“Duppy Conquering”: An Exploration of The Supernatural in Reggae Music

The Caribbean has historically been associated with the supernatural. Tales of Jamaican Maroon leader Nanny’s mystical prowess, the memorable Miss Cleo of Psychic Readers’ Network, and legends of the devouring Bermuda Triangle all envision the Caribbean from inside and out as enchanted. Within the Caribbean, duppies, soucouyants, zombies, rolling calves and jumbies are frequently an element of cultural productions such as songs, poems, novels, and plays. There are also various Caribbean spiritual practices associated with the supernatural such as Voodoo, Obeah, Myalism and Santeria.