The re-appropriation of zouk in francophone pop urban musicy
La réappropriation du zouk dans la pop musique urbaine francophone
Abstract
The reappropriation of zouk in urban pop music can be seen in French-speaking musicians who base their approach on the idea of musical hybridization. To do this, they re-use zouk in their musical productions which borrow from the codes of French and urban song (Rap, R’n’B, Soul, Pop). This endeavor also makes it possible to take up specific themes to zouk, including the question of the subject (relationship to oneself and to the other) and feelings (melancholy and happiness). In addition, the recourse to the voice of Jacob Desvarieux, emblematic figure of zouk music, is a pledge for urban pop of the authenticity of its reappropriation. The festive dimension, the strong and dancing rhythm, the reference to Creole, the play on iconography that reproduces the stereotypes, all these elements make zouk a form of new classical music for the generation of urban pop.