Biguine is one of Martinique’s most emblematic musical genres. It developed in the late nineteenth century, particularly in Saint-Pierre, through a blend of African, Caribbean and European influences. It remains an important part of the musical heritage of the French Caribbean.
Biguine developed in late nineteenth-century Martinican Creole society, where African heritage, Caribbean practices and European dances interacted.
It has links with Martinican bèlè and with European dance forms such as the polka and ballroom music.
The town of Saint-Pierre, once Martinique’s economic capital, played a central role in the history of biguine. Before the 1902 eruption of Mount Pelée, it was a major cultural centre with musicians, dances and orchestras.
Biguine developed in popular dances and gradually became an important marker of Martinican Creole society.
Biguine is both dance music and listening music. Depending on the period and ensemble, it may combine clarinet, trombone, guitar, banjo and percussion.
Biguine gained wider visibility between the 1920s and 1950s, notably through Martinican musicians working in Paris.
Today, biguine remains part of Martinique’s musical heritage and can still be heard in cultural events and traditional ensembles.
It forms part of the wider history of Caribbean Creole music and continues to be performed, studied and passed on.
Biguine provides a way to explore social history, dances, orchestras, musical Creolisation and the cultural role of Saint-Pierre before 1902.
Smartinik enriches its guided tours of Saint-Pierre and tours of northern Martinique with explanations about local cultural and musical history.
Smartinik does not present concerts or music workshops as automatically included. These activities depend on artists, associations and cultural programmes.
Biguine is a Creole music and dance form that developed in Martinique through several cultural influences.
Saint-Pierre was an important cultural and musical centre before 1902 and played a major role in the development and spread of biguine.
Depending on the period and ensemble, instruments may include clarinet, trombone, guitar, banjo and percussion.
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