The house of Bèlè, anchor of the cultural heritage of the Caribbean Archipelago, in the heart of the city of Sainte-Marie Martinique today is the result of an extremely dense history. The Caribbean archipelago has always done everything to preserve its cultural roots, its ancestral traditions, as well as its natural heritage. However, many civilizations have populated the island throughout history. The greatest upheaval will undoubtedly remain the 200 years of colonization that the island experienced between 1635 and 1848. If you wish to learn more about the fascinating history of bèlè, be sure to follow the upcoming articles.
The Birth of Bèlè in Martinique
Bèlè is somewhat the heritage of the various civilizations that have influenced Martinique. It's a music genre influenced by very different cultures, notably Congolese, Senegalese, but mainly African. It wouldn't be accurate to say that bèlè is the result of a mix of cultures. It is the outcome of different influences that over the years contributed to creating the bèlè we know today. Imagine a jam session among musicians or singers of different vocal styles, with unique artistic signatures. Each brings their own cultural background, and the result gives birth to a new musical current. This is how we witnessed the birth of bèlè. Its influence on the Archipelago has been so significant that an entire building has been dedicated to it since the early 2000s, La Maison du Bèlè.
The house of Bèlè in Sainte-Marie
The town of Sainte-Marie hosts La Maison du Bèlè, a place of conviviality, remembrance, honoring the elders, and celebrating the cultural heritage of centuries of history. A true anchor point of Caribbean culture, La Maison du Bèlè gathers locals and tourists around music, dances, and chants from the local culture. It's a place for sharing, transmitting expertise, and the history of the ancestors. A permanent exhibition has been installed on-site since the creation of La Maison du Bèlè in February 2003. You'll see portraits of the most illustrious defenders of bèlè, animating the neighborhoods at night since their earliest years. If you want to delve deeper into local heritage, La Maison du Bèlè offers dance and drumming classes. Perfect for enthusiasts!
Defenders of Bèlè
In Martinique, there are figures who elevate bèlè to the level of art and make it their primary activity. Here are some recognized personalities in the world of bèlè and traditional drumming.
- Emmanuel Casérus known as Ti Emile or Ti Milo
A highly recognized singer, dancer, and composer in bèlè culture.
Originally from Bezaudin in Sainte-Marie, he popularized bèlè from Samaritan. He held various jobs in the sugarcane fields, from agricultural worker to cart driver.
He also made an appearance in the film "La Rue Case-Nègres" by Euzhan Palcy.
- The Casérus family
They are well-known in the bèlè world in Martinique. The family includes several prominent figures in this music genre: Ti Emile, his mother Madame Victoire Saint-Ange, Evariste (Ti Emile's brother), Félix (the famous tambouyé cousin), uncles Koki, Ema, and François…
- Victor Treffe
Originally from Bo Kannal in Fort-de-France, Victor Treffe was a former singer and wrestler of damyé before turning to bèlè.
A fervent defender of Martinique's traditions, he became a bèlè performer after training at the FOL (Federation of Lay Works). A versatile musician, he collaborated with big names in Caribbean and Martinique music such as Kassav’, Mario Canonge, or Kali.
On March 30, 2019, he was honored with the title of Maître du Bèlè (Master of Bèlè).
- Ciméline Rangon
This future bèlè singer began working in the fields at the age of thirteen. She later joined the Habitations Union and Depaz in Saint-Pierre as a cane cutter and amareuse. She attended bèlè evenings from a young age and ended up leading them.
- Clémence Cébarec
Considered the matriarch of bèlè, she was considered the most talented bèlè singer in her lifetime. She was Ciméline Rangon's sister-in-law, married to her brother Stéphane Cébarec known as Blancha, himself a bèlè singer.
- Pierre Raoul Grivalliers known as Ti Raoul
Born in the Pérou district in Sainte-Marie, Ti Raoul was immersed in bèlè from a young age.
After a long absence from Martinique, he participated in numerous bèlè events across the island and even internationally: in Cuba, the United States, Morocco, and Spain.
After his death in
