The Dutch Caribbean: Chordophone Creolization

 Chordophones in The Caribbean

(fabiolamendezmusic.com)

Ever witness such a beauty? You will be in awe of this gorgeous being's luscious contours. A flawless face with not a scar or imperfection to be seen. A luxurious being that is unique in its tone, and stands out from everyone else. A body that can move and shake, with a rhythmic voice. She really is incredible, isn't she? They call her the Cuatro, after a traditional guitar from Puerto Rico that is related to the European guitar. Oh, and Fabiola Mendez, a well-known Puerto Rican musician, is also quite alright, I suppose. well, let's talk a  bit about Fabiola Mendez. She is a cuatro player from Puerto Rico. She has participated in a musical trend that blurs the boundaries between folk, jazz, and Latin music. Fabiola, a 2018 Berklee College of Music graduate, has played and worked with musicians such as

La Momposina Totó

Eleanor Palmieri

Spanish Symphony Orchestra

The Great Puerto Rican Combination

Cucco Pea, as well

among others, Pedro Capó.

Of course, without a performance, this creolization wouldn't be complete. Ms. Mendez is shown above having fun with her sisters. To further clarify, due to colonialism in the Caribbean, the other instruments are also creolization descendants. The Cuatro isn't the most beautiful instrument when played by itself in a solo. If compared to a guitar or violin, it could not be as exciting and captivating. But when combined with others of its kind, it makes fantastic sounds. So unwind and let the beat of the percussion, strings, and hymns carry you away.

Keshi Yena

(https://arousingappetites.com/keshi-yena-curacao-stuffed-cheese-casserole/)

The slave trade in the 17th century gave rise to the first version of this meal. Its native nations are Curacao and Aruba, two former Dutch colonies in the Caribbean. We didn't come here to discuss history, of course. This section, like with every blog post, is instead devoted to the delicious meals created through the process of creolization. Meat or veggies can be put inside this cheese that has been hollowed out. Imagine it as a cheese pie. Actually, it resembles Quiche quite a bit. If this is a dish you wish to try, the following video will be very helpful for you.

Work Cited

'The History of the Cuatro Guitar Instrument', TuCuatro, 22nd October 2022, https://tucuatro.com/the-history-of-the-instrument/

'Fabiola Mendez', City of Boston, 24th October 2022,  https://www.boston.gov/departments/immigrant-advancement/fabiola-mendez

'Keshi Yena: Curacao Stuffed Cheese Casserole", Arousing Appetites, 7th October 2022, https://arousingappetites.com/keshi-yena-curacao-stuffed-cheese-casserole/