De Music ‘Bubbling’: That “Sweet” Thumb of Revolution
August 18, 2019
3 Min Read
On Wednesday August 7th, 2019, I attended a reception at Government House on the occasion of the official visit of His Excellency, Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya. Government House is built on land that reflects many narratives. Kalinago and Taino peoples may have lived here up to 8000 years before European contact. They may have met and cohabited with African travelers for centuries before 1492. This land was also Quaker property in early enslavement history. The Quakers, non-conformists to enslavement, were ‘unwelcomed’, and they left. After centuries of enslavement and colonial history, I arrived at this place as a citizen of a post-colonial, post-independent progressive Barbados, expectant.
Re-directed to the side entrance, I waited with others on the main grounds while the Barbados Symphony Orchestra (BSO) played classical music.
Then, the National Anthem of Kenya, (beautifully arranged) and the Barbados National Anthem played, signalling the beginning of the reception. From the see-through tent we saw our Governor General, the President, our Prime Minister and entourage all standing in the balcony. Then, the official party ‘descended’ to the grounds. Her Excellency, the Governor General, proceeded to greet and introduce His Excellency, the President to various people. Alas, the recolonizing exercise was all but complete. However, it was music that redeemed. Offering the ultimate contradiction, the late part of BSOs set provided renditions of Caribbean melodies. Understated, yet viscerally poignant, these familiar melodies swept through the audience. It was an expert Caribbean Suite: indigenous songs with an international flavour. Kudos to arranger Roger Gittens, conductor Joy Knight and the BSO! Next, the Pompasetters strolled through the audience, using tuk-band waltz and ‘fassi’ rhythms to titillate. The infectious rhythms, transpositions of polytonal West-African drum music on European instruments, affected even the most resistant. As Karl (penny whistle), Corey (snare drum) and Rydell (‘bum-bum’ drum) “played”, heads nodded, knees bobbed, spines bent and hips twisted, reconnecting that African/Bajan instinctive relationship between music and skeletal structure that indicates our common histories and experiences.
The tuk-band music became a wonderful space disruptor. Bodies became more relaxed. Bobbing began to look like “sea”. Even those who were sitting had to sway. As Karl, Corey and Rydell passed some women began to move up to the musicians in a familiar way.
After that, the NCF Combined Schools Steel Orchestra was “tagged” to play. No pretence here! Warmed up from before, the audience responded to the steelpans’ unapologetic 20th century revolutionary sound. A ritual rhythmic pan beat promised you an enticing musical sacrament, whether it be calypso, reggae or another genre. Bodies responded in a way that could only be described as “thaw”, loosening the colonial rigidity and swaying to the music. By this time the President and our Prime Minister came closer to the band to enjoy and move to the music. Our culture ‘bubbled’: music became a revolutionary tool that night. Redeemed by the power of the arts, I made my exit (through the side entrance of course).
Dr. John Hunte PHD Cultural Studies UWI Cave Hill
Culture Clinic is a weekly column crafted by Dr. John Hunte.
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Coming from North:
.Travel Along Maxwell Main Road
.Turn Left (after the big Colourful Wall) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
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Coming from South:
.Travel Along Welches Road
.Make the first Right Turn (just after Golden Sands Hotel) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
TIMES
4pm-5pm & 5pm-6pm
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Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
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Coming from
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Event Details
Tuesdays & Thursdays
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Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
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SHARE⬆️
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Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from North:
.Travel Along Maxwell Main Road
.Turn Left (after the big Colourful Wall) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
Coming from South:
.Travel Along Welches Road
.Make the first Right Turn (just after Golden Sands Hotel) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
TIMES
4pm-5pm & 5pm-6pm
[Sign Up Link In Bio]
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$15 per person
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Must Have Towel & Water Bottle
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TELL A FRIEND & BRING A FEW!
Want to party this Crop Over but still be home for midnight? Going to a fete and need a spot to meet your friends? Want to dance to a great
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Event Details
Want to party this Crop Over but still be home for midnight? Going to a fete and need a spot to meet your friends? Want to dance to a great band with two popular singers? Crop Over Stop Over at The Sage in Maxwell South Coast is holding the vibe, just one mile west of Oistins. Open from 7 pm with Live Band starting just after 9 pm! Look for the Sage Soca dancers outside letting you know that the party starts here! $15 gets you a 7 oz Mount Gay Rum punch and in the door! The Sage Bar is located in the home of Barbadian Reggae Artiste David Kirton and his wife Noelle, it has been transformed in to Lively Music Venue with 2 bars and 2 stages. Inside VIP Bar open on Fridays and special events. Dress code: all naughty bits must be covered. Don’t forget friends don’t let friends drink and drive so designate a driver!
This special Rose is in need of your assistance 🌹...
Cheryl Rose was involved in a car accident that has left her badly injured and in need of medical care beyond
Event Details
This special Rose is in need of your assistance 🌹…
Cheryl Rose was involved in a car accident that has left her badly injured and in need of medical care beyond our shores.
Family, friends, loving artistes, deejays and hosts have come together to put on a fundraiser in hopes of covering expenses.
The fundraiser ‘Roses for a Rose’ takes place at Harbour Lights on Saturday, July 9th. Start time, 9PM.
Donation: $50 at the door
Come enjoy the islands best acts and give to this special cause: Help Rose get the aid she needs!
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Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
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Coming from
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Tuesdays & Thursdays
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Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from North:
.Travel Along Maxwell Main Road
.Turn Left (after the big Colourful Wall) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
Coming from South:
.Travel Along Welches Road
.Make the first Right Turn (just after Golden Sands Hotel) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
TIMES
4pm-5pm & 5pm-6pm
[Sign Up Link In Bio]
.
$15 per person
.
Must Have Towel & Water Bottle
.
TELL A FRIEND & BRING A FEW!
Tuesdays & Thursdays
.
Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from
more
Event Details
Tuesdays & Thursdays
.
Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from North:
.Travel Along Maxwell Main Road
.Turn Left (after the big Colourful Wall) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
Coming from South:
.Travel Along Welches Road
.Make the first Right Turn (just after Golden Sands Hotel) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
TIMES
4pm-5pm & 5pm-6pm
[Sign Up Link In Bio]
.
$15 per person
.
Must Have Towel & Water Bottle
.
TELL A FRIEND & BRING A FEW!
Tuesdays & Thursdays
.
Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from
more
Event Details
Tuesdays & Thursdays
.
Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from North:
.Travel Along Maxwell Main Road
.Turn Left (after the big Colourful Wall) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
Coming from South:
.Travel Along Welches Road
.Make the first Right Turn (just after Golden Sands Hotel) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
TIMES
4pm-5pm & 5pm-6pm
[Sign Up Link In Bio]
.
$15 per person
.
Must Have Towel & Water Bottle
.
TELL A FRIEND & BRING A FEW!
Tuesdays & Thursdays
.
Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from
more
Event Details
Tuesdays & Thursdays
.
Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from North:
.Travel Along Maxwell Main Road
.Turn Left (after the big Colourful Wall) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
Coming from South:
.Travel Along Welches Road
.Make the first Right Turn (just after Golden Sands Hotel) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
TIMES
4pm-5pm & 5pm-6pm
[Sign Up Link In Bio]
.
$15 per person
.
Must Have Towel & Water Bottle
.
TELL A FRIEND & BRING A FEW!
Tuesdays & Thursdays
.
Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from
more
Event Details
Tuesdays & Thursdays
.
Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from North:
.Travel Along Maxwell Main Road
.Turn Left (after the big Colourful Wall) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
Coming from South:
.Travel Along Welches Road
.Make the first Right Turn (just after Golden Sands Hotel) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
TIMES
4pm-5pm & 5pm-6pm
[Sign Up Link In Bio]
.
$15 per person
.
Must Have Towel & Water Bottle
.
TELL A FRIEND & BRING A FEW!
THE REUNION- Bring Ya Crew!!
July 26th 2022 - Crop Over Tuesday!
We're doing it to raise funds for the Team Mikey Charity's give back projects
GET YOUR TICKETS FROM THE OFFICIAL BOX
more
Event Details
THE REUNION- Bring Ya Crew!!
July 26th 2022 – Crop Over Tuesday!
We’re doing it to raise funds for the Team Mikey Charity’s give back projects
GET YOUR TICKETS FROM THE OFFICIAL BOX OFFICES:
– CS PHARMACY, Bridgetown
– iSHOP, Sheraton Mall
– MPOWERED, Sky Mall
– THE GRAPE VINE, Lantern’s Mall
Online @ https://ticketlinkz.com/events/thereunion/
Live performances by Brucelee AlmighteeMole Edwin Yearwood Red Plastic Bag Mr Blood iWeb NikitaLil Rick Khiomal Biggie Irie Hypasounds Lorenzo
Tuesdays & Thursdays
.
Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from
more
Event Details
Tuesdays & Thursdays
.
Sign Up Link in Bio ⬇️ https://forms.gle/dFYvMznPLRqvhVoX7
.
SHARE⬆️
.
Come out for a FUN Dance & Fitness Class☀️We gonna be prepping for Crop Over and getting our bodies right!💪🏾
.
DIRECTIONS
*
Coming from North:
.Travel Along Maxwell Main Road
.Turn Left (after the big Colourful Wall) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
Coming from South:
.Travel Along Welches Road
.Make the first Right Turn (just after Golden Sands Hotel) into Maxwell Park
.Turn Right
.Then the Second Right Turn
.Look for the Big Colourful Flags
*
TIMES
4pm-5pm & 5pm-6pm
[Sign Up Link In Bio]
.
$15 per person
.
Must Have Towel & Water Bottle
.
TELL A FRIEND & BRING A FEW!
Want to party this Crop Over but still be home for midnight? Going to a fete and need a spot to meet your friends? Want to dance to a great
more
Event Details
Want to party this Crop Over but still be home for midnight? Going to a fete and need a spot to meet your friends? Want to dance to a great band with two popular singers? Crop Over Stop Over at The Sage in Maxwell South Coast is holding the vibe, just one mile west of Oistins. Open from 7 pm with Live Band starting just after 9 pm! Look for the Sage Soca dancers outside letting you know that the party starts here! $15 gets you a 7 oz Mount Gay Rum punch and in the door! The Sage Bar is located in the home of Barbadian Reggae Artiste David Kirton and his wife Noelle, it has been transformed in to Lively Music Venue with 2 bars and 2 stages. Inside VIP Bar open on Fridays and special events. Dress code: all naughty bits must be covered. Don’t forget friends don’t let friends drink and drive so designate a driver!
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