Bouyon type beat: the formula of the bouyon beat
A bouyon type beat is an instrumental built on the codes of bouyon: fast tempo, a recognizable keyboard loop, percussion inspired by Dominica and a bass that pushes. Beatmakers look for it to place bouyon, shatta and dancehall vocals.
The structure that works
The bouyon type beat starts fast: little intro, the main loop arrives early, the drums follow the carnival pattern with regular build-ups. The vocal has to be able to shout, sing and get the crowd to respond. The energy almost never comes back down: it is a party beat, not a lounge beat.
Stay faithful to the origin
A good type beat cites its sources without copying them: a percussion that recalls the lapo kabwit, an accordion or keyboard melody in the jing ping way, and Creole in the background vocals. For the full method, see how to make a bouyon beat.
Listen to bouyon now
The Bouyon Road Mix by Bouyon Shattaz collects new bouyon releases and carnival classics on Spotify and YouTube.
Open the bouyon playlist - Follow @bouyonshattaz and comment ROAD MIX to get it by DM.
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