The Harquail Theatre stage was transformed into a scene of old-time communal life as the Cayman Islands Folk Singers took audiences on a musical and storytelling journey.
Held on 18 and 19 Oct., the two-hour performances of ‘Echoes of our Islands: A Journey through Caymanian Heritage’ featured singers bringing audience members back to a generational gathering at a yard, to sing and dance, and share experiences, seasons in Cayman and lessons of the past.
In describing the set, the programme for the show stated, “The yard is more than a physical space, it’s the heart of the home, where stories are passed down, traditions are kept alive, and the community gathers for music, food and storytelling.”
It added, “The yard becomes the anchor for these memories and shared experiences, embodying the warmth and resilience of Caymanian life.”
Performers reflected on the days of the prevalence of mosquitoes, family matriarchs, household and social life, Caymanian men going to sea for turtling or fishing, surviving hurricane season, brotherhood, traditional food and drink, Christmas, Cayman’s Christian values and church-going tradition, romance, conflicts, bonds and gossip.
The 29 members of the traditional folk-singing group, along with its live band, performed their most popular songs, including ‘Chip up Potato’, ‘Munzie Boat in the Sound’, ‘Cayman Moon’, ‘Rice and Beans’, ‘Uncle Popo’, ‘Bring Me Little Water’, and ‘The Turtlers Song’. The group also performed their newest song, ‘Weh Ya Was Last Night’.
In addition, the singers brought Christmas to October with a holiday medley.
Between the scenes, attendees were also treated to poetry by local artist Annikki Hill who shared pieces from her first book, ‘Signs of Us‘. Members of the Radiance Dance Group also entertained the crowd with several traditional performances.
At the end of the programme, the singers stood together to perform their most popular song, ‘Come Back Home’, which received resounding applause from the audience.
Minister for Heritage Isaac Rankine, who attended the show, said the performances were “not only about having fun, it’s also an opportunity to embrace who we are as a people. One of the reasons I support the Cayman Islands Folk Singers is because they are keeping our heritage alive through song and dance and ensuring that we all know ‘Weh We From’.”
Ventisha Conolly, manager of the Folk Singers, noted in her opening remarks, “By the time you gather for the 2025 concert, we will have several new traditional songs to share.”
Conolly also confirmed with the Compass that the group will be travelling to London next month to perform at the UK Cayman Day event.
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