On July 31, the pulse of Bahamian heritage will thunder once again as Ghosts of Goombay opens at the University of The Bahamas Performing Arts Centre. Under the patronage of Duke Errol Strachan—the last living Goombay legend—this vibrant musical revue promises three unforgettable nights celebrating the golden age of Bahamian music.
Ghosts of Goombay was conceived by Patrick Rahming, renowned for his dual careers as a celebrated architect and one of The Bahamas’ most beloved singer-songwriters. Inspired by the rich nightclub culture of 1950s and 1960s Nassau, Rahming’s production seeks to revive the witty, infectious songs of iconic artists like Maureen Duvalier, George Symonette, and Blind Blake—performers who gave voice to Bahamian life in decades when the country was still finding its footing on the path to independence.
“Being able to take yesterday’s music and make it tomorrow’s music is very important,” Rahming explains. He sees Ghosts of Goombay not just as entertainment, but as a mission to reconnect Bahamians with the rhythms that once defined us. “The memory of a society gives that society its strength,” he says. “You can’t know where you’re going unless you know where you’re coming from.”
Under the musical direction of Ronald “Barefoot” Simms, with choreography by Ricardo Christie, the show is set to deliver both melodies and moves that bring to life the energy that once echoed through Nassau’s hotel ballrooms and clubs.
As the production explores the legacy of Goombay, it also tells the remarkable story of its origins. In the last decade of the nineteenth century, a young Charles Lofthouse stumbled upon ex-slaves beating a pan and dancing in a way he had never seen. When asked what they were doing, they answered, “We’re dancing the Goombay.” That moment planted a seed in Lofthouse’s mind, leading him and American visitor Alice Simms to write the song “Goombay” years later—a song that, after being recorded by Cuban bandleader Xavier Cugat, spread Bahamian music far beyond its shores.
Through the 1940s and 50s, Goombay became the sound of Bahamian identity. Local composers and singers filled dance floors and radio airwaves with songs like “Foolish Frog,” “Lizzie Carry Basket on Head,” “Yes, Yes, Yes,” and “Tell Me Why I Run,” creating a unique musical tradition that captured the humor, struggles, and joys of island life.
Today, singer Tanya Hanna, daughter of renowned Bahamian music instructor Sidney Woods, is proud to be part of this production and keeping Goombay alive. “When I sing, I realize that Goombay spirit is within me—it’s that drive, that rhythm, those wonderful sounds.”
Ghosts of Goombay invites Bahamians of all ages to rediscover this vital chapter of their cultural history—one filled with sharp lyrics, irresistible rhythms, and the energy of a people who danced their way toward independence. As Rahming puts it, this is a chance to honor the artists whose music still whispers through our collective memory—and to make sure their songs sing loudly once more.
As part of passing on the spirit of Goombay to the next generation, the revue is being directed by Valene Rolle, a young and energetic director whose talents are most known from her work with Shakespeare in Paradise. Performances will take place July 31 through August 2 at 7 PM at the University of The Bahamas Performing Arts Centre, with a red-carpet gala on opening night.
Tickets for the July 31 gala are $100, while general admission tickets for August 1 and 2 are $50. They are available for purchase at the University of The Bahamas Bookstore – 397-2650, Born Again Health Store on Blake Road – 603-1088, Steppin Out on Top-of-the-Hill, Mackey Street – 727 -9098, and Bristol Cellars on Gladstone Road – 601-9314.
Felicity Darville
Media Specialist
Therapist
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