The Damaging Impact of Jamaican Culture on The Bahamas

 "Jamaican Influence" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

Yardie Imperialism and the Bahamian Identity Crisis: The Double-Edged Sword of Jamaican Musical Hegemony

Abstract - The cultural relationship between Jamaica and The Bahamas is one of profound intimacy and stark imbalance. For decades, the sonic landscape of The Bahamas has been dominated not by the indigenous rhythms of Rake 'n' Scrape or Goombay, but by the thumping basslines of Jamaican Roots Reggae and Dancehall. While the former provided a shared language of black empowerment and Pan-Africanism, the latter has introduced a set of behavioral norms, linguistic shifts, and social values that arguably threaten the distinct cultural fabric of The Bahamas. This essay examines the mechanisms of this cultural transfer, arguing that the dominance of Jamaican popular culture acts as a form of "soft imperialism" that displaces local identity, fosters imported social pathologies, and relegates authentic Bahamian artistic expression to the margins of its own society.

Foreign Cultural Influence

 

"Stop Twerkin' an' Start Workin'" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

Foreign Cultural Influence

 

Have we noticed that foreign reggae music has infiltrated and become a big part of our Bahamian culture for many years now?

 

There's a Christmas event happening now on the basketball park by me. They started off by playing a half-dozen Bahamian songs then they switched to hardcore dancehall reggae and that's all they've been playin' for the last two hours. How da hell we get like dis an' what could we do 'bout it?

 

Beware of other cultures taking over.

 

Related article: The Damaging Impact of Jamaican Culture on The Bahamas

Related article: Report on Bahamian Culture

Christmas Beat Retreat 2025

 

Christmas Beat Retreat

 

 Theme:

Christmas Past & Present

 

14th December, 2025 at 4:00PM

Rawson Square, Bay Street

Nassau, Bahamas 

A History of Boat Building in The Bahamas and Its Modern Trajectory

 "Bahamian Sloop" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

A History of Boat Building in The Bahamas and Its Modern Trajectory

The Bahamian archipelago, comprising over 700 islands and cays scattered across the western Atlantic, is inherently a maritime nation. From its earliest Lucayan inhabitants to the modern global shipping hub of today, the sea has dictated life, commerce, and communication. Central to this enduring relationship is the craft of boat building, a tradition that evolved from dugout canoes into sophisticated sailing vessels, serving as the economic engine and cultural backbone of the Out Islands for centuries. The history of Bahamian boat building is a chronicle of adaptation, resilience, and masterful use of indigenous materials, leading to a modern industry that balances tradition with global demand.

Harbour Is. Junkanoo Parade Number Picking

 

Harbour Is. Junkanoo Committee

proudly presents

 

BOXING DAY JUNKANOO PARADE NUMBER PICKING

Saturday, Nov. 29th, 2025

at 12:00 noon 

At the Fig Tree, Bay St.

Harbour Is., Eleuthera 

 

Junkanoo Rushout at 7PM

Music, Food and Drinks on Sale

Come out and support 

St. Saviour's Parish: Grill Out/Raffle Drawing

 St. Saviour's Parish: Grill Out/Raffle Drawing

 

28th November 2025

Arthur's Town Community Park

Cat Island, Bahamas

3PM Until

 

Come and chill with us. 

Carlito Catalano's "Homeward" Journey

Shirley Hall Bass Foundation

Professional Training & Cultural Exchange

 

 Our son Carlito Catalano

We're all proud of you Lee 😊 

 

Carlito Catalano's "Homeward" Journey

A Cross-Cultural Artistic Achievement

Carlito Catalano, a dedicated Bahamian dancer specializing in Odissi classical Indian dance, recently completed a transformative artistic journey with his performance at the University of Chicago's Logan Center. His three-part collaboration with Mandala Arts Chicago explored themes of slavery, migration, and civil rights through the powerful lens of cross-cultural dance. Read full story>

 

More posts about Carlito

Guy Fawkes: The Man Behind the Gunpowder Plot and His Legacy

 

 "Guy Fawkes" - Bahamas AI art
©A. Derek Catalano

 

Guy Fawkes: The Man Behind the Gunpowder Plot and His Legacy

Introduction: Who Was Guy Fawkes?

Guy Fawkes is a name forever etched in the annals of British history as one of the central figures in the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Born on April 13, 1570, in York, England, Fawkes grew up during a period of intense religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants in England. A devout Catholic, Fawkes became deeply disillusioned with the Protestant rule of King James I and took part in the Gunpowder Plot, a failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament and assassinate the king.

Though his mission was unsuccessful, Fawkes' actions left an indelible mark on British history and culture. His legacy is still remembered annually on Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, celebrated on November 5th. This event commemorates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot and the survival of King James I. However, this tale of treason and rebellion has also spread beyond British borders, influencing various cultures—including in The Bahamas, where Guy Fawkes is remembered in a unique and lively fashion. Read full article>

 

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. 

The Bible and AI

 

 "The Bible and AI" - Bahamas AI Art

©A. Derek Catalano

 

 The Bible and AI

What does the Bible have to say about artificial intelligence?

The Bible does not mention "artificial intelligence" directly, as it is a modern concept. However, biblical scholars and theologians apply timeless scriptural principles to understand and evaluate this new technology, primarily drawing on themes related to creation, human nature, stewardship, wisdom, and idolatry.

Here are the key principles and relevant biblical themes often discussed in relation to AI:

 

 

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

The Detrimental Effects of Keeping a Mistress

 

"Divorce Court" - Bahamas AI Art

 ©A. Derek Catalano

 

 

The Detrimental Effects of Keeping a Mistress

In the tapestry of human relationships, the institution of marriage and committed partnerships is often viewed as a cornerstone of social and emotional stability. However, this foundation can be profoundly undermined by infidelity, a particularly damaging form of which is the maintenance of a mistress. Unlike a fleeting dalliance, this arrangement involves a sustained, secondary relationship that exists in direct conflict with the primary commitment. The act of keeping a mistress is far from a victimless indulgence; it initiates a cascade of destructive consequences that inflict significant psychological, emotional, and social damage upon all parties involved, ultimately leading to the erosion of trust, the fracturing of families, and the degradation of personal integrity.

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.