Background

The group, Cari-Folk Singers, had its genesis at the famous Excelsior High School , Kingston Jamaica, in 1973 and continues to thrive as a formidable proponent of culture, through preserving and propagating the culture of the Caribbean people.

In 1995, the Honourable R. Danny Williams, in a programme message said: “The Carifolk Singers represent(s) so much of what is good in our country and our people.” Such ‘good’ has been shared, over the years, with audiences in Cuba, Guantanamo Bay, Cayman, Panama, Mexico, the United States of America, England, Austria, Germany and repeatedly ‘a yaad’ - in Jamaica, at hotels, schools, churches; at weddings, receptions, funerals, and at special and major national events such as independence and emancipation day celebrations.

The Cari-Folk Singers has received recognition both at home and internationally for their contribution to the promotion and preservation of our rich Caribbean culture. In 2002 the group received the prestigious Silver Musgrave Medal for excellence in music, awarded by the Institute of Jamaica. At the inaugural Choir Olympics held in Linz, Austria, in the year 2000 the group was awarded one gold and two silver medals, a feat that was repeated at the third choir Olympics in Germany in 2004.

In their 2004 Tri-state ( USA) tour through Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, the group performed a series of fundraising concerts themed “TEP OVA MAKKA (Overcoming obstacles). The group was awarded proclamations from each state for excellence in Caribbean folk culture.

The group again performed in the New York Tri State area in June 2006, to high acclaim.

Song and Dance

The group, which has shared the local stage with such world-renowned personalities as Harry Bellefonte and Willard White, is known for providing total theatre, through music and singing, dancing/movements, dramatisations. The Cari-Folk Singers performs a wide range of folk forms inclusive of Kumina, Bruckins, Dinki-Mini, Revival, Mento, Ring Games, Maroon and Nine Night.

The major performances on the annual calendar are either a concert season which is usually staged at Kingston’s Little Theatre in September, or more recently a collaborative production dubbed CULTUREFEST which features the performances of other artistes along with The Cari-Folk Singers. This event has been included such as Amina Blackwood-Meeks, story-teller extraordinaire, the Maurice Gordon Trio (jazz), Akwaaba Drummers, Bello and Blacka (comedy) Tony Wilson Dancers, Stella Maris Dancers and Nomadz.

The sound of the Cari-Folk Singers reflects the inputs of musical directors such as Keith Gordon (1973 – 1976), Althea Gravesandy (1979 – 1983) and Kathryn Bond-Dyke (1976 – 1979, and 1983 – 2003). Kathryn has had the most profound and significant impact on the group’s music and broadened its repertoire to over 350 songs, including classical religious and Negro spirituals performed for special occasions. Most of the arrangements performed today reflect Kathryn’s invaluable legacy to the group. Kathryn is currently on leave from the group. The Cari-Folk Singers is currently under the musical direction of Yekengale, a gifted and experienced musician and performer in his own right. He bring to the group some of his own arrangements while further honing the existing arrangements and the blend of sound for which the group is appreciated. Astley ‘Grub’ Cooper of Fab5 Incorporated continues to provide invaluable succour to the group in the area of popular music arranged for the primarily folk choir. Grub is regarded as a distinguished ‘Friend of Cari-Folk’. The very talented Godfrey Taylor, one of Jamaica’s premier musicians, has also done arrangements for the group and assisted us with musical preparation for shows such as Culturefest.

Much of the choreography currently performed by the group has been created by Carol Miller, who has been a member of the group for over 20 years. Her exciting and unique choreography has distinguished Cari-Folk from other performing groups with its unexpected and vibrant movements. The Reverend Doctor Gordon Cowans, a founding member of the group, has also choreographed the group for concert seasons and participation in the first Choir Olympics. He also takes to the group his unique flair and vibrant creativity. Artistic Directors who have worked with the group include Gordon Cowans, Keith Noel, Eugene Williams, Winston “ Bello” Bell and Carol Miller.

Fitness and stamina are as integral to the Carifolk Singers’ preparation, as is singing. Fortunately, the group boasts two professional sports personalities in Winston O. Cowans, former national table tennis coach, and Roy G. Thomas, Physical Education tutor and football coach. They are responsible for ‘breathing fitness’ into the group. Our professional make-up artist is Marilyn Brown and costume mistress is Karen Bellamy. Both have the responsibility of ensuring that the group looks as good as it sounds. With a contingent of approximately thirty performers, all full-time professionals – teachers, managers, accountants -, it is incredible that each person continues to make time to enlighten, entertain and keep folk music alive amidst the lure of cable television, the sound system, various computer games and other modern attractions. As suggested by the headline of an August 26, 2007 feature in the Sunday Gleaner’s Entertainment pages for groups such as the Cari-Folk Singers the commitment of their member is a lasting bond.

The Cari-Folk Singers continues to be grateful to the scores of members, friends and supporters who have kept the group alive and growing for over three decades. The group continues to be inspired by the lives of its Caribbean people and their ancestors.

The Management Committee

Patricia Newland – Leader
Yekengale – Musical Direction
Khalia Miller – Secretary
Noel George Campbell – Treasurer
Erica Brown and Marilyn Brown – Public Relations Team
Alwyn Dunn – Tenor Representative
Rita Bailey – Alto Representative
Dahlia Reid-Thomas – Soprano Representative
Winston Cowans – Bass Representative