An important part of Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage is the Traditional Folk Forms, which include several categories such as Maypole, Quadrille, Kumina/Congo, Revival, Ni Night/ Nine-Night, Gerreh, Dinki-Mini, Zella, Tambu, Jonkunnu, Burru Song and Dance, Ettu, Bruckin's Party, and Maroon Dance.
The 2023 staging of the Festival of the Performing Arts National Finals which is open free to the public, has moved into high gear with two days of Traditional Folk Forms performances at the Little Theatre, 4 Tom Redcam Drive, Kingston 5.
The Traditional Folk Forms which many enjoy are indigenous activities preserving Jamaica’s traditional dances which allow Jamaicans to recognize the importance of the rich intangible heritage and historically defined personality of Jamaicans.
A total of 56 entries excelled with a 91% average at the Parish Finals and successfully made it to the National Finals to compete for trophies and other awards in the various categories. 21 groups were awarded trophies while the Best Overall Class and the JCDC 60 Awards were presented respectively.
The Best Overall Performance was awarded to St. Catherine High School while Godfrey Stewart High School secured the JCDC 60 award. Also, the Best Overall Class Awards were presented to:
- Class One: Liguanea Preparatory School
- Class Two: New Hope Primary School
- Class Three: Liberty Learning Centre
- Class Four: New Forest High School
- Class Five: St. Catherine High School
- Class Seven: Godfrey Stewart High School
Nina McCalla, Coordinator of the St. Catherine High School Revival performance shared that it was challenging for the students who had to also attend rehearsals on Saturdays. The students were very engaging and willing to work with the process while making adjustments from the judges' feedback that was given at the Parish Finals.
McCalla also stated that the inspiration behind the performance clarifies the misconception of the folk form and the origins behind Jamaican culture. The piece was to educate students and for them to gain valuable experience in the practice. McCalla is also very pleased with the outcome of the student's performance and that the trophy meant everything to her team while reaping the fruits of their labour.
Lenneth Richards, Traditional Folk Forms Development Specialist at the JCDC shared that the two days of proceedings went smoothly with a total of 1232 participants in attendance. This total represented eight male and 72 female teachers/leaders; 326 male and 836 female participants representing a total of 35 schools and two community groups impacting a total of 318 communities across the island.
“The vast improvement in costume groups was very remarkable at this level and the teachers/leaders are to be commended for their hard work and dedication. Most of the groups maintained the highest standard of performance as they executed the Traditional Folk Forms skills and styles needed for the various categories,” said Richards.
The signature event is organised by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), an agency of the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, and sponsored by Shirley Biscuits.
The National Finals of the Performing Arts will resume on Monday, April 17, and wrap up on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, and will see participants compete in the areas of Speech, Music, Drama, and Dance for the National Title.
