DEATH OBSERVANCES IN

JAMAICA

Focus: DINKI MINI

Presenter:

Lenneth Richards
Specialist - Traditional Folk Forms
Programmes Department

February 5, 2015
TRADITIONAL FOLK FORMS
Over two centuries ago the people who
inhabited Jamaica, involved themselves in
several practices of recreation, celebration
and worship. Most of these practices have
been retained by each generation that
followed and although some amount of
alteration may have occurred over the vast
period, the fact that they are still being
observed is a testimony of their value and
importance to our society.
TRADITIONAL FOLK FORMS

Having been retained over these

years as regular practices among our
people, we refer to them as
“Traditional Folk Forms with the core
of these Forms being identified as our
“Death Observances”.
 DEATH OBSERVANCES
THESE FORMS GIVES US THE HISTORY OF OUR
ANCESTORS:

Where they came from

Their music (Songs, instruments etc.)

How they Moved

The way they Dressed

The food they ate

Beliefs and Practices

 DEATH OBSERVANCES

DEATH OBSERVANCES are held to

cheer the bereaved family and are
generally of a lively nature.
FORMS PARISHES
TRADITIONAL FOLK FORMS
OUR FOLK FORMS ARE ESSENTIALLY AFRICAN AND “AFRICA
HAS BUT ONE ART”

It serves to transmit knowledge from generation to generation

It unifies a people

It gives to education meaning value and a specific vision

It promotes cultural identity and the affirmation of our own values

It allows us to rediscover the value considered as indigenous which

historically define the personality of a people
TRADITIONAL INSTRUMENTS

Kerosene Tin

BENTA
 INSTRUMENTS CONT.

Grater

Maracas/Shakas
 REVIVAL DRUMS

Bass Drum

Rattle Drum

Sticks
KUMINA DRUMS
Kbandu Playing Cast
 DINKI MINI SONGS
MADA MAC
Gee Oh mi Mada Mac
Gee Oh John Tom (rept.)
Mada Mac mi back
Gee Oh John Tom
Whata helaba nack
Gee Oh John Tom
Rite enna mi back
Gee Oh John Tom
Dem yuh wheel an leggo
Gee Oh John Tom
Den yuh pick yuh damas
Gee Oh John Tom
Den yuh dub yuh damas
Gee Oh John Tom
Den yuh rub yuh damas
Gee Oh John Tom
DINKI MINI SONGS CONT.
HELL DUNG A YARD OH

Hell dung a yard oh

Hell dung a yard (rept.)
Mi write mi love letter
Hell dung a yard
Mi put eeh pon de table
Hell dung a yard
Mi madda come read yi
Hell dung a yard
Mi sister come read yi
THANK YOU