Caribbean Culture Is Not a Costume: The Problem with Cultural Appropriation in Music and Fashion

In recent years, Caribbean culture has become increasingly visible on the global stage. From soca beats blaring through international festivals to dancehall-inspired rhythms dominating Billboard charts, there’s no denying that the world has taken a keen interest in the vibrancy of our islands. But as the colors of Carnival, the patois-infused lyrics, and the jerk-spiced aesthetics gain popularity, a serious problem is emerging: cultural appropriation.

Caribbean culture is not a trend. It’s not a costume to be worn on stage or an aesthetic to be filtered through for likes. It is a living, breathing history born out of resilience, resistance, and rhythm. And while it’s inspiring to see global artists influenced by our sounds and style, it becomes painful when this inspiration is divorced from context, credit, and compensation.

Appreciation vs. Appropriation: Understanding the Line

There’s a crucial difference between cultural appreciation and appropriation. Appreciation means respecting the roots, learning about the people behind the culture, and giving credit where it’s due. Appropriation, on the other hand, strips cultural elements from their origins and uses them for aesthetic or commercial gain—often without acknowledgment.

We’ve seen it time and again: international pop stars sporting dreadlocks or dancehall outfits in music videos, using patois catchphrases without understanding their meaning, or crafting entire albums inspired by Caribbean genres—without featuring a single Caribbean artist. It’s not just about fashion or music; it’s about the erasure of identity in the name of profit.

When the Culture Goes Global — Without Us

Take a look at global festivals or red carpets, and you’ll see Caribbean-inspired outfits worn by celebrities who have never even set foot on our islands. The fashion industry, in particular, has commodified elements of Caribbean style—from headwraps to Carnival-inspired feathers—without any real engagement with the communities that created them.

Even in music, major hits echo the beats of soca and dancehall, but how many of those artists share their platform with Caribbean creators? While collaborations with artists like Sean Paul or Shenseea are welcome, too many international acts borrow the vibes but exclude the voices.

Caribbean Creatives Are Speaking Out

Thankfully, many Caribbean creatives are using their platforms to call this out. Jamaican artist Spice has frequently spoken about the need for recognition in the global dancehall scene. Trinidadian designers have voiced concerns over fashion brands mimicking their Carnival costumes without credit. Even smaller creators are taking to Instagram and TikTok to highlight when their content gets repackaged by bigger names.

Their message is clear: give us credit. Give us opportunities. Don’t profit off our culture while keeping us on the sidelines.

The Cost of Silence

When Caribbean culture is misrepresented or stolen, the damage goes beyond hurt feelings. There’s a financial cost. Global brands and artists earn millions by monetizing our aesthetic, while Caribbean creators struggle for visibility and funding. Our culture drives tourism, fuels entertainment, and sells products, yet we are rarely given a seat at the table.

Silence also leads to misinformation. Without context, people around the world consume a watered-down version of Caribbean identity—one that reduces us to steel drums, coconut water, and “ya mon” stereotypes rather than understanding the depth of our history and creativity.

The Way Forward: Create. Educate. Claim.

The Caribbean has always been a cultural powerhouse. From Bob Marley’s legacy to the global rise of afrobeats and dancehall fusion, we set trends that others follow. It’s time we claim that power fully.

• Create: Continue building our own platforms, festivals, labels, and fashion brands that reflect our identity.

• Educate: Use social media, schools, and media to teach our youth—and the world—about our culture’s roots and richness.

• Claim: Demand credit. Support artists, designers, and influencers from the Caribbean. Call out appropriation when you see it—and uplift authenticity when you can.

Caribbean culture is not a costume. It is a legacy, a lifeblood, and a light that continues to shine across the globe. Let’s protect it, celebrate it, and make sure that when the world dances to our beat, they know exactly where that rhythm comes from.