This legendary bamboo flutist, songwriter, and performer was an extremely creative musician who, on the one hand, was a keeper of the flame of rural music traditions and who, on the other hand, was not afraid to experiment with the addition of contemporary sounds. He set the stage onto which later came Dede St. Prix, Marce Pago, Pakatak, and... [+] Read More

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This original member of the '70s Martiniquan cadence band Les Leopards made a stunning reappearance in 1988 with the first biguine to make Radio Caraibe DJ Balthazar's Creole Hit Parade in nearly a decade. The followup album is a fine collection of biguine, zouk, and ti kannot (kelenda). Earlier '80s efforts by Ransay are also worth hearing. ~... [+] Read More

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A Martiniquan singer of traditional music who went the zouk route in 1985 with a first-rate group of Paris-based musicians calling themselves Gazoline. Artistic differences between Rosier and the band led to their breakup in late 1987, so Rosier went on to form his own handpicked band of underlings, which he named Gazolinn'. His entire catalog,... [+] Read More

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This prolific Guadeloupian zouk star uses gwo ka as the basis of his sound. Some may find Sartana's very unusual voice unpleasing, although in some ways it adds a sense of authority and demands attention much like Peter Tosh. Early albums include collaboration by most members of Kassav', although ironically his later releases are more zoukish. ~... [+] Read More

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Simon Jurad is one of the few Martiniquan musicians who can be found playing live somewhere on the island almost every night of the week, his gigs including everything from tourist bar/lounge performances to hip zouk shows. His career began in the cadence era, so as both singer and musician he has a wealth of experience under his belt. Jurad's... [+] Read More

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The darling of the French Antilles music scene, St. Val's records benefit from strong support by the best the islands have to offer. Her voice is hefty, much in the way of Grace Slick, and her interpretations are always convincing. She is definitely deserving of her star status. ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide

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One of the most popular stars for children on the international Miami-based ,Spanish-language station, Univision, Tatiana, "The Chidren's Queen," has released over a dozen albums which feature the same kind of fun music for kids that can be found on her T.V. show. Wildly popular, those albums have sold over four million copies worldwide. Tatiana... [+] Read More

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A very raw, exciting example of Martiniquan belair singing and drumming. ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide

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They do Kassav'-related carnival medleys relying heavily on past Kassav' hits. (See 'Soukoue Ko Ou') ~ Gene Scaramuzzo, All Music Guide

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Zouk Machine is one of the most successful female trios in the West Indies. Formed in 1986 by Guy Houllier and Yves Honoré of Experiment 7, the group attracted international attention with their groundbreaking album, Maldňn, in 1990. Zouk Machine has undergone several personnel changes since its inception. While the original trio featured... [+] Read More

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