Biguine
The biguine is a musical style and dance originating from Martinique, born in the 1920s-30s. A fusion of mazurka French, jazz and African rhythms, the biguine is characterized by its syncopated 2/4 rhythm and wind instruments. It is the direct ancestor of zouk and modern Antillean music.
The pioneers include Alwyn (the father of the biguine) and the numerous balsa orchestras of the 1930s-40s. The biguine has influenced all French-speaking Caribbean music and spread to Guadeloupe, French Guiana and the British Antilles.
