Final answer:
Calypso is the type of music brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans and took shape in Trinidad with African influences. It has shaped other styles like Reggae and has become synonymous with Caribbean festivals. Instruments such as the steel pan have been incorporated into Calypso over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of music that was brought to the Caribbean islands by enslaved Africans beginning in the 1500s is Calypso music. Originating in Trinidad from a mixture of African influences, Calypso has a rich history that became more pronounced in the early 20th century. It gained notable popularity through various Caribbean festivals, including Carnival. Despite transforming over time to include instruments like the steel pan, it maintains strong roots in African musical traditions.
A known commercial adaptation of Calypso is Harry Belafonte's "Day-O" (Banana Boat Song), which is based on a Jamaican folk tune. This genre of music has influenced other forms such as Reggae in Jamaica, with Mento being a closely related rural folk style.
The Caribbean region, enriched by cultural diversity, has given rise to various other music genres like Salsa, which originated from Cuban influences, and Reggae, a Jamaican music genre that became internationally recognized through artists like Bob Marley.