Jing ping music has been played in Dominica for more than 200 years. It grew from a mix of African rhythms brought over by enslaved people, European dance music, and Caribbean improvisation. The accordion arrived on the island in the 1800s and quickly became the lead instrument — its bright, squeezebox sound became the signature of Dominican celebrations.
The bouwa (bamboo boom pipe) is one of the most unusual instruments in jing ping. The player cuts a length of bamboo, removes the inner node, and blows across the open top — getting a deep, hollow boom by adjusting their lip position. Different lengths of bamboo give different notes, and a skilled player can use several pipes to play a melody.
Jing ping music is played at festivals, Creole Day celebrations, and especially at the World Creole Music Festival held every year in Dominica. When the accordion and drum get going together, the rhythm encourages a dance called bélé — a graceful, stomping dance with African roots that older Dominicans have practised their whole lives.