BASSETERRE St. Kitts, August 9th, 2013 -- ON THE EVE OF EMANCIPATION DAY, for over a decade (2002 to the present time), the Moravians on St. Kitts have highlighted the significance of Emancipation, and celebrated the occasion with an Emancipation Concert. This year was no exception.
On Sunday, August 4th, choirs and musicians from several denominations gathered at Zion Moravian in Basseterre where they recalled in song, instrumental music, recitation and mime the experience of their ancestors and became aware once more of their hard won freedom.
For a long time, the coupling of August Monday celebration and Emancipation had lapsed but in recent times, thanks to the Moravians and the St. Kitts Heritage Society, this is being corrected.
The opening song, ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’, also known as the Negro National Anthem, was poignant with its reminder:
“Lest our feet stray from the places
Our God, where we met Thee
Lest our heart, drunk with the wine
Of the world, we forget Thee;”
The theme this year was “Moving on! Feel Freedom” This was strongly emphasized at the end of a dramatized poem ‘Spirits of the Cane Fields’ by C.L. Rawlins. In this poem, the spirits of the cane fields advise the present generation to “Keep on rising, my people! You’ve come so far… keep on rising!”
Selections from the musical groups (Zion Senior Choir, Zion Youth Choir, New Dawn Church, Moravian Conference Choir, Voices of Praise – Anglican, Male Quartet) consisted of Spirituals and Gospel Songs. These songs came out of a time of struggle and hence in them there were cries for guidance and support:
“Stand by me Lord, while I run the race” – Zion Senior Choir
“Show me the way…” - Signature of Praise miming duo
“Fix me, Jesus. Oh fix me!” – Zion Youth Choir
The selections reminded us that long before Emancipation became legal, our ancestors found their freedom in song and in Jesus! Songs like “Lay down my burden” – (Steel Pan Selection) “Until I found the Lord,” – (Male Quartet) “The Lord is blessing me right now” – (Moravian Conference Choir) – relayed this message.
The programme was a varied mix of expressions: singing, miming, instrumentals, calypso and drumming.
The drumming, led by the Okolo Tegremantine Drummers, became quite interactive as the audience was invited to engage in rhythmic clapping to accompany the drummers. Some were actually invited to participate in the drumming on stage. It was indeed lively and dramatic.
A highlight of the Concert was the appearance of Daveda Browne, professional mezzo soprano, who recently gave her solo debut concert at the ECCB auditorium. It was noted that her early singing was in the Estridge Moravian Church and it was also noted how controlled and operatic her voice had become in her two renditions – ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’ – and – ‘Wade in the Water’. She was warmly received.
The audience was invited to ‘feel the freedom’ in the triumphant messages of ‘Voices of Praise’ – The Storm is passing over, Hallelujah – Lift your hand and praise the Lord! The Combined Choirs, directed by Sis Clarita Richards brought the concert to a fitting climax with their rendition of Rev. Lloyd Kitson’s Vicit Agnus.
“He arose triumphant
He liveth
He liveth
Let us follow Him!”
It is indeed difficult to comment on every single item, but suffice it to know that the concert represented a fitting tribute to our ancestors’ journey to Freedom. This year’s admonition to “Keep Moving On!” is also important as so often we find groups stuck in the slavery period and unable to wrest themselves out of the mindset it often brings.
Kudos must go to Sister Clarita Richards whose brainchild it was and who has steered it all these years; to the committee who assisted; to the musicians, accompanists and all the participants.
“Our Future is our Choice, today”. This song (words by Malcolm Kirwan) and sung to the tune of ‘We Shall Overcome’ provided a compass at this service of commemoration. In its final verse, it advises:
Not just with faith, but pride;
Not just to hope but strive
The best shall be our quest, forever.
This we believe,
Deep in our hearts
Our Future is our Choice, today.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
