What is spouge music?

Spouge, short for "sponge" music, emerged as a distinctive genre in the 1960s and 1970s in Barbados, combining a blend of traditional Barbadian rhythms, African musical influences, and elements of soul, jazz, and calypso. Spouge became the defining sound of the island during the pre-independence era and contributed to the development of Barbadian music.

While the term spouge might have been coined because the genre absorbed various influences like a sponge, it represents a unique style characterized by its up-tempo, energetic melodies, catchy lyrics, and danceable beats. Spouge often uses the banjo, guitar, bass, drums, and saxophone as its primary instruments.

The popularity of spouge music was boosted by local artists such as the Crop-Over King Mighty Gabby and the Queen of Spouge, Allison Hinds, who helped spread its influence throughout the Caribbean and beyond. Spouge became an integral part of the Barbadian cultural identity and represented a form of self-expression for the people of the island.

Although the genre's popularity waned in the 1980s, spouge music made a comeback in the 21st century, with various artists reviving the genre and infusing it with contemporary elements. Spouge continues to be celebrated as a significant cultural contribution from Barbados to the world of Caribbean music.