- CONTRIBUTED
This drummer was among many persons who journeyed to Portland recently for the staging of 'Fi Wi Sinting', the annual arts and cultural festival held to celebrate Black History Month.
Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
WHILE SOME might argue the merits of celebrating Black History Month in Jamaica, it would have been impossible to argue the value of celebrating Jamaica's folk history in any given month at the annual festival dubbed 'Fi Wi Sinting'.
The festival took place at Nature's Way in Portland last week and brought together various elements of Jamaica's artistic heritage. The festival remains a kind of cultural 'run dung', bringing in various elements of the island's culture into one pot, from which patrons can choose to sample or attempt to devour it all.
The grounds were populated by various bands playing kumina, nyabinghi, mento and a medley of other folk rhythms. Jonkunnu bands danced across the grounds frightening and/or dancing and playing with women and small children,
creating both screams of delight and fear in their wake.
PICTURE OF SERENITY
Nature's Way is almost completely surrounded by water and it was, prior to Hurricane Ivan, a haven of guava trees. The trees are fewer now, and the river is disturbingly covered in algae but, nonetheless, the place is a picture of serenity, which was enhanced by the semi-cloudy weather which kept it from being too hot.
Various stalls fill the grounds. One aisle is dedicated to food most of which are of the vegetarian variety. One stall offers 'sunfried' (i.e., uncooked) meals while another proffers 'ital' offerings. Chicken and fish are the only meats allowed.
The items of clothing on sale are less impressive than those offered last year, but there is still a variety of clothing ranging from crotched items to African garb and numerous scarves and hats. Jewellery also abounds, and plants, art and furniture are also available.
STORYTELLING
The bottom half of the grounds is dominated by the sound of Mutabaruka on the wheels of steel with the sounds of Africa. At the other end, however, live bands reign and later they would be joined by of Amina Blackwood Meeks and poetry from various quarters.
Though there are no electric lights not even the onset of night brings the performances to a premature end, and performers such as LSX performed in thick darkness, relying on the strength of their poetry to carry them across.
The stage element of the performance which takes over in the evening also featured the poetry of Yasus Afari and a demonstration of the dance Zella by the Charles Town Maroons.
'Fi Wi Sinting's' strength remains the varied nature of its offerings. Spread out across grounds which the growing audience seems bent on outstripping it offers a feast for those who love to dine of the traditional performances. And for those who simply enjoy much of their time in a tent or sitting by the river, it also provides a great space to just do nothing.
