Gwo ka is a traditional sound unique to Guadeloupe, a French island in the Caribbean. The genre blends chanting, syncopated drumming and movements to pay homage to slave ancestors. The “ka” (drum) and chanting in creole are at the core of the genre. Chants address themes of resilience, oppression and pride. In recent years, musicians have taken elements of gwo ka and incorporated it into jazz, zouk and hip hop. WBEZ’s Renata Sago gives us a taste of this sound. (Photo: J. Leoul).