What is Zydeco?

Zydeco takes its name from an Anglo-American interpretation of the traditional musical piece “les haricots sont pas salés” which became “Zarico”, or Zydeco in English. It means “The beans are not salted” and is a reference to the lack of meat in the dish to add flavour. The name is a linguistic alteration, pointing to the close historical link between the two cultures.

CAJUN CULTURE

In 1755, the British who reigned over Canada expelled the French-descent Acadians, or Cajuns, who refused to pledge allegiance to the British. Some Acadians then moved to Louisiana. Over the years in Lousiana, the American and Acadian cultures blended and that’s how the Cajun culture was born.

CREOLE CULTURE

Creole culture brings together both free and endentured blacks from Haiti and the US. Les Gens Libres de Couleur: This blending forms the basis of Creole culture.

AFTER THE WAR

After the Second World War, external musical influences arrived in French Louisiana. Cajun music became inspired by Country music sounds, while Creole music was inspired by musical styles popular in the black community: Jazz, Swing, and R&B. Here is a song by Duke Wellington: song of  Duke Wellington

SEGREGATION IN MUSIC

During the period of segregation in the US, Louisiana music became divided. While Cajun music incorporated country instruments like the Hawaiian steel guitar, Creole music maintained its authentic sounds.

THE BIRTH OF ZYDECO MUSIC

Appearing in the 1930s in Louisiana, Zydeco music had its origins in an old rhythm style called ‘LA-LA’.

At first, Zydeco was sung in French only. It is only later that the Creole singers discover this music. The majority of Zydeco singers remain Francophone, many of whom are of Acadian descent.

In the late 1950s, a Creole named Clifton Chenier, considered the King of Zydeco, called his music ‘Zydeco’. The term Zydeco already existed, but he is the first to link this name to a musical genre. Zydeco music is associated with both Blues and Rhythm and Blues.

The predominant instrument is the accordion, accompanied by the traditional Zydeco instrument, the frottoir or rub-board, invented by Clifton Chenier:  I’m Comin Home – Clifton Chenier (Live 1973)

Source: https://francophonie-en-fete.com/en/music-zydeco-music-cajun/