Musical Insider: A Look Into Bahamian Folk Music
Introduction: The genre I have chosen to explore is Bahamian folk music/Goombay. Many of you likely grew up hearing different versions of the songs that will be featured in this playlist or listening to your parents sing them. Folk music is typically passed down through generations by ear rather than through written notation. Bahamian folk music is deeply rooted in African rhythms, drumming, and call-and-response singing, which provide strong percussive and communal elements.
European influences, such as hymns and sea shanties brought by British settlers, have also shaped its melodic and lyrical aspects. Furthermore, Caribbean rhythms from neighboring islands like Jamaica and Trinidad have added to its vibrant and diverse sound, creating a unique musical fusion that reflects the rich cultural heritage of The Bahamas.
Compiling this playlist has been a nostalgic experience for me, and I hope to share those warm feelings with you as you listen.
Playlist
Our first song in this playlist is Uncle Lou by George Symonette, a lively and humorous tale about Uncle Lou’s misadventure of falling down a well. This upbeat track captures the joyful essence of Bahamian folk music with its infectious goombay/calypso style. Driven by steady, syncopated piano chords, the song’s bouncy rhythm invites movement and dancing. Symonette’s charismatic, storytelling vocal delivery enhances the playful, almost conversational tone, bringing the lyrics to life. The melody is simple and catchy, making it easy to sing along, while light percussion elements, such as maracas and a bass drum, provide a steady and engaging groove.
Our second track is one of my personal favorites, Bangalee by Charlie Adamson. This lively and rhythmic song tells the story of a man who falls head over heels for a beautiful woman, completely enchanted by her charm and allure. However, his joy quickly turns to heartbreak when he discovers that she has been unfaithful. The lyrics vividly capture the emotional rollercoaster of love and betrayal, blending humor with a touch of melancholy. Set against an infectious, danceable melody, the song’s upbeat energy contrasts with its bittersweet theme, a hallmark of Bahamian goombay music. Through its engaging storytelling and call-and-response style, Bangalee invites listeners to feel both the excitement of new love and the sting of deception, all wrapped in a tune that’s impossible to forget.
As someone who was originally from Bain Town, the next song hits very close to home. Bain Town Woman by Pat Rahming is a lively and colorful track that captures the fierce, unshakeable spirit of the women from this iconic neighborhood in Nassau. The song is all about how it’s best not to cross a Bain Town woman, with lyrics that mix humor and respect for their strength and determination. Musically, the song carries a contagious energy, driven by a steady rhythm and sharp, percussive beats. The guitar strums are vibrant and syncopated. The percussion is tight and crisp, with an upbeat, almost swinging feel that keeps the momentum going. Rahming’s voice is both playful and commanding, perfectly matching the tone of the song’s story.
Our next song has gained significant popularity after being featured in the highly acclaimed film NOPE. Exuma, The Obeah Man by Exuma is a haunting track that explores Caribbean mysticism and folklore. As a lover of horror when I heard the song in the film I was very excited, it is not often that our music is heard in mainstream media. Driven by rhythmic percussion and hypnotic chants, the song introduces the Obeah man, a spiritual figure connected to the supernatural. Exuma’s powerful, almost ritualistic vocals and the trance-like melody create an immersive atmosphere, blending traditional instruments with modern electric guitar. The song transports listeners into a world of mysticism, embodying the deep spiritual connection to the unseen forces of the universe.
Our final song is also quite popular, as it was famously remade by The Beach Boys. Sloop John B, performed by George Symonette, is a beloved Bahamian folk song that captures the essence of island life with its catchy melody and vivid storytelling. The song tells the tale of a sailor's troubled voyage aboard the Sloop John B, a traditional wooden boat, as he faces various misadventures and longing for home. Symonette’s rendition remains deeply rooted in Bahamian musical traditions, and his laid-back yet expressive vocal style brings the song's story to life. Musically, Sloop John B carries the rhythmic pulse of goombay, a style that is rich in syncopated beats and driven by traditional percussion. The gentle strumming of the guitar and the subtle percussion create an easygoing, beachy atmosphere, perfectly capturing the calm yet bittersweet mood of the song. Symonette’s voice flows smoothly, delivering the song's narrative with warmth and nostalgia, drawing listeners into the journey of the sailor who longs to return home.
Folkways. (n.d.). Explore. Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. https://folkways.si.edu/islands-song-bahamas/world-sacred/music/article/smithsonian
Music. Grand Bahama Museum. (n.d.). https://www.grandbahamamuseum.org/exhibits/culture/music?utm_source
Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, October 26). Music of the Bahamas. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_the_Bahamas
