Zydeco is a dance music genre that arose in the 20th century among the Creole population of Louisiana (USA). It is closely tied to Cajun music but stands out for a stronger influence of blues, rhythm and blues, and African American rhythms.
The heart of the zydeco sound is the accordion, while the characteristic rhythm is set by an unusual instrument — the frottoir, a metal “rubboard” that the musician wears on the chest and scrapes with spoons or thimbles. The lyrics are often sung in the Creole dialect of French. This is lively, fiery music created above all for dancing at loud parties. Zydeco is a vivid example of the unique Creole culture of Louisiana, in which French, African, and American traditions are interwoven.
