The Resurrection of Goombay

In a spectacle reminiscent of a night in Havana, Pat Rahming’s Ghosts of Goombay resurrected what was on the verge of becoming a completely forgotten part of Bahamian music history. A cleverly laid out tale, Ghosts of Goombay opens with the death of our fabled Delia and follows the post funeral experience of two local chaps, alcoholics to be sure, who heard music unknown coming from the most unlikely of places—the graveyard. Scared out of their minds yet no more sober for it, they find solace in Memories, a strange yet familiar neighborhood club where a few other unsuspecting Bahamians found themselves to be invited. It was there at Memories that history unfolded through strong libations and the irresistible drive of the Goombay beat.

Ghosts of Goombay invoked the spirit of storytelling that true Bahamian music has always been known for. It lies at the intersection of tragedy and comedy, bringing real circumstances to life in a deeply relatable yet magically lighthearted way. A well organized production that blended original recordings with the live backing of the Exodus Band, the music brought nostalgia to those who once knew it, and a new sense of identity to those Bahamians just being exposed.

In the most artful of ways, Pat Rahming told us not a story about Goombay, but truly the story of Goombay, carefully incorporating the details of how Goombay music came to be. As the audience learned they soon found themselves captivated by choreography that delighted the eye as much as the music delighted the ear. Dancers flowed across the stage in bright beautiful costumes that brought this colorful part of Bahamian history back to life.



The routines started with a rousing rendition of Charlie Adamson’s Dance the Goombay featuring performers in golden fringes of sequins with sparkling energy to match. Followed by performances to songs such as Foolish Frog, Conch Ain’t Got No Bone, and Peas and Rice by Blind Blake, Chi Chi Meringue by The Eloise Trio originally featuring the late "Peanuts" Taylor on drums, and more familiar Goombay tracks like Uncle Lou - Lazy Man by George Symonette, the musical review did not disappoint when it came to delivering top-notch entertainment and an authentic Goombay experience.



A feast for the eyes and a melodic tonic for the weary Bahamian soul, Pat Rahming’s Ghosts of Goombay reminded us of who we are and from whence we’ve come, ensuring a clearer path to where we wish to go. A treat for all who were there to partake, the show was that which you wish to see again and worthy of a recurring schedule at a local resort where visitors to our islands can experience what it’s like when the libations are strong and the culture even stronger.

Kudos to Pat Rahming and his team including Bahamian songstress Tanya Hanna, for breathing life back into our Bahamian heritage and ensuring the love of Goombay is passed on through the generations.



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