Music, History bring Drum and Dance Troupe to Nova Scotia
The Charles Town Maroon Drummers and Dancers are bringing their unique spirit to Nova Scotia, a province with which they share historical ties.
The troupe will headline three concerts and hold drum workshops in Halifax Regional Municipality from Aug. 6 to 10.
"Many Nova Scotians don't know that we have Maroon descendants here in the province today," said Percy Paris, Minister of African Nova Scotian Affairs. "We look forward to welcoming this group from Charles Town, Jamaica."
Formerly enslaved by the Spanish, the Jamaican Maroons battled their British colonizers for 140 years. Defeated in 1796, 600 were exiled to Nova Scotia. They worked on Citadel Hill, but many left for Sierra Leone, Africa after four years because of the province's harsh winters.
The highly acclaimed troupe was formed by Col. Frank Lumsden, elected chief of the Maroon settlement of Charles Town, one of four major Maroon settlements in Jamaica.
Starting in his small community, Col. Lumsden encouraged residents to participate in traditional celebrations to ensure Maroon culture was passed on to future generations. Since 2003, the group's goal has been to preserve, showcase and celebrate its centuries-old musical heritage and culture to the world.
"It is a form of communication that has withstood centuries of slavery and attests to the dedication and respect Maroons have for their culture," said Col. Lumsden.
"Making these types of international connections is important to the African Nova Scotian community," said Mr. Paris. "It deepens our roots and provides answers to historical questions. It also deepens the history of this culturally rich province, while highlighting the contributions of African Nova Scotians."
The Charles Town Maroon Drummers and Dancers will headline a series of concerts in metro with special local guests including poet laureate Shauntay Grant and the jazz ensemble of Harvey Millar and b-sharp.
For concerts listings, visit the African Nova Scotian Affairs website at www.gov.ns.ca/ansa .