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Our People: Tony McKay

THE BAHAMAS – McFarlane Gregory Anthony Mackey, better known as Tony McKay or Exuma is one of the most memorable Bahamian musicians of his time.

Published

10 months ago

July 4, 2023

Our News

THE BAHAMAS – McFarlane Gregory Anthony Mackey, better known as Tony McKay or Exuma is one of the most memorable Bahamian musicians of his time.

He passed away on January 25th,1997 of a heart attack at his home on Canaan Lane.

His songs both inspired and taught us how to appreciate all things Bahamian, such as fishing on the rock, ring play and our national carnival Junkanoo. Simple things that can be overlooked or forgotten.

Exuma represented the Bahamian spirit whenever he took the stage with his foot stomping, and heart pounding melodies that echoed to the ears of hundreds of Bahamian listeners.

Born on February 18th 1942, his mother took him at the age of two and sailed from his Cat Island birthplace to their new home on Canaan Lane in Nassau.

Exuma enjoyed many aspects of the Bahamian life, and his music ‘Brown Girl in the Ring’, ‘Cat Island Rake ‘n’ Scrape Band’, and ‘Bam Bam’ are a few of his many music titles that truly captures how we live and what we do as a nation.

Tony McCay majored in architecture and spent time in The Bahamas Audit Department, but found his calling as an entertainer and songwriter. He also created work displayed in galleries in South Florida. Some of those works are found on his album covers.

His style of dress was always eye-catching with a staple large straw hat with feathers, sometime barebacked, always colorful, with ribbons fluttering and unusual neck trinkets that jangled in rhythm with the tapping of his boots.

His travels took him to places like Russia, Scandinavia, Brazil, Venezuela, and countless other countries. Whether it was his debut at Cafe Wha in 1962 or his New Orleans Jazz Festival appearance, Exuma became popular over his 12 consecutive years gaining a large audience and following.

Although he had great thrills from journey and living in different areas, he was always inspired to write about home. His music was captivating, coming deep from within his heart and reached thousands of listeners.

Exuma’s memory was honored by thousands of friends and family. Junkanooers from all around rushed from the church to the burial ground where he was laid to rest to remember this great Bahamian.