Goombay

/ɡuːmˈbeɪ/ noun

Definition

A style of Bahamian folk music with African rhythms, often played at celebrations and festivals.

Etymology

From Bahamian Creole, likely derived from African languages brought through the slave trade. The term first appeared in printed English in the mid-20th century describing the music and its associated drum.

Kelly Says

Goombay drum music survived the Middle Passage—the rhythm patterns were preserved by enslaved Africans and became one of the Caribbean's most distinctive musical exports.

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