Zydeco is a popular musical genre based on accordion. It originates from the prairies of south-central and southwest Louisiana. In origin it is not Cajun as many people think. Zydeco is the music of south Louisiana’s Creoles of Color. They borrowed many of zydeco’s defining elements from Cajun music. The word Zydeco comes from the French expression "les haricots", meaning "beans".
Zydeco is the most modern form of Creole music from Acadiana. It first appeared after World War II, when pioneers of the genre like Clifton Chenier and BooZoo Chavis combined more traditional sounds with new rhythm and blues elements.
Zydeco has considerably evolved over the decades. Now it draws on pop music sources like soul, disco, rap, and also reggae. It is more and more performed in English, instead of in its original Creole dialect.
Zydeco often appears in movies, TV programs, and commercials. It has attracted a loyal audience outside Louisiana. There are large numbers of Zydeco dancers on the east and west coasts. In spite of its current commercialization Zydeco remains a relevant means of cultural expression for the Creoles of Acadiana.
