Today the music of the Bahamas is primarily Junkanoo; however it is in decline as American television and radio are now picked up in the Bahamas. The style and flavor of Junkanoo come from Goombay. The name comes from the Goombay drums used in the music and dance. It is believed that Goombay had a combination of influences. Those include African tribal influence as the former slaves of the settlers combined some of their spirituals with influences from the British colonies, and with some American Indian influence as well. The Goombay drum is something most of us have seen in one form or another…that being a goatskin drum held between the legs. It is played with the hands and we have heard the influence of Goombay from Junkanoo to Raggae to Calypso. The lyrics of Goombay tell a story as Blind Blake, who was one of the better know Goombay singers, wrote a song called “love, love alone”. If you have not yet read the history of the islands of the Bahamas on this site please go to the ‘Runners and Rum Runners’ article and you will read about King Edward abdicating the throne of England to marry his true love, an American divorcee. He then came to the islands of the Bahamas as governor. The song, “Love, Love, Alone” was written about that saga. It is said the then Duke of Windsor asked Blind Blake to sing the song for him when he came to the Bahamas.
Goombay music could be considered an art form as it combines melodies and dance that are always in tune with the beat of the goatskin drum. Of course it doesn’t hurt the participants freedom of movement that this art form is often accompanied by much rum as well. The melody of Junkanoo is normally found in the sounds of a piano, guitar, or saxophone. In fact the music could be compared to jazz improvisation. Goombay and Junkanoo are so closely related that they can be considered one in the same except for the additional instruments and pace. It was the addition of piano, guitar, etc that led to Junkanoo.
It is difficult to say where the name Junkanoo came from. There are several theories. One is that the drum used were literally made from junk, thus the name Junkanoo. Another which may make more sense is that the black slaves were only allowed to celebrate during a specific time of year, that being Christmas. So Boxing Day became a time of celebration, and it is possible they chose to celebrate John Connu who was a headman from Africa in the 18th century. John Connu…Junkanoo…you decide.
In 1937 there was a big push for tourism to the islands of the Bahamas, and Goombay music played a large role in that push. The music soon became popular among the tourists and as they returned home they spread the news about Goombay music. It was in the 1940’s that the festival held on Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, called Junkanoo made a transformation. Goombay music and dancing were the core of the Boxing Day celebration. The music eventually became louder, faster, and even began to include cow bells, etc. The music itself began to be called Junkanoo. Although on the decline as stated above, Junkanoo still thrives in the islands of the Bahamas. Some performers have become underground stars such as Joseph Spence. We have even seen the influence of Junkanoo in our Amercan culture. The Beach Boys song, ‘Sloop John B’ was a song of the local sponge fisherman in the Bahamas. There are many who continue to keep the tradition alive, such as the Lassie Do Boys.
Some artists you may want to research for Goombay are Blind Blake, George Symonette, Charlie Adamson, or John ‘Chippie’ Chipman. For Junkanoo check out KB, Geno D, Dry Bread, or Sweet Emily.