Kingston, Jamaica- The Chinese Benevolent Association in Kingston was transformed into a bustling musical hub on Thursday, May 9, 2024, as the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) hosted Drum Fest. The venue hummed with activity as drummers of all ages adorned in colourful costumes filled the space. Drums decorated nearly every corner, contributing to the vibrant ambiance. Despite the cloudy weather and the deep sense of competition, anticipation electrified the atmosphere, providing the perfect setting for the captivating performances on display.

 

A beaming Avory Crooks-Campbell, Music Development Specialist at the JCDC expressed pride in the event's success. "I am proud of the high caliber of performances we showcased at Drum Fest this year. It was a rich celebration of Jamaica's musical heritage and highlighted our talented young performers, filling us with confidence that the future of drumming in our Island home is indeed secure. Most satisfying was the enthusiasm of the youngsters, displaying an eagerness to play their part in preserving our vibrant culture through the universal language of percussion music." she remarked.

 

Drum Fest, a highlight of the JCDC’s annual Festival of the Performing Arts Competition exclusively showcases percussion performances, captivating the audience with a blend of Jamaican and international drumming rhythms performed by over 50 parish gold medalists from across the island.

 

Brenda G Peart, a popular content creator from Jamaica now based in Charleston, USA, was present and could hardly contain her excitement. She shared, “I'm not even sure where in the USA I could experience this... Perhaps in New York or Atlanta, where they have extensive dance companies, but those are typically West African-based. However, in terms of the diaspora, this is unique. I can only experience this here—especially a percussion performance featuring different genres.”

Peart also expressed fascination with the event's production and the abundance of drums in the venue. "I cannot count how many drums are in this place. I am in awe". She also highlighted the increased participation of girls in the competition. "Girls aren't just playing the djembe. There were all-girl ensembles, girls leading, setting the pace, and laying the foundation of the sound. I am a happy camper. Big up the JCDC!"

 

Performers Eden-Jae Watson and Abigail Julal from St. Andrew High School for Girls also noted the positive representation of females in drumming. Their award-winning rendition of 'Drummer Girls,' in Class 4 of the Jamaican Traditional Drum Ensemble category, highlighted the growing presence of girls in traditionally male-dominated categories.

Kyle Chin, who stumbled upon the event while attending martial arts training at the venue, praised the performers for their skill and coordination. Reflecting on his experience, he mentioned, "I came upstairs after training and witnessed the fantastic performances. I particularly enjoyed the presentation by St. Catherine High School. The synchronicity and collective musical performance were truly amazing."

Drum Fest marked the culmination of the Festival of the Performing Arts National Finals, which ran from Tuesday, April 16 to Thursday, May 9; 2024.Throughout this period, the National Finals provided a platform for Jamaicans from diverse backgrounds to showcase their exceptional talents across various artistic disciplines, including Traditional Folk Forms, Drama and Theatre Arts, Speech, Dance, and Music.