indian have used their lyrics to reflect upon the world around them and to inspire a culture far from their homeland.

They have evolved in two types of situation. The first situation was where; Bhojpuri language didn’t survive as in case of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana. Second situation was in country like Surinam where it still survives. This can be seen if you visit any of these countries like Trinidad. You will eventually hear the exotic sounds of chutney music blaring from a maxi taxi, playing in a dance club, or on the street. 

In the summer of 1996, the dance hit, "Calcutta Woman" made its debut on the North American & European pop charts. The song, with its, Wine lyrics became an instant hit with both party goers and disc jockeys alike. The success of "Calcutta Woman" helped introduce the music community to the world of Chutney music. Three decades earlier chutney did not even have one single recording to its credit. This is a story about Chutney music, and how it has emerged from being an almost forgotten art form to an international money maker.

This name was given to the Pop/Folk music of the East Indians people, which lived in the Caribbean for years after their arrival.