Cat Island Rake ‘n’ Scrape Recaptures Hearts

Cat Island

Rake ‘n’ Scrape

Recaptures Hearts

Blaudy at the Festival

After a two-year hiatus, many Bahamians were overjoyed when Prime Minister Philip Davis announced that the Cat Island Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival would return, and the festival was well worth the wait. Cat Island Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival is held every year during the Labour Day weekend in Arthur’s Town. It is one of the most authentic Bahamian festivals because it spotlights rake ‘n’ scrape—the heart and soul of Bahamian music.

Rake ‘n’ scrape was coined by the late Sir Charles Carter during the 1960s. It is unlike any other music in the world because the saw is used as a musical instrument along with the accordion and drums.

According to past President of the Cat Island Rake ‘n’ Scrape Association Sidney Issacs, the music dates to slavery times.

He noted the Stubbs family in Cat Island has kept the tradition alive, along with others.

Isaacs said the melodious music of rake ‘n’ scrape became popular as it travelled throughout many local clubs in Nassau.

“These persons kept the music alive. But one of the Bahamian artists who synthesized the music would be the late Ronnie Butler and, so, we owe a great debt to him,” Isaacs said in an interview.

The festival is an all-Bahamian concert and features the battle of the rake ‘n’ scrape bands, quadrille dancing, down home Bahamian food and eye-catching arts and craft.

Some of the noted artists featured at this year’s festival held June 2-6 included Ira Storr, Fanshawn, Ebony, Elon Moxey, Blaudy, Bo Hog and the Rooters, Geno D, Jammin Rahming, Lassido Boys, Ophie and the Websites, Papa Smurf, Veronica Bishop and Yogi.

Prime Minister Davis, who is a proud son of Cat Island, was elated to open the festival officially.

“I want to welcome each and every one of you to the restart of festivals and I want you to enjoy yourself, and that we are coming together as we are does something for all of us,” he said.

“Festivals are key to showcasing our culture. The Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival is a staple for Cat Island and I am so happy that we are back face to face to be able to share what we have with the world.”

Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Clay Sweeting, who is responsible for festivals and homecomings, said it was an honour to have Cat Island lead the reopening of festivals in the country.

“It’s an honour to be here to experience the culture of the Rake ‘N’ Scrape Festival and to be here with Bahamians, and with persons from abroad who have travelled so far to engage in what we are as a people,” he said. “Festivals amplify our culture and enhance the economies throughout the Family Islands and we are honoured to show our support.”

Angelique McKay, responsible for the portfolio for homecomings and festivals within the Ministry of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, also shared her excitement for the festival.

By Kendea Smith Photographs Courtesy Of Kemuel L Stubbs

Fanshawn at the Festival

“The Rake ‘n’ Scrape Festival is one of those signature festivals for the country and this festival draws so many persons – Bahamians from Cat Island, lovers of Bahamian culture and rake ‘n’ scrape music flock to the island. Domestic tourism is through the roof, and it is something that we realize is needed in the Family Islands. We are in the process of trying to empower Family Island persons to add additional festivals to their island,” she said.

There are over 80 festivals and homecomings on an annual basis.

“We do have the capacity to add more,” McKay added. “We’re going to be doing workshops to assist them in best practices for festival development and I have whispered in the minister and prime minister’s ears to make The Bahamas the boutique festival capital of the world based on the number of festivals that we do have.”

There were numerous ways for people to get to Cat Island and many of the hotels were at capacity.

Charmaine Ferguson, who flew from New Providence, told Up and Away what the festival means to her.

“I love to hear authentic Bahamian music and the food is always good. I am just happy to be here with friends,” she said.

Christopher Fountain, who travelled from Eleuthera, also spoke about his enjoyment at the festival.

“It’s amazing and I just love the vibe I get whenever I come to this festival,” he said. “I have been coming for many years and I know that I always enjoy myself. I plan on coming every year.” UA

Performers at the Festival Performers at the Festival