Garifuna Drumming
Paint, Plywood, and Paranda
Drumming is just one of the tangible elements of the Garifuna culture.
Periodically, a talented, Garifuna youth group or our friends at the Warasa Drum School join us at Hickatee Cottages for some live entertainment – drumming, dancing, singing and an introduction to the Garifuna culture. It’s not a staged performance, much more of an ‘audience participation’ type affair – although there’s no pressure to try your hand at drumming.
If you are interested in experiencing Garifuna drumming while staying at Hickatee Cottages, please inquire with management.
Garifuna music is filled with anecdotes and stories that provide a fascinating insight into the Garifuna culture – a culture which was little known outside of the region until recently, but one which is now recognized by UNESCO as a “masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity”.
Local drummers showcase the traditional Garifuna rhythms, singing, dancing, and perhaps give you a chance to master at least one of the six traditional Garifuna beats, breaking down the rhythms into easy learning stages.
The drums themselves are a labor of love, hollowed out from cedar, mahogany or yemeri logs, topped with deer skin held in place by vines, and a wire or string snare to intensify the sound.
Showcasing A Garifuna Drum Restoration
Hickatee Cottages has had the honor of owning a Garifuna drum from locally owned Warasa Drum School. This bass drum, made from yemeri wood, was first crafted in 2011 by Ronald Ray McDonald (“Ray”) and his father, Mario McDonald. The drum soon became a treasured piece of Hickatee Cottages. From that moment, our Cultural Night (previously known as Warasa Wednesdays) would begin.
On Wednesday evenings, a life of culture, fun and music has radiated from Hickatee Cottages verandah. Guests gather around to learn about the Garifuna language, culture, and beautiful renditions that Ray so eloquently performs. Ray would sit behind his primero drum (a much smaller drum) and ask guests to join in by playing on Hickatee’s bass drum. From there, Ray would drum along and sing classic Garifuna songs with perfect rhythm and beat.
Fast forward a decade, father-son McDonald team have given new life to the Hickatee Cottages Garifuna drum.
We are proud to showcase this restoration process and final masterpiece with you through a series of photos and videos below.
Restoration Process
Bringing It Back to Life
