BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - Renowned folklore musician David ‘De Master’ Freeman of Nevis, has offered songs of praise to the Folklore Academy of St. Kitts and Nevis, as the institution works to build bridges linking the past and present in order to lay a path for the future.
The Academy’s founder Shashi Wigley, met with Mr. Freeman and his colleague Owen Bussue on Saturday to pay his respects to the noted folklore musicians, who combined have more than 100 years of experience.
Freeman an accomplished fife, banjo and steel pan player, explained that “it was a good idea” to have a school where persons can go to gain knowledge about the history and traditions of folklore groups such as the masquerade and the clown. He did add, however, that he would like to see a greater level of interest from young persons in learning about their heritage, stressing that they “need to get more involved.”
Mr. Freeman, clearly impressed with Wigley, presented him with a specially made fife. Before handing over the gift crafted by Mr. Bussue, Mr. Freeman played a few folklore tunes, demonstrating at age 81, why he is still called, ‘De Master.’
“Hearing him play the fife was exhilarating,” an excited Wigley disclosed. “It was amazing to hear the music being played. He made it look easy. I was in complete awe.”
That sense of shock was magnified when the 23-year-old, Academy founder tried to play the instrument. To date, he has managed only to produce one note. “I have the ultimate respect for [Mr. Freeman and Mr. Bussue],” said Wigley, as he concluded his trip to the sister isle.
The Folklore Academy of St. Kitts and Nevis, which holds classes every Saturday at the Tucker-Clarke Primary School, plans to introduce courses on creating folklore instruments such as the fife and big drum using authentic materials. A segment would include learning how to play these instruments.
The workshops will be held in the near future and will take the training of trainers format to ensure the skills can be passed on.
