Lifestyle

Bahamian Culture: A Reason To Rush 2022

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Family and friends of John “Chippie” Chipman gathered this week to celebrate the icon’s birthday with a cultural celebration honouring him.

Published

2 years ago

October 8, 2022

Jean Joseph

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Bahamians need no reason to pull out the goat skin drums, whistles and cowbells and rush in the streets, but family and friends of John “Chippie” Chipman had a reason to rush, gathered this week to celebrate the icon’s birthday with a cultural celebration honouring him and other legends.

The air is electric as scores of people, many friends and family of the late John Chippie Chipman, gathered at the Chipman Estate on West Bay Street, all for one reason; to celebrate his life and legacy and to ensure that his memory lives on.

The iconic drummer, whose career spanned some 64 years, is a staple name in the Junkanoo and drumming traditions of The Bahamas.

“Chippie” received national and international awards for his contributions to culture, and his family proudly carries on the legacy, entrenched in various aspects of Bahamian entertainment and culture.

Former Member of Parliament for Centerville, Reece Chipman, shares the importance of celebrating his grandfather’s legacy on his birthday.

“This annual event, featuring local entertainers and artisans, is a part of the Chipman family’s efforts to ensure that cultural icons like Chippie and others live on even after they have left us.”

Jameko Dean, a seasoned Junkanoo man enjoying the sights and sounds, says the event is good for our culture.

World-renowned drummer King Errisson, also took part in the festivities and said he owes much of his success to drummers like Chippie and Peanuts Taylor but laments what he calls a lack of representation for Bahamian musicians.

Christian Justilien, Associate Professor at the University of The Bahamas and Leader of Colours Entertainment & Junkanoo Organization, said the country should celebrate the priceless contributions of Bahamians like Chippie and others.

In the grand finale, the electrifying sounds of Colours Entertainment lifted the energy to another level, Chippie no doubt dancing to the beat of the drum in spirit.