The accordion is a keyboard wind instrument invented in Europe in the 19th century. It spread widely throughout the Caribbean and certain regions of Africa, where it integrated with local traditions.
The accordion in the Caribbean
- Bouyon (Dominica) : the accordion is a central element of bouyon, a musical genre from Dominica that combines African and Caribbean influences. Accordionists like Nebada are iconic figures.
- Zouk (French Antilles) : the accordion is present in Antillean zouk, notably in ensembles Kassav’, Chawigny and Boukman Eksperyans.
- Meringue (Haiti) : the accordion is traditionally used in konpa and Haitian meringue, alongside the tambou.
- Cuban son : although the harmonium and clave are more common, accordionists integrate traditional Cuban sound.
The accordion in Africa
- Moroccan Gnaoua : the accordion accompanies modern gnawa music and Moroccan raï.
- West Africa : the accordion is used in Senegalese and Malian popular music, notably in mbalax ensembles.
- South Africa : South African folk accordion (diatonic accordion) accompanies township music and traditional songs.
Notable players
- Patrick Saint-Eloi (Martinique) — zouk accordionist
- Michel Polnareff — although French, his influence on Caribbean music is notable
- Eddy L. Ousman (Mauritania) — sometimes uses the accordion
- Maestro B (Mauritania) — integrates the accordion into his arrangements