EABIC Celebrates 95 Years of Divine Legacy

 

 𝐄𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐂 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟗𝟓 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲

 

𝕽
𝕶𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖉𝖔𝖒
𝕾𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖉
𝕱𝖔𝖗𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖗!

𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑡𝑜 𝑏𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑜𝑤𝑛 𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑓𝑖𝑔 𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒.
𝐴𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐴𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑠, 𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑏𝑟𝑜𝑎𝑑. 

𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚-𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚, 𝐌𝐭. 𝐙𝐢𝐨𝐧 
𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐, 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟎: 𝟕𝟐 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝..
𝐑 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 
𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐞 𝐈,  𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐧 𝐀𝐬𝐟𝐚𝐰
𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐙𝐢𝐨𝐧 

𝐄𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐂 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝟗𝟓 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 
𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐍𝐨𝐯 𝟎𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐁𝐨𝐛𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩, 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐑𝐝
𝟖𝐩𝐦

7 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑀𝑒𝑙𝑐ℎ𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑑𝑒𝑐 𝐺𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑛 𝐴𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑟
𝑁𝑦𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑛𝑔ℎ𝑖 𝐷𝑟𝑢𝑚𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑
𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝐴𝑑𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝐹𝑜𝑜𝑑 & 𝑅𝑒𝑓𝑟𝑒𝑠ℎ𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠

Visit EABIC Bahamas on Facebook.

Bahamian and Creole Cultural Festival

Bahamian and Creole Cultural Festival

 

 

Wednesday, November 5th, 2025

5:00PM - 7:30PM

Performing Arts Centre

University of The Bahamas

Oakes Field Campus

Nassau, Bahamas 

 

This event will be organized around International Creole Heritage Day, as proclaimed by UNESCO in 1981, and will honor the linguistic and cultural creativity of Haitian and Bahamian societies by recognizing their roles in the development of post-Columbian Creole societies. The celebration will highlight the pluriculturalism of the Caribbean region and the creole speech communities.

The event will feature academic presentations by University of The Bahamas faculty; cultural sketches, dances, songs, and performances by the UB Goombay Ensemble; as well as the screening of a portion of the new movie Kidnapping by Bruno Morall, followed by a Q&A session with members of the movie production. 

 

 

Sammy, CJ an' da Boys - Junkanoo Jam - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Joe Billy Park, Fowler St.
Nassau, Bahamas.

 

Junkanoo: Securing Cultural Heritage Through Youth Engagement

The rhythmic pulse of the goatskin drum, the incessant clang of the cowbell, and the kaleidoscope of crepe paper costumes—this is Junkanoo, the quintessential cultural expression of The Bahamas. More than a celebratory street parade held on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, Junkanoo is a vibrant, living repository of Bahamian identity, history, and artistic genius. However, like any cherished tradition, its survival is not guaranteed. The intentional, detailed, and comprehensive transmission of the Junkanoo culture to the upcoming youth is not merely desirable but foundational to the nation's cultural future, ensuring that this ancestral celebration continues to evolve while honoring its profound roots.

Bush Medicine Pot

 

"Bush Medicine Pot" - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 Bro-in-law preparing to boil another batch of bush medicine to drink.

We have a tradition of using homeopathic remedies in The Bahamas and Caribbean.

 

Using these leaves:

Moringa
Guava
Avacado
Soursop

 

After boiling, pour in a cup and drink it down.

Good for various ailments and keeps you in good health.

Download full size: 2652x2766

 

Related pic: Bush Prep

Related article: Bush Medicine in The Bahamas

Baha Men: A Global Pop Phenomenon

Baha Men

(image source)

Baha Men: A Global Pop Phenomenon

Baha Men is a Grammy Award-winning Bahamian band best known for their infectious, globally successful 2000 hit, "Who Let the Dogs Out?" However, their story is much more extensive than a single novelty track. For decades Baha Men have been pioneers in modernizing and popularizing Junkanoo, the vibrant, traditional street-parade music of the Bahamas, fusing it with contemporary pop, dance and hip-hop.

Mars Bay Conch Fest 2025

 Mars Bay Conch Fest
Oct. 11 -12, 2025

SHOCKING Bahamas Food Tour!!

 

 SHOCKING Bahamas Food Tour!! A visit to Andros.

 

Visit my Native Stew YouTube Channel for much more.

 

Box Office Opens for Shakespeare in Paradise 2025! September 22-October 12, 2025 Four Shows over Three Weeks!

Conga Scrape

 

 Conga Scrape - ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Here's a beat I created 20 years ago. It was originally a MIDI file but I finally got around to converting it to a WAV file which was needed for my video editor. Enjoy.

 

Related music: I Don't Like Rum

 

"Rake 'n' Scrape Instruments" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano 

 

 

The Cultural Tapestry of Rake 'n' Scrape: From Humble Origins to a Bahamian National Treasure

Rake 'n' Scrape music stands as a vibrant and enduring symbol of Bahamian culture and national identity. More than just a musical genre, it is a living artifact that embodies the nation’s history, resilience, and unique spirit. Characterized by the distinctive "raking" of a carpenter's saw with a metal object, the percussive beat of a goatskin drum, and the melodic undertones of an accordion or concertina, Rake 'n' Scrape represents a powerful fusion of African rhythmic traditions and European folk instruments. This blog post will explore the comprehensive history of Rake 'n' Scrape, from its improvised origins and historical evolution to its crucial role in contemporary Bahamian society and its promising future.

 

Announcing Shakespeare in Paradise 2025! September 22-October 12, 2025 Rehearsals are under way in our newly renovated Black Box for our seventeenth festival!

Photos courtesy of Edward Knowles

Four Shows over Three Weeks!

Short Tales 2025

Short Tales features works by new and returning playwrights. Not all of our writers this year are Bahamian—we have offerings from the USA and from Trinidad as well. Selected by a panel of judges who read the plays blind, Short Tales 2025 will delve into issues as varied as mothers’ relationships with their children, what to do when you have unwanted visitors, how to deal with pesky insects, and the best ways to die. Don’t miss it! Runs September 22-October 4, PAB Black Box

 "One People" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Crossing Cultural Barriers: A Journey of Connection and Growth

In a world that is more interconnected than ever, the concept of culture is both a source of rich diversity and a potential point of friction. We are constantly exposed to different traditions, beliefs, and ways of life, whether through travel, media, or our own communities. This exposure brings with it the challenge and opportunity of crossing cultural barriers. But what does this really mean? How do we do it, and why should we even try? This blog post will take a deep dive into the profound journey of bridging cultural divides, exploring its meaning, methods, benefits, and ultimate significance.

The Resilient Echo: A Comprehensive Study of the Steel Pan

 

"Steel Pan Player" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

The Resilient Echo: A Comprehensive Study of the Steel Pan

The steel pan, a remarkable musical instrument born from the ingenuity and resilience of the people of Trinidad and Tobago, is more than just a drum—it is a symbol of a nation's spirit. From its humble and rebellious beginnings to its current status as a sophisticated, fully chromatic orchestral instrument, the steel pan has captivated audiences worldwide with its distinctive, resonant timbre. This essay will explore the rich history of the steel pan, detail the intricate process of its creation and tuning, examine its role in competitions, trace its introduction and popularity in The Bahamas, identify key figures in its development, and discuss the challenges and opportunities for its preservation in the modern era.

A Celebration of Freedom: The History and Tradition of Fox Hill Day

 

"Fox Hill Day" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

A Celebration of Freedom: The History and Tradition of Fox Hill Day

Fox Hill Day, an annual festival observed in the community of Fox Hill, Nassau, stands as a powerful and enduring testament to the legacy of emancipation in The Bahamas. While the nation as a whole celebrates Emancipation Day on the first Monday of August, the Fox Hill community dedicates a specific, separate day—the second Tuesday of August—to honor the freedom of their ancestors. This unique observance is not merely a celebration but a living historical ritual, rich with tradition, cultural expression, and deep spiritual significance. It serves as a vital connection to the past, reminding a new generation of the struggles, resilience, and ultimate triumph of those who came before them.

I Don't Like Rum - Update

I wrote this song 20 years ago. Then I created some music for it. It was originally a MIDI file but I finally got around to converting it to a WAV file which was needed for my video editor. It's done in the Rake 'n' Scrape style of The Bahamas. Enjoy.

 

 

I Don't Like Rum

Rake 'n' Scrape song

(chorus)

I don't like rum, but rum like me,
It stick on me like a dog wit’ a flea
Listen to me people, now can’t you see
I don't like rum, but boy rum like me

 

I bin drinkin' rum for a long, long time

I drink so much rum, ya know it mus' be a crime

I was da smartest man in da whole country

Now I can' t'ink straight because, rum like me

Before I go to sleep, I take two shot or t’ree
I drink it erry mornin’ for my cup a tea
I use to work so hard, makin’ plenty money
Nah I can’ keep a job because, rum like me

 

(chorus)
 

I hang out by da bar, scrappin’ all day long
Hustlin' rum money, for a drink real strong
When people look at me, dey don't like
what dey see
I say I look like dis because, rum like me

I see my bar room  friend, wit a bottle a rum
He walk right up to me, an’ say if I wan’ some
I cross my heart and tell him very honestly
I don’t like rum, but boy rum like me

 

(chorus)

Staggerin’ dan da road, ya know I don't live far
I fall down twice, an’ mos’ get lick wit’ car
Da driver put on brakes, an’ man I had ta flee
He say I don't like my life, but boy rum like me

 

I back home nah, an’ I take a seat
I look at da grits, but I een wan’ eat
I wish I had a woman, who I could marry
But I can’ like no woman, only rum like me

 

(chorus)

I try ta go ta sleep, but it so scary
I seein' little creatures, ‘cause I gat DTs
Thru da winda booga-man, under ‘neat’ one tree
Dis is how I live because, rum like me

 
Again dis mornin’, I say Lord no more
Den I drink my rum tea, an’ I hit da door
No care in da worl’, no responsibility
But I een really free because, rum like me

 

(chorus)

Rum is very dangerous, in are country
We need ta ban da rum, it killin’ all a we
But da leaders and da people, jess can’ agree
‘Cause rum like dem, jess how rum like me

(chorus)

derek catalano (c)2005. (No AI)

 

View my Native StewYoutube Channel

 

 

Related article: Alcohol Abuse in The Bahamas

Related news story: The Bahamas Has an Alcohol Problem

Related article: Alcohol Use and Its Connection to Violence and Homicide

Related article: Alcohol and Its Association with Promiscuity and Hypersexuality

Related article: Alcohol, Drugs, and Their Association with Mental Illness and Crime

Related song: I Don't Like Rum

Related article: Drunk in Public - Bahamas Penal Code

Related article: Alcohol: The Silent Killer of Inspiration, Motivation, and Community

Related article: Alcohol vs. Marijuana: Assessing the Risks

Bahamas Independence Dancers

 

"Bahamas Independence Dancers" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Download full size: 2048x2048 

Father's Day Drumbeat

 

 Father's Day Drumbeat 

 

Me playing around with the goatskin junkanoo drum on Father's Day back in 2019. Tryin' a new rake 'n' scrape beat. My cousin Claudia joined in with a shake dance. lol. We all jus' havin' fun.😊 Nassau, Bahamas. View video.

 

 The Beginning of the End - Funky Nassau album cover 1971

 

 

The Beginning of the End: The Funk Pioneers of The Bahamas

 

Introduction

In the pantheon of Caribbean music, reggae, calypso, and soca have long held dominant positions. However, nestled within the sonic shores of The Bahamas, a unique blend of soul, funk, and island rhythm gave rise to a sound that captivated both local and international audiences in the 1970s. At the heart of this innovation stood The Beginning of the End, a Bahamian funk band formed in 1969, whose energetic grooves and powerful instrumentation brought them a brief but impactful prominence in the global music scene. With their breakout hit "Funky Nassau", they not only carved a space for themselves in music history but also contributed to expanding the possibilities of Caribbean musical identity. This essay provides an in-depth, factual, and comprehensive look at The Beginning of the End—their origins, music, influence, and legacy.

The Silent Takeover: How the Two-Turntable DJ Machine Revolutionized and Ultimately Displaced the Nightclub Band in The Bahamas

 

 "DJ Mix-Master Money" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Silent Takeover: How the Two-Turntable DJ Machine Revolutionized and Ultimately Displaced the Nightclub Band in The Bahamas

For decades, the pulsating heart of Bahamian nightlife was the live band. From the vibrant hotels of Cable Beach to the intimate clubs of downtown Nassau, the sounds of Junkanoo rhythms, calypso, R&B, and pop, expertly performed by local musicians, were synonymous with an evening out. The energy was palpable: the collective improvisation, the dynamic stage presence, and the direct interaction between musicians and audience created an unforgettable experience.

However, a technological and economic shift, spearheaded by the humble two-turntable DJ machine, gradually eroded this tradition, leading to the near extinction of the nightclub band in The Bahamas. This report will delve into the multifaceted reasons behind this decline, examining the inherent challenges of maintaining a live band and the undeniable economic advantages offered by a single DJ.

Limbo: Origins and Evolution in The Bahamas

 "Limbo Dancer" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Limbo: Origins and Evolution in The Bahamas

 

While widely associated with the Caribbean, the origins of limbo dancing, and its specific evolution into nightclub floor shows in The Bahamas, represent a fascinating blend of ancient African traditions and modern entertainment. This essay will delve into the deep roots of limbo, tracing its ceremonial beginnings, its migration and transformation in the West Indies, and its eventual popularization as a staple of Bahamian tourism and nightlife.