|
Music
St. Lucia’s musical expressions came about in 1969 when a group of St. Lucian folk enthusiasts namely, Charles Cadet, Eric Brandford, and Primrose Bledman, rediscovered the folk songs of St. Lucia in preparation for a national presentation at the 1969 Expo in Grenada and the 1973 Carifesta in Guyana. Two folk groups emerged both paving the way in promoting and developing the folk music of St. Lucia. The Helenites group was led by Clement Springer and The Hewanorra Voices was guided by Joyce Auguste who is regarded as the individual who pioneered the introduction of folk music in St. Lucia’s school system.
Joyce Auguste leadership as Music Supervisor for School during 1970 resulted in the inclusion of folk music in the school educational programmes through a number of activities including folk singing. Two of her colleagues namely Ronald “Boo” Hinkson and David “Dave” Samuels, both musicians assisted her immensely in the accompaniment at the schools in folk singing.
 Ronald “Boo” Hinkson was instrumental in the development of one of the island’s favourite and popular band called the Tru Tones which produced a number of Caribbean tunes and made international performances including their 1979 performance at Superbowl 13. Ronald Hinkson, now an independent artist, is now regarded as St. Lucia’s highly acclaimed guitarist in the Rhythm and Blues and Jazz arena, making numerous appearances at Jazz Festivals and other international festivals.
|
