Find the Perfect Caribbean Music for the Holidays

By 14 December, 2022

Taking a last-minute cruise to a paradise island over the Christmas holidays is a delightful experience, but sadly it is not always possible. However, if you can’t go to the sun then you can always bring the island vibes to you!

Music is a big deal in the Caribbean. From the classic reggae sounds of Jamaica to Calypso in Antigua and Barbuda, every walk of life on the islands is full of sound and rhythm. This is especially true at Christmas, when the traditional musical styles of Trinidad, St Lucia, and Martinique mix with classic festive tunes, to create a wonderful musical medley mashup.

So if you can’t make it to the Caribbean this year, or if you need a playlist to get you in the mood while you are packing for your festive beach vacation, here is some of the best Caribbean music for the holidays.

Christmas in St Croix – the Great John L.

The Great John L. (John Lloyd Nichols) was a Virgin Islands native, and this heartfelt tune captures the beauty and excitement of the classic Christmas carnival of his hometown. It’s a great example of how Caribbean musicians put their own spin on seasonal cheer, and effortlessly meld traditional Christmas themes with more local customs.

Have a Merry Christmas – Joseph Niles

Joseph Niles, a Barbadian celebrity, has a unique take on a traditional Christmas carol. His slow reggae-inspired vocal has a hypnotic quality that will make you feel like you are swaying to the rhythm under palm trees.

Christmas Jumbie – Andrew & Wada Blood

Christmas Jumbie is a traditional Trinidad and Tobago Christmas song that always gets people singing and dancing. This take by Andrew & Wada Blood has a jazzy and upbeat tempo that will make you want to get up and show your moves.

Alegria Alegria – Daisy Voisin

Daisy Voisin put a timeless stamp on this classic parang song about the joy of Christmas. With its beautiful lyrics and traditional instrumentation, it will transport you to those beachy calypso Christmas nights.

Mary’s Boy Child – Boney M

From global superstars Boney M, this classic Euro-Caribbean take on a Christmas classic is instantly recognizable and will make you want to dance until the sand turns to snow. Despite a rushed production, this song topped the charts in the UK for four straight weeks in 1978, and was the Christmas number one that year.

Calypso Noel – Alston Becket Cyrus

Alston Becket Cyrus brings his own positive energy to this classic Saint Vincent calypso tune, which is full of festive joy and Caribbean spirit. Released in 1983, the song is a timeless classic, and guaranteed to infuse some island flavor into your holidays. These songs are sure to get you in the holiday spirit and will transport you to the tropical paradise of the Caribbean, even if you are stuck at home. So put on your favorite Caribbean Christmas tunes, pour yourself a rum punch, and let the island vibes take over. Happy holidays!


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