Zout is a type of
Creole music. It is very popular in the
Carribean and parts of
Africa. Zout is performed in the style of music called
reggae, which is basically a vocalist backed by a
bassline and some
percussion accompaniment. Reggae vocalists can be compared to
rappers, but the content of the music is very different and the "reggaists" tend to be more vocally
talented. Zout, specifically, is reggae sung in French and with a Creole background. Zout actually developed at about the same time as reggae, maybe a little earlier. After all, reggae is Creole in nature. A popular zout group are the Neg'Marrons. Their most well-known cds are Le Bilan and Heritage, sold in a two-disc set.
To enjoy this music it helps to understand French, but it's definitely not necessary. "Zout©" is also a type of stain remover.