BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HIS voice on the daily ‘Under the Banyan Tree’ programme aired on ZIZ Radio over the years had made the late Ras Tamboura Kitwana a household name in the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Shortly after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday (Jan. 26), Ras Tamboura passed away at the Joseph N. France General Hospital.
Ras Tamboura’s signature brown cowboy boots, which often caught the attention of many, gave his slender built an authoritative demeanour which complimented his expertise as a well-known historian and accomplished musician.
Music lovers, fans, fellow musicians and band members of the Ellie Matt and the GI Brass and the GI International have great admiration and fond memories of Ras Tamboura as an exceptional artiste, lyricist, composer and entertainer.
Employed as the Assistant Research and Documentation Specialist in the St. Kitts Department of Culture, his wealth of knowledge had placed him on a pedestal; respected for his familiarity with history of the twin-island nation.
SKNVibes spoke with four individuals who knew Ras Tamboura very well.
Former band leader of GI Brass International and former band member of Ellie Matt and the GI Brass, Wingrove Hicks:
Hicks said Ras Tamboura “was a musical icon from the late 60s right up to the day of his death”.
He revealed that during the time when the deceased was a member of Ellie Matt and the GI Brass, “that was when he actually became a Rastaman”.
Hicks pointed out that the Rastafarian Movement was then in its “inaugural stage” in St. Kitts.
Ras Tamboura went on to join Hicks’ first band, GI Brass International; affectionately dubbed by fans as De Brass. That band was formed in 1979 and lasted until 1986.
“Tamboura was one of the more, if not the most reliable band member. He was one of the persons you could rely on 24/7, and I believe if I had not finished with that band, Tamboura would have still been a member.”
Research and Documentation Specialist of the St. Kitts Department Marlene Phillips:
Phillips informed that her Department intends to continue the ‘Under the Banyan Tree’ programme in memory and honour of Ras Tamboura.
“To me, he was like a walking history book.”
She said it was truly a sad moment upon receiving the news of his death and noted that they had closely worked together for a number of years.
“I was fortunate to have known him since 2001 when I started working at St. Kitts Department of Culture. We were co-workers and we worked closely together in the Research and Documentation Unit. I have some very fond memories of him; his sense of humour and his signature hat and cowboy boots, and especially the saying ‘A so it go’, which I couldn’t really pronounce when I first came to St. Kitts. That used to be an inside joke.”
Phillips said she would remember him for his “generous nature”.
Former band member of the GI Brass International, Ian ‘Patches’ Liburd:
He said Ras Tamboura has left some fond memories of their time spent together while they travelled entertaining their fans in the Caribbean, Europe and North America as members of the GI Brass.
“Tamboura loved a good beer and a good smoke, just as he loved his music. The last time I saw Tamboura was when I visited him a week or two ago. That’s when he told me that he was experiencing some problems breathing. It reminded me of our good times spent together in the GI Brass, and Tamboura would always declare that when he got old all he want is his pipe and a rocking chair.”
Owner of Tiffany’s Bar and Grill and Caribbean Gifts and Liquor (on Port Zante), Cecil ‘King Rockafella’ Rock:
Rock said he and Ras Tamboura were “always friends” and that they grew up together, noting that the deceased lived at Salt Pond Alley while he lived at West Bourne Ghaut.
Ras Tamboura used to be seen regularly at either one of Rock’s businesses places relaxing, having a bite, sipping on a cold beverage, puffing his cigarette or having conversations with those in his company.
Rock stated that the deceased visited “everyday”, adding that he would come from about 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. and would not until 2:00 p.m.
He stated that he (Rock) was the first to welcome and accommodate Ellie Matt and the GI Brass when the band first visited New York in 1974.
Undoubtedly, Ras Tamboura Kitwana was a living legend! Following the death of this cultural icon, it is a bitter sweet irony that his legacy would now be recorded in the annals of St. Kitts and Nevis.
