Voices of San Andres
Beyond the Beaches: Discovering the Heart of San Andres Island
San Andres, is steeped in a rich tapestry of history and culture, woven by its resilient Raizales community. Descendants of African slaves, British colonists, and Indigenous peoples, the Raizales have forged a unique identity, blending African, Caribbean, and European influences.
Their history traces back to the arrival of African slaves brought to the island by British colonizers in the 17th century. Over time, these enslaved Africans intermingled with Indigenous peoples, primarily the Miskito and Sumu, creating a distinct cultural fusion.
Despite facing adversity, including colonisation and displacement, the Raizal people have preserved their heritage through music, dance, language, and cuisine. Traditional music such as soca, reggae, and calypso resonate through the streets, celebrating their cultural resilience.
Reggae, with its roots deeply embedded in Jamaican culture, holds a special place in the hearts of the Raizal people. Its rhythms and lyrics serve as a powerful expression of their struggles and triumphs, embodying the spirit of resilience and hope.
Today, the Raizal community continues to thrive, honoring their past while embracing modernity. Through grassroots initiatives and cultural preservation efforts, they strive to ensure that future generations cherish and celebrate their unique heritage, making San Andres a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and reggae rhythms.
Redemption Song on the Beach
When we heard Arkal’s voice during Caribbean night, we knew we had to hear her sing again. We asked her to sing Redemption Song for us on the beach of San Andres and she graciously agreed and came down to sing for us that very day. Redemption Song is a special song. Bob Marley in general is known for his happy music. But at the same time his lyrics address very serious topics. It conveys the culture of the Raizal people in San Andres. Just two days before this recording a local bus crash and killed two people. Almost everyone on the island knew the victim and as Arkal and her mother came down to meet us they were dressed in black. They had just been at a funeral. But in Raizal culture, death is not seen as the end of life. It’s seen as a transition that needs to be mourned as well as celebrated. And that’s why music is so important to the island of San Andres. And that is why the music while describing hard topics, can still be happy. Today’s world is full of suffering. Wars, famine, injustice, abuse are present everywhere. Yet we need to continue to believe and maintain hope that a better world is possible. That is why music is important. And that is what Bob Marley left us with. Music gives freedom as Bob Marley points out in Redemption Song. And we have to free ourselves from mental slavery. Because none not ourselves can free our mind.
Dis Dih Fa Wi Island - 2Fayah Bon
Jahman Mitchell Hooker is one of the island's young musical talents, making sure the island's traditional music will be preserved in the future. At only fifteen years old, Jah is a multi-instrumentalist along with playing instruments such as the guitar, piano, Horse Jawbone, Mandolin, and the bass guitar, he also sings. We are honoured to record Jah's first official song: Dis Dih Fah Wii Island. The song called "this is my island" conveys a pride that even the youth have for their home. Jah composed and played all the instruments. His friend Joash Vega Vélez helped performed on the song on vocals and the Horse Jawbone.
Live Reggae in San Andres
Every Friday night Job Saab Farm hosts Caribbean Night, where local artists entertain the audience with reggae music. We were honored to visit and record one of these nights that was dedicated to Bob Marley.