SoundsField recordingsFrequenciesDecibelsInstrumentsGlossaryToolsLearn
  1. Home
  2. Music genres
  3. Zouk: Origins, Sound & Key Artists
Music genre

Zouk

Zouk is a music genre that emerged in French West Indies in the 1980s. It is usually classed as a form of French Caribbean music. Explore its 2 subgenres, key artists and related styles.

About Zouk

Zouk is a music genre that emerged in French West Indies in the 1980s. It is usually classed as a form of French Caribbean music.

Among the best-known names in the style are Angelique Kidjo, Aya Nakamura, Jessy Matador, Kaoma, Rouge and Loalwa Braz.

Zouk has given rise to 2 subgenres on this site, such as Gumbé and Zouk-love.

From Wikipedia

Zouk is a musical movement and dance pioneered by the French Antillean band Kassav' in the early 1980s. It was originally characterized by a fast tempo (120–145 bpm), a percussion-driven rhythm, and a loud horn section. Musicians from Martinique and Guadeloupe eventually added MIDI instrumentation to their compas style, which developed into a genre called zouk-love. Zouk-love is effectively the French Lesser Antilles' compas, and it gradually became indistinguishable from compas.

Genre family tree

Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Zouk.

Key artists

  • Angelique Kidjo
  • Aya Nakamura
  • Jessy Matador
  • Kaoma
  • Rouge
  • Loalwa Braz

Frequently asked questions

What is Zouk?

Zouk is a music genre that emerged in French West Indies in the 1980s. It is usually classed as a form of French Caribbean music.

Where and when did Zouk originate?

Zouk originated in French West Indies in the 1980s.

Who are famous Zouk artists?

Angelique Kidjo, Aya Nakamura, Jessy Matador, Kaoma, Rouge and Loalwa Braz.

Sources & credits