The Jamaican Folk Singers are a Jamaican ensemble dedicated to traditional Jamaican songs.
History The group was founded by Dr. Olive Lewin in March 1967, originally a group of eight friends with an interest in Jamaican folk songs.Salewicz, Chris (2013) "Olive Lewin: Anthropologist who rescued Jamaican folklore from Eurocentrism", The Independent, 14 July 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2014Rowe, Marcia (2012) "Jamaican Folk Singers Is 45", Jamaica Gleaner, 20 March 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2014
The group were invited to play at the funeral of Count Ossie in 1976.
By 2012 the group had expanded to 28 members. The group's current musical director is Christine MacDonald-Nevers, whose mother, the soprano Marilyn Brice-MacDonald, is one of the longest serving members."Folk Singers begin season", Jamaica Observer, 12 September 2013. Retrieved 8 September 2014Sharma, Amitabh (2012) "The Jamaican Folk Singers - Life Lessons Woven In Music", Jamaica Gleaner, 30 September 2012. Retrieved 8 September 2014
The group has released several albums including Pepperpot in 2006, and performs an annual season of concerts.McClune, Hazel (2006) "'Pepperpot' - Jamaican Folk Singers launch second CD", Jamaica Gleaner, 7 September 2006. Retrieved 8 September 2014"J'can Folk Singers Presents 2014 Concert Season", Jamaica Gleaner, 8 September 2014. Retrieved 8 September 2014
Discography The Jamaican Folk Singers In A Programme Of Jamaican Folk Songs Vol. 2/71, Ashanti/Hummingbird The Jamaican Folk Singers Vol 3, Encore Authentic Jamaican Folksongs, Hummingbird Pepperpot (2006)
References