Bèlè martiniquais
Summary
Bèlè martiniquais is a Martinican field of song, drum, dance and social gathering in which participants create a responsive whole. The word can name a practice, a rhythmic world and the drum associated with it, so it is broader than a single tune. A singer, answering group, drum and ti-bwa pattern support dancers whose movements are part of the musical conversation. Its cultural identity is tied to Afro-Martinican history and to the ability of communities to represent and renew their own social experience. [1]
Contemporary and trending
Bèlè continues through community gatherings, schools, workshops, cultural associations and staged performance. Younger participants can learn from established bearers while changing how the practice is presented publicly. Regional differences remain meaningful even when a more widely taught approach becomes familiar across the island. A festival excerpt can introduce the sound but does not exhaust the longer gathering's relationships. Contemporary life includes both continuity and new composition or choreography; heritage status is not a requirement to freeze every performance in an imagined past.
History
The practice developed through African-descended life under slavery and in later rural communities, where work, memory, celebration and social struggle became part of sung and danced expression. Contact with other island resources helped shape a specifically Martinican form. Rural transmission and later cultural organizing both matter to its survival and wider recognition. The institutional account distinguishes northern and southern approaches, reminding listeners that an island identity can contain substantial internal diversity. The history should not be reduced to one general statement that all Caribbean drumming came from Africa. [1]
Musical characteristics
Listen for the relation between the drum's changing speech and the steadier wooden ti-bwa pattern. The lead voice proposes text and melody, while the response gives participants a common return. Dancers and musicians negotiate timing together, making bodily knowledge part of the form. The texture can seem spare compared with a modern band, yet the parts carry multiple layers of accent and social cue. Repetition creates a shared space in which a small movement, vocal inflection or drum variation can become highly expressive.
Geography and communities
The map uses a single broad Martinican landscape, including northern and southern bearer communities and the towns between them. It avoids a field confined to one well-documented venue or teacher. A lighter Paris-region field represents detached migrant and teaching networks. The island field is not an assertion that every resident practices bèlè or that regional styles are interchangeable. It is a guide to a connected cultural environment whose internal differences are better explained in prose than by artificially separating neighboring communities with empty map space.
Artists
Ti-Émile, Ti-Raoul, the Grivallier and Rastocle traditions, Sully Cally and Eugène Mona provide different routes into the wider field and its public transformations. Community singers, drummers and dancers remain essential even when recordings make only a few names internationally visible. Comparing a gathering-oriented performance with a concert adaptation helps a listener notice how duration, audience participation and instrumentation change. The Martinique cultural account identifies both bearer names and teaching organizations, supporting an understanding of transmission beyond a celebrity discography. [1]
Representative performances
These recordings offer listening examples of the genre. Notes identify the performance setting and any adaptation or mixed repertoire.
| Repertoire | Field use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| traditional | regional | Comprehensive catalogue; recent discovery is prioritized and worthwhile older music remains playable. Preserve specific recording contexts and dates. |
| Artist | Performance / song / title | Embedded player URL | Notes | Repertoire kind | Repertoire date | Recording date | Format | Opening | Places | Fit | Evidence | Review note | MuGlobe favorite | Current hit | Authentic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edmond Mondésir | Manmay bèlè | https://www.youtube.com/embed/hQTKaK-gFUU | Ocora's official audio from France–Martinique: Bélé, tradition & création adds sung bèlè repertoire alongside the playlist's drum demonstration. The singer and record label are separately identified.[2] Embedded playback is currently unavailable (YouTube code 150); the recording reference is retained. | traditional | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | pending | Existing recording | Playback blocked: YouTube embedding error 150 observed 19 October 2026. Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved. | false | false | false |
| Boris Reine-Adélaïde | Tambour bèlè — traditional playing and improvisation | https://www.youtube.com/embed/iTT19FDGqxQ | The percussionist demonstrates Martinique's bèlè drum in two explicitly identified approaches: traditional playing followed by improvisation. This focused instrumental demonstration complements, rather than replaces, the full song-and-dance practice.[3] Embedded playback is currently unavailable (YouTube code 150); the recording reference is retained. | traditional | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | pending | Existing recording | Playback blocked: YouTube embedding error 150 observed 19 October 2026. Legacy unscoped accepted recording retained; migration does not assert new dates or per-country variants. Existing musical notes and native citations are preserved. | false | false | false |
| Sakitanou Wapa swaré ensemble | Bernadet o chorégraphie wapa Swaré bèlè sanmdi 6 désanm 2025 Sakitanou Wapa | https://www.youtube.com/embed/3sn-impkl40 | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-12-06. Video publication: 2025-12-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[4] | traditional | unknown | 2025-12-06 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-12-06. | false | false | false |
| Sakitanou Wapa swaré ensemble | Yo volé ti kok mwen an Swaré bèlè sanmdi 6 désanm 2025 Sakitanou Wapa | https://www.youtube.com/embed/wOpybeJT644 | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-12-06. Video publication: 2025-12-07; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[5] | traditional | unknown | 2025-12-06 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-12-06. | false | false | false |
| Sakitanou Wapa swaré ensemble | Soné dan bwa Swaré bèlè sanmdi 6 désanm 2025 Sakitanou Wapa | https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q-x8ncgSbmE | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-12-06. Video publication: 2025-12-07; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[6] | traditional | unknown | 2025-12-06 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-12-06. | false | false | false |
| Sakitanou Wapa swaré ensemble | Simao Swaré bèlè sanmdi 6 désanm 2025 Sakitanou Wapa | https://www.youtube.com/embed/YGUVg2512XI | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-12-06. Video publication: 2025-12-07; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[7] | traditional | unknown | 2025-12-06 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-12-06. | false | false | false |
| Association Lézinisyé swaré ensemble | Bélé 3 Soirée Association Lézinisyé au Marché Couvert du Saint-Esprit le 21/05/25 | https://www.youtube.com/embed/C-CKW_wBrA8 | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Kòn-lanbi identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-05-21. Video publication: 2025-07-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[8] | traditional | unknown | 2025-05-21 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Kòn-lanbi identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-05-21. | false | false | false |
| Association Lézinisyé swaré ensemble | Bélé 2 Soirée Association Lézinisyé au Marché Couvert du Saint-Esprit le 21/05/25 | https://www.youtube.com/embed/8rgeilkLHQI | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Kòn-lanbi identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-05-21. Video publication: 2025-07-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[9] | traditional | unknown | 2025-05-21 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Kòn-lanbi identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-05-21. | false | false | false |
| Association Lézinisyé swaré ensemble | Bélé 1 Soirée Association Lézinisyé au Marché Couvert du Saint-Esprit le 21/05/25 | https://www.youtube.com/embed/jeQaRg-k_5s | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Kòn-lanbi identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-05-21. Video publication: 2025-07-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[10] | traditional | unknown | 2025-05-21 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Kòn-lanbi identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2025-05-21. | false | false | false |
| Association Lézinisyé swaré ensemble | Moment Bélè 1 Soirée Association Lézinisyé au Marché Couvert du Saint-Esprit le 21/05/24. | https://www.youtube.com/embed/o--iK5zz9hY | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Kòn-lanbi identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-05-21. Video publication: 2025-07-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[11] | traditional | unknown | 2024-05-21 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Kòn-lanbi identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-05-21. | false | false | false |
| Association Lézinisyé swaré ensemble | Moment Bélè 2 Soirée Association Lézinisyé au Marché Couvert du Saint-Esprit le 21/05/24. | https://www.youtube.com/embed/nRe_mEYIZng | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Kòn-lanbi identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-05-21. Video publication: 2025-07-08; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[12] | traditional | unknown | 2024-05-21 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Kòn-lanbi identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-05-21. | false | false | false |
| Victor Treffre and Xtrem’Jam ensemble | Victor TREFFRE Xtrem'Jam, Archives Klodhel. | https://www.youtube.com/embed/i3d1wq3rbsk | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher klodhel identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2002-05-22. Video publication: 2025-06-13; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[13] | traditional | unknown | 2002-05-22 | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher klodhel identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2002-05-22. | false | false | false |
| Tanbou Bô Kannal swaré ensemble | 241116 SB TBK KANIGWÉ | https://www.youtube.com/embed/DAN9P5ze6fk | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-11-16. Video publication: 2024-11-19; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[14] | traditional | unknown | 2024-11-16 | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-11-16. | false | false | false |
| AM4 swaré ensemble | SWARÉ BÈLÈ AM4 13 JANVIÉ 2024 mon-la | https://www.youtube.com/embed/QuEaRSL3M7A | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-01-13. Video publication: 2024-01-20; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[15] | traditional | unknown | 2024-01-13 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-01-13. | false | false | false |
| AM4 swaré ensemble | SWARÉ BÈLÈ AM4 13 JANVIÉ 2024 béliya é | https://www.youtube.com/embed/h1IqXRVp0Uw | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-01-13. Video publication: 2024-01-20; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[16] | traditional | unknown | 2024-01-13 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-01-13. | false | false | false |
| AM4 swaré ensemble | SWARÉ BÈLÈ AM4 13 JANVIÉ 2024 vers la montagne | https://www.youtube.com/embed/XGAHxqzaFTI | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-01-13. Video publication: 2024-01-20; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[17] | traditional | unknown | 2024-01-13 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2024-01-13. | false | false | false |
| Bèlè Bo Lari ensemble | atè granriviè - bèlè bo lari - 01 12 23 - sentmari | https://www.youtube.com/embed/j6IqSAbG3ZM | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-12-01. Video publication: 2023-12-05; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[18] | traditional | unknown | 2023-12-01 | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-12-01. | false | false | false |
| Benoît Rastocle with Bèlè Bo Lari ensemble | mwen konfésé - Benoit Rastocle - bèlè bo lari - 01 12 23 - sentmari | https://www.youtube.com/embed/7YIogpOIqj0 | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-12-01. Video publication: 2023-12-05; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[19] | traditional | unknown | 2023-12-01 | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-12-01. | false | false | false |
| Bèlè Bo Lari ensemble | Sé dan bra'w mwen lé mo - bèlè bo lari - 01 12 23 - sentmari | https://www.youtube.com/embed/1FQNMI9EQcM | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-12-01. Video publication: 2023-12-05; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[20] | traditional | unknown | 2023-12-01 | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-12-01. | false | false | false |
| Tanbou Bô Kannal swaré ensemble | ou ké manjé banann oswè a - Soirée bèlè Tanbou Bô Kannal - samedi 18 novembre 2023 | https://www.youtube.com/embed/6_rFWonKFDk | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-11-18. Video publication: 2023-11-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[21] | traditional | unknown | 2023-11-18 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-11-18. | false | false | false |
| Tanbou Bô Kannal swaré ensemble | marijosé - Beautiful Evening Tambou Bô Kannal - Saturday November 18, 2023 | https://www.youtube.com/embed/QIkjRB5-rw8 | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-11-18. Video publication: 2023-11-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[22] | traditional | unknown | 2023-11-18 | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-11-18. | false | false | false |
| Tanbou Bô Kannal swaré ensemble | bouro - Swaré bèlè Tanbou Bô Kannal - samedi 18 novembre 2023 | https://www.youtube.com/embed/oQUT7WLDpsY | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-11-18. Video publication: 2023-11-27; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[23] | traditional | unknown | 2023-11-18 | live | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher SA KA FET MATINIK identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2023-11-18. | false | false | false |
| Bèlè An Wout ensemble | Prestation bèlè (Mariage) sur un Ilet en Martinique 💍🥳 | https://www.youtube.com/embed/4NAvm2JSAwo | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Bèlè An Wout TV identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Video publication: 2022-01-19; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[24] | traditional | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Bèlè An Wout TV identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. | false | false | false |
| Christelle Danm Kréyol and ensemble | Christelle Danm Kréyol - Cho I Cho (Bèlè Cho) | https://www.youtube.com/embed/lzhz-YY0EhA | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Bèlè An Wout TV identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Video publication: 2021-07-20; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[25] | traditional | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Bèlè An Wout TV identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. | false | false | false |
| Man Atifi (Natlylee) and ensemble | Man Atifi (Natlylee) - Edé Yo (Gran Bèlè) | https://www.youtube.com/embed/y9sanZsQc-o | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Bèlè An Wout TV identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2019. Video publication: 2021-02-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[26] | traditional | unknown | 2019 | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Bèlè An Wout TV identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 2019. | false | false | false |
| Samuelle with Bèlè An Wout ensemble | Moman Bèlè - Samuelle - Gran Bèlè | https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mb1MquNrnNY | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Bèlè An Wout TV identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Video publication: 2021-01-26; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[27] | traditional | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Bèlè An Wout TV identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. | false | false | false |
| Ba Nou Bèlè | Bèlè cho- Ba Nou Bèlè (Martinique 2020) | https://www.youtube.com/embed/33o1UDqjGts | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher MV Video identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Video publication: 2020-08-13; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[28] | traditional | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher MV Video identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. | false | false | false |
| Raoul Grivalliers (Ti Raoul) | Raoul Grivalliers (Ti Raoul) - Kréyol A Lékol | https://www.youtube.com/embed/WXCQ6Qd17e4 | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher cookies and berries identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 1988. Video publication: 2020-06-12; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[29] | traditional | unknown | 1988 | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher cookies and berries identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Source-documented performance/session date: 1988. | false | false | false |
| Pierre Dru with AM4 ensemble | Gran Bèlè AM4 chant Pierre Dru | https://www.youtube.com/embed/g_lzgCfEOVM | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher adressedesauvegarde memoirejessica identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Video publication: 2019-06-18; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[30] | traditional | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher adressedesauvegarde memoirejessica identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. | false | false | false |
| Bèlè An Wout ensemble | Bèlè an Wout - Beach Bèlè | https://www.youtube.com/embed/OMNTftDPq_0 | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher 6 Production identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Video publication: 2019-05-03; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[31] | traditional | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher 6 Production identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. | false | false | false |
| Dédé Saint-Prix and ensemble | FESTIVAL BÉLÈ GWOKA-DÉDÉ SAINT PRIX | https://www.youtube.com/embed/TSwIjYGmel8 | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Phil Patcheco identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Video publication: 2012-10-01; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[32] | traditional | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher Phil Patcheco identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. | false | false | false |
| Bèlè ensemble, swaré Berthé Grivalliers, Maison du Bèlè, Sainte-Marie | Bèlè - Titine di mwen | https://www.youtube.com/embed/Oi46WBj8jrA | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher kaboogo identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. Video publication: 2011-10-22; original-release and performance dates are separate. Advancing embedded playback checked 19 October 2026.[33] | traditional | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | unknown | supported | Recording/context source | Identified Martinican Bèlè song/dance-musical performance, with the particular community ensemble, singer and dated swaré named when documented. Related danmyé and biguine are distinguished; news, teaching demonstrations, unrelated Caribbean music and overlapping full programmes were screened separately. Publisher kaboogo identifies this work/performance. Original and session dates stay unknown unless separately documented. | false | false | false |
Related genres
Biguine and Zouk share island history and some creative resources while organizing ensemble and dance differently. Gwoka is Guadeloupean and offers a close regional comparison without being the same tradition. Other bèlè-named practices in the Caribbean need their own local histories rather than automatic merger. The catalogue's Martinican qualifier is therefore useful: similar words can travel while communities maintain distinct repertories, rhythmic conventions and understandings of what a gathering should accomplish.
References and further reading
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Songs, dances and stories: the bèlè — Martinique Tourisme.
- ↑ Edmond Mondésir — Manmay bèlè. YouTube recording; metadata checked 2026-10-18.
- ↑ Boris Reine-Adélaïde — Tambour bèlè — traditional playing and improvisation. YouTube recording; metadata checked 2026-10-18. Context: supporting source.
- ↑ Bernadet o chorégraphie wapa Swaré bèlè sanmdi 6 désanm 2025 Sakitanou Wapa.
- ↑ Yo volé ti kok mwen an Swaré bèlè sanmdi 6 désanm 2025 Sakitanou Wapa.
- ↑ Soné dan bwa Swaré bèlè sanmdi 6 désanm 2025 Sakitanou Wapa.
- ↑ Simao Swaré bèlè sanmdi 6 désanm 2025 Sakitanou Wapa.
- ↑ Bélé 3 Soirée Association Lézinisyé au Marché Couvert du Saint-Esprit le 21/05/25.
- ↑ Bélé 2 Soirée Association Lézinisyé au Marché Couvert du Saint-Esprit le 21/05/25.
- ↑ Bélé 1 Soirée Association Lézinisyé au Marché Couvert du Saint-Esprit le 21/05/25.
- ↑ Moment Bélè 1 Soirée Association Lézinisyé au Marché Couvert du Saint-Esprit le 21/05/24..
- ↑ Moment Bélè 2 Soirée Association Lézinisyé au Marché Couvert du Saint-Esprit le 21/05/24..
- ↑ Victor TREFFRE Xtrem'Jam, Archives Klodhel..
- ↑ 241116 SB TBK KANIGWÉ.
- ↑ SWARÉ BÈLÈ AM4 13 JANVIÉ 2024 mon-la.
- ↑ SWARÉ BÈLÈ AM4 13 JANVIÉ 2024 béliya é.
- ↑ SWARÉ BÈLÈ AM4 13 JANVIÉ 2024 vers la montagne.
- ↑ atè granriviè - bèlè bo lari - 01 12 23 - sentmari.
- ↑ mwen konfésé - Benoit Rastocle - bèlè bo lari - 01 12 23 - sentmari.
- ↑ Sé dan bra'w mwen lé mo - bèlè bo lari - 01 12 23 - sentmari.
- ↑ ou ké manjé banann oswè a - Soirée bèlè Tanbou Bô Kannal - samedi 18 novembre 2023.
- ↑ marijosé - Beautiful Evening Tambou Bô Kannal - Saturday November 18, 2023.
- ↑ bouro - Swaré bèlè Tanbou Bô Kannal - samedi 18 novembre 2023.
- ↑ Prestation bèlè (Mariage) sur un Ilet en Martinique 💍🥳.
- ↑ Christelle Danm Kréyol - Cho I Cho (Bèlè Cho).
- ↑ Man Atifi (Natlylee) - Edé Yo (Gran Bèlè).
- ↑ Moman Bèlè - Samuelle - Gran Bèlè.
- ↑ Bèlè cho- Ba Nou Bèlè (Martinique 2020).
- ↑ Raoul Grivalliers (Ti Raoul) - Kréyol A Lékol.
- ↑ Gran Bèlè AM4 chant Pierre Dru.
- ↑ Bèlè an Wout - Beach Bèlè.
- ↑ FESTIVAL BÉLÈ GWOKA-DÉDÉ SAINT PRIX.
- ↑ Bèlè - Titine di mwen.
Hotspot mushrooms
Bèlè forms an internally varied but connected Martinican community landscape, with a lighter detached metropolitan transmission circuit. Regional styles are acknowledged without manufacturing empty gaps between neighboring bearer communities.
These fields are editorial illustrations of musical affinity and cultural reach, not listener statistics. Radius marks the zero edge of the fade; overlapping fields of this genre combine by maximum.
| ID | Location | Latitude | Longitude | Radius (km) | Strength | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| bele-martinique-martinique | Martinican bèlè community and transmission landscape | 14.65 | -61.0 | 150 | 1 | Includes northern and southern rural–urban bearer networks. |
| bele-martinique-paris-region | Paris-region Martinican bèlè teaching and community circuit | 48.85 | 2.35 | 230 | 0.4 | Lighter detached migrant cultural practice. |