Chutney music

Chutney music (Caribbean Hindustani: चटनी संगीत, 𑂒𑂗𑂢𑂲 𑂮𑂑𑂹𑂏𑂲𑂞, چٹنی موسیقی) is a genre that blends Hindustani folk music, including Bhojpuri folk traditions, with Caribbean calypso and soca rhythms and later filmi music. Originating in Trinidad and Tobago by Indo-Trinidadians in the mid-20th century, chutney music has reflected the history and experiences of indentured laborers hailing from the Indian subcontinent, particularly from present-day states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Bengal, and their descendants. It is similar to Baithak Gana that originated in the South American nation of Suriname.

The term chutney is derived from the Hindi word chatni, referring to South Asian condiments made of spices. Before the emergence of Caribbean Hindustani, early chutney music often featured lyrics sung in Hindi, Bhojpuri, Awadhi or other Indian languages, blended in with West Indian Creole and Caribbean English.

This genre is characterized by fast-paced rhythms and percussive beats, often accompanied by instruments such as the dholak (hand drum), harmonium, and dhantal (metal rod percussion). Over time, chutney music has incorporated influences from Bollywood music, reggae, hip-hop, and electronic beats.