PEPPERPOT IS not just a soup. It is also the name of the Jamaica Folk Singers' annual folk fair. The event, which took place at the church hall and grounds of the St. Peter and Paul Church on Saturday, was definitely an affair for the folk as it featured performances by various artistes and traditional food was sold.
While the audience was never very large, many people came for short periods then left and it appeared that it was enjoyed by all. The very signs told you that Jamaican heritage was the order of the day. Varying stalls sported titles such as 'Drinks', 'Bickle' or 'Pickney Sinting' among others. The 'bickle' was especially of the Jamaican variety. Fares such as dukunnu, fritters (stamp and go), bread, banana bread, sweet bread, rum cake, dukunnu, snow cones, pepper pot soup and curry goat and rice. The dukunnu, sold in its banana wrap of course, attracted quite some excitement when it was discovered. Additionally, patrons were kindly informed that only adults would be allowed to purchase the rum cake, it was that potent. Candy and bammy, which were also on sale, were made on-site. Both drew quite a bit of attention especially from the young to whom it was all new. Just the food alone, marked the event as of the 'folk'. Several things were also on sale. These included books, magazines, comics, fresh produce, plants, clothes and a variety of other things. While the selection in all these categories was limited, some great finds were made. This was especially due to the fact that many of the prices were kept in sync with a much older Jamaica. Pieces of clothing were sold for as little as $40 and books could be had for $10.00. With prices like these it was hard to lose.
The highlight of the day, however, were the performances. These were staggered throughout the day, commencing every half and hour and lasting for approximately 15 minutes. Performing groups included the Jamaica Youth Orchestra, a group of young Quadrille dancers from Hayes Primary and Junior High schools, the National Culture Group for the Blind, Kumina drummers - led by King Oliver, and of course, the Jamaica Folk Singers.
The audiences' enjoyment of the various performances was depicted by the speed with which they gathered in the hall as soon as it was evident that a group was performing. The three performances which seemed to be most appreciated were those of the National Culture Group for the Blind and the Kumina drummers. During the culture group's performance, which included singing, drumming and guitars, several small children sat on the floor quietly paying attention. Dr. Olive Lewin later remarked that such behaviour dispelled all myths that the young were uninterested in traditional art forms.
Nonetheless, it was the Kumina drumming that brought the house down. As the drum beats echoed through the room, several persons found themselves simply swept up by the rhythm. Several members of the audience began dancing on the outskirts of the performance before the end of the first number. However, some members of the Jamaica Folk Singers found that simply dancing on the outskirts was not enough and joined the performers in the centre of the room. The audience, which was rapidly becoming a part of the performance, cheered them on, especially when Dr. Lewin started dancing cirles around a 21-year-old member of the Singers.
When King Oliver began drumming, the audience's spirits rose even further and two women joined the drummers, while several others kept time or danced on the outskirts. When the drumming ended, the audience erupted in applause.
The Jamaica Folk Singers ended the day's performances, and singing a well-chosen Alleluia as their finale number, to which the audience chorused 'Amen', bringing the event to a close.
