Explore the Music of The Bahamas
Source: https://www.bahamas.gov.bs/music
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:19
Explore the Music of The Bahamas
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Main article: Rake and Scrape music
Rake and scrape
music comes from the
musical traditions of the Turks and Caicos Islands
(TCI), and is characterized by the use of the saw tool, as the primary instrument. It was brought by TCI immigrants to the Bahama islands between the 1920s and 1940s starting in Cat Island and then spreading to others.
Rake and Scrape is traditionally used to accompany dances such as the Bahamian Quadrille and the heel-toe-polka, all relics of the initial mixture of Africa and Europe.[1] Many of these Turks and Caicos Islanders became some of the most famous musicians in the Bahamas. Many eventually moved back to their homeland, taking with them Junkanoo. The Turks and Caicos are now the second home for Junkanoo.
Organology of Instruments
Membranophones: The Goombay drum is the main rhythmic component in rake-n-scrape. It is also referred to as a goatskin drum, as the skin of a goat is stretched over a wooden barrel. It is decorated by simple or complex geometric designs in bright colors. The drum is always heated over fire for toning. In 1971, when manufacturers started shipping products in metal barrels, Bahamians switched the drum to metal, slightly changing the tone of the drum.[2] Aside from being a type of drum,
goombay
is also a
percussion music
made famous by Alphonso 'Blind Blake' Higgs, who played to tourists arriving at Nassau International Airport for several years.
Idiophones: The main component that makes Rake-N-Scrape unique is the use of the Carpenter's Saw. This instrument is scraped with an implement, most typically a screwdriver, or nail or knife. Bent against the body of the player and their thigh, it is flexed and scraped to obtain various timbral effects.[3] In more modern music, the saw is replaced with maracas or a guiro.[4]
Aerophones: The accordion is the component that adds the rounded form which enables dancers to dance the ring dance. This is of European descent. In more modern bands, it is replaced by an electric guitar or electronic keyboard.[5]
Rake-and-scrape's popularity has been declining in recent years, but performers like Lassie Do and the Boys continue to keep the tradition alive. Christian
rhyming spirituals
and the ant'ems of sponge fisherman are now mostly dead traditions, taken over by the arrival of pop music, a 1930s sponge blight and other causes.
E. Clement Bethel's
master's thesis on traditional Bahamian music was adapted for the stage by his daughter, Nicolette Bethel and Philip A. Burrows. Music of The Bahamas was first performed at the Edinburgh
Festival Fringe
in 1991, and was revived in 2002 for fresh Bahamian audiences. A recording of that show is available for sale from Ringplay Productions
Quick Useful Links
The National Honours Society 2026 Call for Nominations
Budget Performance Reports
Budget Documents
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Hurricane
General Orders
Request for Expression of Interest
Hurricane Shelter Listing 2025
Install the BNEA APP
COVID-19 Frequent Asked Questions
Department of Labour’s Jobseekers Portal
Celebrate Bahamas
Load More
For Website Technical Support
Call and speak to a DICT Customer service agent.
+1 242 604 4688
Need to reach the DICT? Send us an email.
support@bahamas.gov.bs
Get in touch with our DICT support team.
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Explore frequently asked questions.
ask question
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Accessibility Tool
Content Adjustments
Adjust Font Size
-
Default
+
Highlight Links
Letter Spacing
Dyslexia Font
Color Adjustments
Monochrome
Tools
Mute/unmute
Big Cursor
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Music
Home
Music
Non-Residents
Permits and Licences
Visiting The Bahamas
Arrivals and Departures
About The Bahamas Currency
Gaming and Casinos
Getting Married in The Bahamas
Medical Facilities
Boating to The Bahamas
Bringing Pets
Vaccinations
Foreign Embassies and Consulates in The Bahamas
Visa Requirements
Dining and Nightlife
Culture
Regatta
Performing Arts
Native Dishes
Home Coming
Music
Change of the Guard Ceremony
Junkanoo
Festivals
Visitor Registration for the People to People Programme
Ambassador Registration for the People to People Programme
Places of Interest
Forts
Historical Sites
Art Galleries
National Parks
Museums
Blue Holes & Caves
Weather
Recreation and Sports
Cricket
Sailing and Regattas
Golf
Boxing
Rugby
Diving
Fishing
Working and Residing
Visas
Permits
Residency
Records and Official Documents
Birth Registration
Birth Certificate
Marriage Licence
Marriage Registration
Marriage Certificate
Certified Copy of a Deed or Document
Adoption Registration
Adoption Certificate
Legalization of Documents
passport
News and Press Release
Consumer Protection Information and Complaints
Immigration
Citizenship and Naturalization
Work Permits and Work Visas
Residency
Home Owners
Main article: Rake and Scrape music
Rake and scrape
music comes from the
musical traditions of the Turks and Caicos Islands
(TCI), and is characterized by the use of the saw tool, as the primary instrument. It was brought by TCI immigrants to the Bahama islands between the 1920s and 1940s starting in Cat Island and then spreading to others.
Rake and Scrape is traditionally used to accompany dances such as the Bahamian Quadrille and the heel-toe-polka, all relics of the initial mixture of Africa and Europe.[1] Many of these Turks and Caicos Islanders became some of the most famous musicians in the Bahamas. Many eventually moved back to their homeland, taking with them Junkanoo. The Turks and Caicos are now the second home for Junkanoo.
Organology of Instruments
Membranophones: The Goombay drum is the main rhythmic component in rake-n-scrape. It is also referred to as a goatskin drum, as the skin of a goat is stretched over a wooden barrel. It is decorated by simple or complex geometric designs in bright colors. The drum is always heated over fire for toning. In 1971, when manufacturers started shipping products in metal barrels, Bahamians switched the drum to metal, slightly changing the tone of the drum.[2] Aside from being a type of drum,
goombay
is also a
percussion music
made famous by Alphonso 'Blind Blake' Higgs, who played to tourists arriving at Nassau International Airport for several years.
Idiophones: The main component that makes Rake-N-Scrape unique is the use of the Carpenter's Saw. This instrument is scraped with an implement, most typically a screwdriver, or nail or knife. Bent against the body of the player and their thigh, it is flexed and scraped to obtain various timbral effects.[3] In more modern music, the saw is replaced with maracas or a guiro.[4]
Aerophones: The accordion is the component that adds the rounded form which enables dancers to dance the ring dance. This is of European descent. In more modern bands, it is replaced by an electric guitar or electronic keyboard.[5]
Rake-and-scrape's popularity has been declining in recent years, but performers like Lassie Do and the Boys continue to keep the tradition alive. Christian
rhyming spirituals
and the ant'ems of sponge fisherman are now mostly dead traditions, taken over by the arrival of pop music, a 1930s sponge blight and other causes.
E. Clement Bethel's
master's thesis on traditional Bahamian music was adapted for the stage by his daughter, Nicolette Bethel and Philip A. Burrows. Music of The Bahamas was first performed at the Edinburgh
Festival Fringe
in 1991, and was revived in 2002 for fresh Bahamian audiences. A recording of that show is available for sale from Ringplay Productions
Quick Useful Links
The National Honours Society 2026 Call for Nominations
Budget Performance Reports
Budget Documents
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Hurricane
General Orders
Request for Expression of Interest
Hurricane Shelter Listing 2025
Install the BNEA APP
COVID-19 Frequent Asked Questions
Department of Labour’s Jobseekers Portal
Celebrate Bahamas
Load More
For Website Technical Support
Call and speak to a DICT Customer service agent.
+1 242 604 4688
Need to reach the DICT? Send us an email.
support@bahamas.gov.bs
Get in touch with our DICT support team.
get in touch
Explore frequently asked questions.
ask question
This site uses cookies to serve our services. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
Okay, Thanks