International Conch Recording Artist

Today, we were gifted the chance to record an album of the music we had learned during our stay. Our teacher, Emmeth, came up from Punta Gorda to Hopkins to play with us, and it was definitely an experience to remember. We first recorded all of the songs that we learned from our stay with him, including Sambai, Brukdong, and Kunji. Kunji and Sambai featured all of us playing Sambai drums, taking turns singing various Kriol songs, and Mike playing shakers. Brukdong was my personal favorite, which alongside drums and shakers featured some conch shell magic from yours truly (I am far too excited to add “international conch recording artist” to my resume).

Next, we began to record our Garifuna songs. On Paranda, I played the Segunda drum and certainly got my workout in. For Punta and Hughug I played a primero drum. Our Garifuna teacher Warren showed us variations on each lead part to “spice up” the song, and would give us calls throughout the songs to let us know when to throw in the variation. He would also call out at the very end so that we would play a synchronized ending pattern together.



Lastly, we had the chance to record a vocal track, on which we sang the Paul Nabor song “Naguya Nei.” The song is written by a man who is passing on, and wants to make sure that there would be a band at his funeral. The song has a sweet melody that I constantly find myself singing. By the end of this recording session we were all dripping with sweat but had a blast regardless! This was an experience I never thought I’d have but I am so blessed to have had this opportunity. Our time here is coming to a close and it is so bittersweet!

Guest Post By: Jamie Hall
West Virginia University