ORGANIZERS of the St. Cecilia’s Day celebrations, are determined to elevate the event through better organisational management and expanded outreach, while artists and musicians are pushing for wider recognition and exposure for their talents.
St. Cecilia, the Patron Saint of Musicians and composers, is honoured annually in Saint Lucia on November 22.
St. Cecilia’s Day is rooted in the Catholic tradition of commemorating the martyrdom of St. Cecilia. Each year, this day is marked with concerts, musical performances, and church services, all of which embodied St Cecilia’s deep connection to music and the arts.
On November 22, music takes center stage in a vibrant celebration steeped in history, spirituality, and artistic expression. Saint Cecilia serves as the muse and protector for those dedicated to their craft through music.
A Universal Celebration
On this day, musicians from various genres pay tribute to Saint Cecilia. From grand cathedral concerts to energetic open-air festivals, Musician’s Day provides a platform to reflect on the transformative power of music.
The free open-air concerts in Saint Lucia have lost their rhythmic vibrancy that once characterized the city streets during this celebration, especially in earlier years.
That is according to Buffalo Odlum, a veteran kaiso-man and musician, who is leading the charge alongside other artists to ensure this musical showcase receives the recognition it deserves.
During last Friday’s festivities (November 22), as a diverse group of artists filled the Castries Market with melodious sounds, Buffalo took the opportunity to speak with The VOICE about his vision for St. Cecilia’s Day and the arts and music scene in Saint Lucia. He stressed that this event is a highly anticipated day for musicians to “come out and play,” igniting excitement among music enthusiasts.
Buffalo reminisced about the St. Cecilia’s Day celebrations of the 50s, 60s, and 70s, describing how they began at dawn, filled with the sounds of live music waking the community. He emphasised that the celebrations are mainly observed in Saint Lucia and Italy, acknowledging the event’s traditional significance.
As a young boy, he accompanied his father, Augustus “Pan” Andrew, a passionate musician and bandleader of the Big 6 Orchestra, who greatly influenced his musical journey.
Buffalo highlighted the collective spirit of musicians and individuals who united to create performances during the celebrations. He recalled the “glory days” when pioneers like Polkay, Mighty Pele, and other musicians filled the air with vibrant tunes and lively brass instrumentation.
“Society has evolved, and so has the music scene,” Buffalo stated. “While young people may come and go, it’s crucial for us to allow them to grow and express themselves. We must remind them that music should stem from passion, not solely for profit.”
Buffalo expects young musicians to be rewarded for their art but insists, “At some point, they must celebrate their talent. St. Cecilia’s Day should be a time of joy and expression.”
To amplify this occasion, he is actively collaborating with local businesses and has received significant support from the Government of Saint Lucia. This includes backing from the Ministry of Culture, Massey Stores, LUCELEC, St. Lucia Distillers, Heineken, and Larcher Electricals, all of whom recognize the invaluable contributions of musicians.
In preparation for the celebrations, Buffalo ensured that around 100 musicians were fed and accommodated for various gigs at different locations across the island.
“Nationally, as soon as the public acknowledges the worth of music, it becomes an investment opportunity,” he asserted. “Younger musicians are emerging, and the younger steel pan players are embracing St. Cecilia’s Day, alongside the School of Music. What more can we ask for?”
Last Friday, the young steel pan players were on full display, traveling from Mega J towards the city, strumming along the Vide Bouteille highway and the Waterfront area, as part of the celebrations. Buffalo emphasised, “When we support and encourage young people to embrace St. Cecilia’s Day, providing them with opportunities to perform and earn from their craft, we foster a culture of appreciation for music. It’s a moment where musicians can play not just for joy, but to earn as well.”
He underlined the government’s commitment to celebrating this event, extending outreach to places like Soufrière, ensuring that the legacy of St. Cecilia’s Day continues to thrive.
The San De Fie and Barre St Joseph venues, located in the vibrant eastern and western zones, are proud to host some of the most popular and dynamic events in the music scene, during the St Cecilia’s Day activities.
“When you attend these events, you experience a remarkable array of bands that you might not hear throughout the year, but here, they come alive,” he noted. “It’s crucial that we cultivate an environment where these talented bands can not only showcase their skills but thrive all year long, as they are an integral part of a flourishing industry.”
Reflecting on the exciting prospects for growth in the music industry, Buffalo passionately states, “Recognition is on the rise, but we can accelerate this momentum. We’re making progress, and together, we can elevate our music scene to new heights!”
He adds: “With the right support and recognition, we can ensure a vibrant future for our music industry. Join us in this journey!”