Wabap
Antillean music style
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wabap (or simply biguine wabap) is a subgenre of biguine, a Caribbean music style.
Stylistic origins
Cultural originsGuadeloupe, French Caribbean, c. 1950
| Wabap | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | |
| Cultural origins | Guadeloupe, French Caribbean, c. 1950 |
| Typical instruments | |
| Fusion genres | |
| Zouk | |
| Audio sample | |
"Aimer" by Moune de Rivel featuring Al Lirvat et son Orchestre | |
Etymology
The name derives from the traditional refrain wiz-zap wabap sung by sugarcane cutters.[1]
History
According to Al Lirvat, the term was coined by Nelly Lunflas, a revue leader at La Canne à Sucre.[2] The first wabap recordings were made in 1952 by Al Lirvat and Robert Mavounzy. In 1954, a piece by Lirvat sung by Moune de Rivel was titled "Biguine Wabap".[3]
Musical characteristics
Wabap incorporates into biguine a number of assonances and dissonances, altered chords, and complex rhythms in five, six, and seven beats.[4] Banjo disappeared in wabap and it was replaced by guitar.
