BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – CULTURAL Preservation Consultant, Winston ‘Zack’ Nisbett is already creating the Christmas/Carnival atmosphere with his group of young persons performing with various instruments at several places in Basseterre.
Already on a normal Saturday shopping routine, one can be greeted by the melodious music played by the children of Zack’s International Youth String Band.
Over the summer, about 51 children graduated from Nisbett’s instrumental workshop where they learned to play Fife, Banjo, Quatro and Guitar after attending classes during the month-long classes.
He said that the group is also known as Zack’s International Cultural Group and they have plans to perform at different locations in Basseterre every Friday afternoon.
“The string band is the most important aspect of our production. The youths today are wayward, and I’m trying to sustain the culture.
“I’m the doctor of culture and I believe it is in me to bring about a change within the environment from the youth perspective,” he said.
Nisbett said there are even children as young as eight years old, playing the Banjo with style and class.
“The activity keeps them off the street, keeps them occupied and brings back cultural revitalization within our twin-island state.
“We have been doing this for the past three years; we go out on Fridays coming close to the Christmas season. The dedication from the children is there as well as the will and the enthusiasm.”
So far, Nisbett said his students have played at various avenues including several churches and even at the Governor General’s home for his family.
They have an upcoming gig at the Wesleyan Holiness Church in St. Peters.
Dressed in their white shirts and bow ties, the students play a wide range of songs from classic to gospel and sentimental music.
“The children are benefitting and it keeps them out of trouble; they have to be disciplined to be a part of this and they have to be dressed properly. They also get a small stipend when they play at times,” he said.
Bobby Martin of St. Johnson Village is also a part of the group where he teaches the children how to play the guitar.
“He came and volunteered his services, and did it from his heart and made sure the children held the chords right and I think the children are doing a fantastic job,” Nisbett said.
