Kumina CD launched

- Winston Sill

King Baucho (centre), Jamaica's King Of Kumina, performs "Mi Little But Mi Tallawah", the title track from his CD, the first authentic Kumina CD recording, during his album launch at the Hilton Hotel poolside on Wednesday. The album features seven tracks performed in the Kicongo language of the Kumina people, and was launched as part of International Reggae Day celebrations. King Baucho chanted alongside drummers from the Kikong Kumina Band (left), with the Jah Bless Sisters dancing and singing harmonies.

HE STORMED onto the stage, drum in hand, and from the first sound of his chant, the poolside stage at the Hilton Kingston erupted with dancing drummers pounding and dancing girls echoing the electrifying passion of his songs.

He is King Baucho, Jamaica's King of Kumina, performing at the launching of his album, Kumina - Mi Little But Mi Tallawah, the first authentic Kumina CD recording. The album, launched during celebrations leading up to International Reggae Day, Sunday July 1, features seven tracks traditionally performed by original Kumina practitioners in the Kicongo chants, the language spoken by our African ancestors and the Kumina people of Jamaica.

"It has been a part of my life, even before I was born. My mother danced Kumina with me in her belly, even the day before giving birth - I had no choice but to follow the tradition," he joked, while resting after his dynamic performance.

Relaxed and unassuming off-stage, King Baucho is a vibrant, breathtaking and spirited spiritual performer while doing his chants. He told The Sunday Gleaner that he started playing drums at age three, and was crowned Kumina Prince at age seven, while growing up and going to school in Trench Town.

When asked why he has decided to record his music for the mainstream market, he said that he has always wanted to do something to give the music more exposure.

"I have listened to mainstream music changing from acoustic sounds to computer generated patterns, and if you listen closely to the dancehall beats you will still find the roots of Kumina drumming in the rhythms." he observed.

He pointed out that strong Kumina drums have always been hidden in reggae music sounds, and forms the basis of modern music today. "Even when dancehall musicians started to "mix" the music (one drop and two beat) to create vibes when performing on stage, they created a popular beat pattern that Kumina drummers have been playing and chanting to for years," he said.

He said that changes on the music scene inspired him to record, something he has wanted to do for years. He believes that the climate is right, as musicians and artistes are experimenting and adding new sounds and patterns to their music.

"Many people don't understand Kumina, and so they may disrespect it. I think it is my calling to bring it to the public on a different level. More people will understand if they listen - but I need to get them to listen, so they will understand."

King Baucho has played his music alongside the Caribbean's leading dance company, L'Acadco - A United Caribbean Dance Force, which has given him national and international exposure. Most international audiences, he said, respond well and show interest in his work.

He disclosed that his focus will now be on the promotion of his album, hopefully through bookings and shows. "Jampro has been very helpful in this album. Now, I hope to get show promoters interested. That's why I am a solo artiste and not tied to a Kumina group; so that I can be treated like a regular performing artiste."

King Baucho left Jamaica on Friday for Italy, where he will perform during the Italian Reggae Sunsplash, and then it will be off to England, as part of a performance with the L'Acadco group.

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