Com gitchya Kriol Kultcha heeya!

In the mid-1980s, Gales Point Manatee was threatened with the loss of its traditions. Economic difficulties forced the young people to leave the village to go in search of jobs. Soon drumming and dancing rarely occurred except on major holidays. The flow of cultural information from the village elders to the youth all but stopped. It was at this time that several young men of the village vowed to keep alive the drumming culture that they remembered so vividly from when they were children. Together they headed into the hills Boombay Andrewin to find the elderly Mr. Irving at his "drum shack" deep in the bush. Mr. Irving, a master drummer from the village, who lived the life of a hermit on his secluded farm, passed his skill on to the young enthusiasts. Today, the most prolific of the four young drummers that made that journey into the hills is Emmeth Young. Together they have formed the Maroon Creole Drum School and Cultural Center to help preserve the unique culture of Gales Point Manatee. CCSP had the opportunity to invite Emmeth’s group, Fore Afrique, to play for us here at Nabitunich. With rhythms like Djole, Kuku, Kakilambe, and Soli, the group shared their drumming expertise and cultural insight – plus we had a chance to get down and show off our best dance moves! What an incredible night for all!