Javascript Menu by Deluxe-Menu.com

SKNBuzz Radio - Strictly Local Music Toon Center
My Account | Contact Us  

Our Partner For Official online store of the Phoenix Suns Jerseys

 Home  >  Headlines  >  ENTERTAINMENT
Posted: Sunday 23 June, 2013 at 7:43 AM

A Night of Drumming at its best

By: Winnielle Pereira, SKNVibes.com

    BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - AS I entered the Old Boys School Building on Thursday (Jun. 20), my eyes were immediately captured by the beautiful and cultural décor that hung from a pole in the ceiling, the backdrops that displayed images of a mask and African drums and a stage that was laced with the musical instruments of the night, the drums.

     

    Heart Beat was the presentation of the evening by the Department of Culture. Minister of Culture Marcella Liburd opened the event with a quote taken from Nigerian drummer, educator and social activist Babatunde Olatunji.

    “Rhythm is the soul of life. The whole universe revolves in rhythm. Everything and every human action revolve in rhythm.” 

    Liburd continued: ‘The sweet beat of the African drums reminds us of this rhythm; it speaks to us as Caribbean people of our African ancestry, our trials and tribulations, our perseverance and our strife.”

    The Minister also gave a simple advice to the primary school students and said, “No matter what career path you choose, always give of your best and enjoy what you do.” 

    With the theme ‘Careers’ chosen by drum expert and trainer Royd Phipps, the education, empowerment, inspiration and entertainment began by a brief presentation from a teacher of the Tyrell Williams Primary School who, for the first time, showcased what was learnt at the Heart Beat recital. 

    Thuvia Browne spoke of her time as a student who gave teachers lots of trouble, but upon becoming an adult she decided it was time for her to change. 

    Thereafter, the drumming began. The powerful sounds made by the drumming of the primary school students completely filled the air, as their little hands passionately and skillfully beat the drums, over and over and over again. 

    The audience became instantly thrilled! Shouts and screams ringed in the building and it was almost impossible to not move your body, your feet and just boogie.

    The children who participated were from the Beach Allen, Dean Glasford, Tucker Clarke, Irish Town, Dr William Connor and Cotton Thomas Comprehensive Primary Schools, and their collective performances were very impressive. 

    As I looked over at the crowd, the faces were totally evident of joy, excitement, thrill and the smiles just lit up the faces of those present. 

    After the drumming recital of each school, the students continued to be enlightened by other career professionals in various fields of business who all gave insight into their jobs. Carefully selected by Royd Phipps, the professionals who gave brief presentations included Fire Officer Clarence Hendrickson; Cayon resident Otis Jeffers, who has been a farmer for 10 years. He shared with the students that he chose farming because he wanted freedom.

    “I chose farming for I wanted to be free from the confines of traditional employment. I want to determine my own income, for there is no limit to how much money one can earn. The smarter you work, the more money you can earn.” 

    Otis, after giving insight into his career, presented a pineapple to the Minister of Culture and then proceeded into the audience where more pineapples were shared. His kindness was definitely greatly received. 

    Other professionals included Dr Garfield Alexander; Constable Lauston Percival, founder and President of Operations Future; Tourism Officer Troy Hendrickson; and musician MJ Byron who teachers the art of playing the steel pan at Basseterre High School.

    Included in the amazing entertainment lineup was an engaging performance by 20-year-old Raheem Tatcher, who, on the acoustic drums, played short renditions of groove, reggae and soca and then invited students to the drums to show if they could indeed match his ability.

    There was no hesitation by some students and each one wowed the crowd with their skill on the acoustic drums.

    Other performances were by the National Youth Drum Corp, Police Drum Corp, Kettle and Bass, which were also well received.

    A night of drums and enlightenment came close to a close with a resounding performance by the Okolo Drummers which included Royd and his drum assistant Dekembe Morton. 

    Awesome is the word described as Dekembe took to the crowd with his drum and allowed audience members, including his mother, to take a turn with the beating of the drum. Two little boys were also brought to the stage alongside the experienced drummers by anxious and excited parents so they too could get a chance at the art. And more thrill filled the hearts of the crowd as these boys, no older than three years, hit the drums with great joy.

    It was truly an evening of splendid music that ended with closing remarks by Sharon Rattan Permanent, Secretary of Culture, who commended everyone for their hard work. 

    Dekembe Morton, after all the hard work put into the training of the primary students and the recital itself, expressed to friends that he felt this year was the best for him.


     
Copyright © 2024 SKNVibes, Inc. All rights reserved.
Privacy Policy   Terms of Service