The Sound of Belonging - Music and Ethnic Identification among Marrons and Hindus in Paramaribo, Suriname

Abstract

The ethnic diversity of Suriname is also reflected in its music scene. Applying an ethnomusicological vision, we researched how ethnic identity is communicated through music amongst Marrons and Hindus in Paramaribo, two of the biggest population groups of the country. Comparing the findings of these two groups, we argue that creolized music which evolves from interactions between group and individual identity are a manifestation of celebrating diversity.