Nestled in between the Caribbean Sea, lies a melting pot of intricately strewn and connected islands. Exquisitely beautiful in scenery and landscape, absolutely splendid in diversity, colourful and radiant in nature, and stimulating in sounds, this is the pulsating drumbeat that epitomises the Caribbean culture.

No culture has had a positive and lasting effect on the world than that of the Antilles region. From the most internationally recognised reggae music, to the well known diverse, pepper laced and expertly spiced cuisine, to the popular music that is soca, to great scholars, back to the most famous carnival to name a few, this is the utopia of most living beings and it exists, belting out its splendour to the world and inviting upon encounter. It is no surprise that majority of those that dwell in the Forbes list, famous athletes, celebrity stars, notable figures and worldwide business owners’ flock to the Caribbean, running from the calamity of the world and often at times taking refuge on those welcoming islands.

As Queen Latifah openly put it in reference to one of few islands that make up the Caribbean, “Trinidad is the party island, the carnival, yuh buck up your waist, buck up your waist, buck buck, in Tobago is where you lime….liming like chilling”.

However not to be confused for just a holiday or party destination, the Caribbean is a region offering more than the secret getaway that most so desire. It is the home that birthed the most revered singer -songwriter and musician Bob Marley. It is the home of the biggest carnival second to Brazil, Trinidad & Tobago. It is an industrial and trade hub, serving the world with natural materials and minerals, spices and raw export and it offers way much more than just the exploited media perception of just a holiday destination.

Caribbean culture has evolved, changing with social times, economic growth, accessibility, however has always retained its authenticity. It has reshaped and added to the ever-growing diversity that is now multicultural Britain and has contributed immensely to the British way of living. Carnival was a way that people expressed their freedom and it was born during the dark times of British, French and Spanish ruler-ship.  Starting off as a Christian festival and freedom celebration, over time carnival evolved and has became more elaborate and is now one of the most spectacular shows on earth, drawing in masses of crowds and different races. It has become an important part and parcel of Caribbean life with proceedings starting as early as the last one. Such is the passion and patriotism that is displayed during these celebratory times, that it is second to Christmas in displaying unison amongst many and an abundance of merry-making festivities.

Whilst argument might have been had on who actually started carnival in England, we can acknowledge Claudia Jones, a visionary and a fighter for her part in starting carnival in this country. Bringing her heritage to London from being exiled in New York, she played a big part in continuing the culture that lay millions of miles across the sea.

Read more about Claudia Jones

Bob Marley, Lord Kitchener & Billy Ocean

Across the land of wood and water, lies the home of the sweet sounds of reggae another genre of music shared amongst the Caribbean but having dominance in Jamaica. The intensity and influence of reggae has never been felt so much as here in England, influencing artists such as UB40 and Rolling Stones  to name a few. Initially starting off as dance music in the beautiful island of Jamaica, through immigration Ska spread to England in the 60’s and paved the way for rocksteady, reggae and thus dancehall reggae. With sounds and singers such as Coxstone, Bitty Mclean, Maxi Priest, Tony Matterhorn and Gappy Ranks reggae has played a big part in British society.

Not to be forgotten the other beautiful islands that make up the majority of the West Indies, have given birth to great, respected calypsonians and internationally known singers who have resided in England. From well known British recording artist, Trinidad born Billy Ocean who had paternal roots in Grenada, and has penned worldwide hits such as ‘Caribbean Queen’ to the scandalous Leslie Hutchison a Royal entertainer, to the Calypso King, The ‘Birdie’ aka Might Sparrow to the internationally known, Manchester based famous calypsonian Lord Kitchener, these are also a few that have played a significant part in shaping British entertainment.

The culture would not have been complete without the distinctive sounds of steel pan. Brought from the island of Trinidad & Tobago steel pan has given us iconic pannists such as legendary pianist and steel pan player, Russ Henderson. Steel pan has become a part and parcel of those residing in England and such is the effect as evidenced by the recent post Olympic celebration, 1,000 Pans, a gathering of steel band players at the Thames Festival, in South Bank.

These are a few notable amongst many and just a mere fraction of the contribution that the Caribbean culture has made to the world most notably here in the UK. It continues to contribute and add endlessly to the multicultural British society and from Calypso, we now have the evolved indigenous music representing a majority of the Caribbean and birthing a pool of future talent here in the UK – representing soca music.