The Jamaica Folk Singers perform at the launch of their CD 'Pepperpot' at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Drive, St. Andrew, last September. - Winston Sill/

Freelance Photographer

The Jamaica Folk Singers turned 40 yesterday. It was on March 15, 1967, that Dr. Olive Lewin's research came to life when the group was formed with only eight members. Today, five of the original members are alive and there are currently four members who have been with the group for over 30 years.

"There is a feeling of pride and accomplishment, as the Jamaica Folk Singers has successfully been fulfilling its mandate to unearth and preserve Jamaica's folk music heritage. Over the past 40 years, Dr. Lewin has unearthed new music, which the group has been sharing with Jamaica and the rest of the world," said Christine MacDonald, the group's musical director.

Touring the island

This year being the 40th anniversary, the group will be going all out. The celebrations will kick off with a thanksgiving service at the Scots Kirk Church in Kingston on Sunday. That will only pave the way for things to come later on in the year. Over a 10-month period, the Jamaica Folk Singers will be touring the island, giving free concerts and other performances in town squares, markets and church halls across Jamaica.

According to MacDonald, the aim is to share the richness, variety and significance of Jamaica's musical heritage with people in every nook and cranny of Jamaica. The tour will also be seeking to reach those who might not have had the opportunity to really experience the nature of Jamaica's folk music heritage.

Love of Jamaica

"It is the love of Jamaica and a sense of loyalty and dedication to the preservation of Jamaica's folk music heritage that keeps keeps the group going. Additionally, we take great pride in sharing the music that has been unearthed and the beautiful arrangements of its founder, Dr. Olive Lewin," MacDonald said.

The years have been good to the singers and, with that in mind, the members will be staging a special benefit concert in May to raise fund for the Sir John Golding Rehabilitation Centre, which was partially destroyed by fire last year.

The Jamaica Folk Singers will be staging its 40th anniversary season at the Little Theatre in September and will make an attempt to increase its list of recordings with the addition of compositions of its founder, Dr. Lewin.

This year will be a year of giving back to Jamaica and its people.

"The group's activities are very relevant today and will continue to be relevant because of the need for people to know about their country and history, and this can help to instil pride," MacDonald said.