National

Secrets of the Backline Leaders

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Music is an important part of the Junkanoo experience. During each parade the backline section makes sure viewers feel the rhythm.

Published

2 years ago

December 15, 2022

Kristina Dragovich

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Music is an important part of the Junkanoo experience. During each parade the backline section makes sure viewers feel the rhythm.

You hear it from miles away. The hum of the distant goat skin drum. Darkness falls in the capital and the beat of the distant drum signals that Junkanoo practice is underway… somewhere.

The rhythm carries through the night, so no matter where you are, you can feel Junkanoo in your spirit.

The tricks, feathers and Junkanoo dancers are the icing on the cake, but the backline leaders we spoke to say their section is the heart – the pulse of Junkanoo.

You may recognize Ramon Miller as one of the country’s Golden Knights. But when he’s not ripping up the track, he is ripping up Bay Street as Junkanoo is a big part of who he is.

Miller and his One Family members are ready to make up lost time this lap.

Redland Soldiers backline leader, Jamal Rose, explains how the sounds are layered to build up the pulse.

Genesis bass drum leader for the backline, Denarii Rolle says it’s the heartbeat that carries the group down Bay Street.

The pulse that each group hopes will lead them to victory on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.