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Think of Caribbean music and most may probably think Bob Marley, Sean Paul and the genres of Reggae and Dance Hall. Though very notable in their achievements, it can be said that the real beauty of Caribbeanmusic is in the amazing eclectic mix of its genres and expressions. Quite easily Caribbean music is as rich and diverse as its people. Comprised of a multiplicity of enriched genres, the music oozes with influences from the many cultures of the region including African, European, Indian and Indonesian. While the more popular genres such as reggae, salsa, calypso, soca and perhaps to a lesser extent, zouk, bouyan and punta are known across the world, the just as exciting expressions of benna, merengue, spouge and bolero that are yet to meaningfully find their way beyond the region’s shores. There is one artist however, who is determined to see barriers broken down and the beauty of the region’s music take flight. Especially those derivatives found in the Spanish speaking Caribbean. Dominican Republic recording artist, Xiomara Fortuna, known simply as Xiomara, is a musician with a mission. The artist’s own music is itself strongly diversified, a reflection of her native folk rhythms with influences from Cuba and Brazil. Xiomara fuses jazz with contemporary music and incorporates mangulina, priprì, salve, congos and gaga to create beautiful expressions of her varied cultural background. Her compilation, Kumbajei, is more than a CD. Xiomara expresses that “it is a work that includes much of the Dominican unusual rhythms and integrates new ways of making music, blending the contemporary with the traditional, respecting the most valuable elements of each.” The end result is a unique sound which has made this product a reference for musicians, artists and music schools, both nationally and internationally. According to Xiomara, music is one of the quickest ways to close the divide in the Caribbean and she encourages all attempts of cooperation such as CARIFORUM. The singer and songwriter credits Caribbean Export for contributing to this effort of unification through the creative industries. “Never has there been such a regional business environment prior to Caribbean Export,” says Xiomara. The Dominican notes that before the agency’s intervention, profitable relationships only existed with others in the Hispanic Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Cuba, etc. Caribbean Export has “broadened the possibilities” yet while providing a foundation for “artists to know what happens in other markets” Xiomara believes that more support is needed. THE LANGUAGE OF MUSIC

CARIBBEAN EXPORT DEVELOPMENT AGENCY - CREATE 03Music -THELANGUAGEOFMUSIC

XIAMARA FORTUNA DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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