Honour and tribute are being extended to cultural icon Rameau Poleon who recently passed away.
Poleon, a skilled violinist, well known for his folk renditions, is revered as one of Saint Lucia’s most esteemed sons. He blazed the trail for other folklorists and musicians to follow.
His delivery of Creole songs and the riveting rhythms made for lively ‘quadrille’ dance moves.
Joseph “Rameau” Poleon, also known as “Papa Kilte,” is a folk fiddler from Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, born on July 10, 1929. He has achieved significant recognition in his career, winning the Best Violinist Competition in Saint Lucia twice and receiving the Saint Lucia Medal of Merit (Silver) from the Governor General of Saint Lucia in 2000.
Encouraged by his father, Rameau Poleon began playing the violin at the age of 15 under the guidance of his uncle, Flood Poleon. His talent received widespread acclaim, leading him to join the Mount Gallion Folk Group, led by Eric Adley, a prominent singer and drummer.
He has showcased his musical prowess at Caribbean festivals and has toured extensively in Europe and North America. His music is heavily influenced by the moulala and la comette, which are based on the French minuet, as well as the gwan rond (grande ronde), lakonmèt (mazurka), faci, and other Indigenous Creole folk sounds of Saint Lucia.
His work has been documented by Smithsonian Folkways’s Folkways Records label on the album “Musical Traditions of St. Lucia, West Indies: Dances and Songs from a Caribbean Island,” where he played a prominent role as a lead fiddler on a quadrille suite consisting of five dance tunes with the Quadrille Ensemble.
Staffers from the Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information extends their deepest condolences to the Poleon family.
“We honour his memory and are profoundly grateful for the indelible mark he left on Saint Lucia’s rich cultural heritage,” reads a statement from the ministry.”
“Mr. Poleon’s contributions have significantly shaped and elevated our nation’s artistic landscape, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come,” the statement read in part.