Kukudoo, Revivalism and Nine-Nights

Kukudoo

Somebody just told me that Kukudoo (David McDermott) has died. That man had a major impact on me. Having been brought up in Southern Trelawny, exposed to revivalism and dead yard, you will understand the affinity to the man.

Kukudoo has captured the feel and the rhythm of the revivalist in a way that is genuine, and this evoked a spirit in the people during his performances that is unforgettable.

He was very popular at the nine-nights and had a major impact at our annual Grand Gala at the national stadium. He even recorded a few religious songs. I remember those days in Trelawny when someone died nine days ago; there was lively singing until the wee hours of the morning. Very few people could read and write, and I was fortunate to be able to do both. With the Sankey book in hand, I would call out the words of the song in the Sankey book. Let me give you an idea of what that was like.

There was plenty drinking of coffee and white rum.

When You Ran Out Of Words

That Revivalist Meeting.

The Drumming

The Man Kukudoo

I look forward to the day when we will have a culture yard, where one can get tun cornmeal, bluedraws, drops while watching a revivalist meeting, a nine-night, johnkuno, kumina and some of the other art forms that are indigenous to the people.

We must not throw away ol' time sinting,