Prime Minister the Hon. Philip Davis has declared the month of March, ‘National Cultural Heritage Month’ in The Bahamas. So, it seemed fitting that primary schools in Grand Bahama would be introduced to one of the oldest and perhaps one of the most identifiable aspects of Bahamian culture that defined us long before the country became independent.
What’s that cultural expression so synonymous with Bahamian culture? Rake-N-Scrape.
On Friday, March 13, 2026, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture joined forces with the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational training to launch Rake-N-Scrape in primary schools in Grand Bahama. The launch was held during an official ceremony at the C.A. Smith Building.
The launch not only featured speakers who defined this musical language of the Bahamas, but various primary schools got the opportunity to display their versions of Rake-N-Scrape, by playing songs each school “composed” just for the occasion. Just preparing for the event gave teachers an opportunity to teach the youngsters the sound of Rake-N-Scrape.
Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger Moxey told the young, excited students that Rake-N-Scrape music was born out of the resilience and creativity of enslaved Africans who refused to let their spirits be broken or allow their joy to be stripped away because of their enslavement. She added that for Bahamian ancestors the rhythmic expression was a tribute to their heritage and a way to communicate and tell their stories.
“Rake N’ Scrape, the sound we enjoy at festivals and regattas, was passed down through generations as a mark of Bahamian identity,” said Minister Moxey. “I commend Minister Hanna-Martin and the Ministry of Education and Technical & Vocational Training for launching Rake N’ Scrape Cultural Heritage Month in schools, with the theme, ‘Rake N’ Scrape — The Sound of Our Identity: Preserving Heritage, Strengthening Nationhood, Inspiring Goals.’
“When we control the narrative about our history, it inspires patriotism, unity, and connection among our children”.
Minister Moxey acknowledged that the pioneers of Bahamian Rake N’ Scrape music hailed from Cat Island, New Providence, Grand Bahama, and islands throughout The Bahamas. In its early stages, she pointed out that the music of those talented artists dominated radio airwaves as they performed at local venues, and on stages around the world.
The Minister thanked those pioneers for paving the way for future generations to keep Bahamian culture alive.
Guest speaker for the launch, Mr. Michael Pateman, Curator and Archaeologist thanked Prime Minister Davis for having the vision to introduce the oldest form of Bahamian music cultural expression to the youngest of Bahamians in the country. He says once the program remains consistent, it will go a long way in giving young minds a deeper look into the expressions of the Bahamian culture and will help to solidify their thinking on what helps to make a person a Bahamian.
By Andrew Coakley/Bahamas Information Services
