I don't write much about French Caribbean (Martinique and Guadeloupe are overseas départements of France) because I know little about this music but there are amazing gems there. I highly invite you to listen to the great compilation made by Soundway Tumbélé! Biguine Afro and Latin Sounds from the French Caribbean.
I quote Soundway:
"This album showcases the vibrancy of the scene on the islands in the ‘60s and ‘70s – a scene that would go on to develop the all-conquering sound of zouk in the ‘80s. Uptown bands like Ensemble La Perfecta and Les Loups Noirs combine heavy rhythms and psychedelic effects in an inimitable style – check out the crazed Jet Biguine for a better idea! The deep and introspective sounds of Monsieur Dolor and Guadeloupean hero Robert Loison show the deep African roots of the music – songs born out of the plantations, with an insistent rhythm and mournful vocals that are unique to these islands."
Check also this great article on Mondomix about French Caribbean music:
By the way, for those who've downloaded my mixtapes, there were a few songs from Caribbean: Kassav' (volume 5) , A very old buigine from Martinique (volume 7), and the young Admiral T (volume 3).
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