Bermuda Gombey Dance & Music

Bermuda Gombeys Dance & Music

Bermuda music is quite rich with the traditional folk music. Within this folk, the Gombey dance and music is most popular among the Bermudians compared to the others.

Bermuda is the origin of Gombeys as well as Bagpipe music.

Bermuda Gombey dance is the mixture of British, West African and indigenous new-world cultures.

it's also quite similar to dance traditions like the Bahamian “goombay”.

It actually refers to a specific type of drum of African origin. Some relate Gombay to a Bantu word standing for “rhythm”.

Bermuda Gombey

Gombey dance is quite similar to Mummers - seasonal folk plays performed by troupes of actors, and Afro-Caribbean styles of celebrations.

During the colonial times of slavery in Bermuda, Afro-Caribbean introduced many Caribbean traditions.

Today the snare drum generally in pairs, are used in the modern Bermudian Gombeys in addition to a kettle drum and fife.

Usually male dancers perform Gombeys in groups of 10-30 in masquerade costumes with bright colors and odd angles.

The costumes are designed on the based of Bible verses which are meant to evoke the plumage of tropical birds.

Bermuda Gombey Dance

In festive celebrations in Bermuda like the Harbor Nights in Hamilton or Market Nights at St. George, Gombey dancing plays a prominent role.

The rhythm of Bermuda Gombey dancing is energetic and grows gradually swifter depending on how wild and energetic the spectators can become. The Gombey dance is also quite popular during the Christmas season and is also performed during Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, and also during soccer and cricket matches.

Check Bermuda Music and Dance to know about many other music and dances that are now part of the island's cultural tradition.

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