Master drummer Baba Mpho believes in the originality of music and its preservation, particularly Guyanese Shanto music which he has fought to keep alive outside the country, and though his name is not among the official list of performers at Carifesta X he is here to celebrate in a huge way.
The sound of his drums which he beats with a rare spirit and passion will kick off a cultural celebration tonight as residents of Festival City pays homage to the founder of Carifesta, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, in what is being touted as “the spiritual opening” of this year’s celebrations.
Baba Mpho told Stabroek News in an interview yesterday that he will perform a libation for Burnham and the other key players in the region who gave life to the first Carifesta celebrations in 1972. He said that it is only right such homage is done, adding that it is important to give the respect.
In 1972 Baba Mpho, who was known then by his birth name Abdul Saleem, performed as a dancer during the Carifesta celebrations and was never the same thereafter. He credits the opportunity as the catalyst for his step into, and advancement in the arts, but in his own words, “I got the bug to continue my development in arts.”
Before migrating to the United States close to 30 years ago Baba Mpho worked his way up in the arts focusing specifically on Shanto music and drums. He worked along with his father, Art Sebastian Brooms, and grew tremendously in the art form, but his shot at fame came after he left these shores.
Baba Mpho would go on to add to the popularity of Shanto music that was first created by Bill Rogers who went on to internationalize it. Bill Rogers along with Guyanese music great Tom Charles were the ones Baba Mpho sought to emulate.
Though he is little known in Guyana Baba Mpho is referred to the Shanto King in countries that have preserved the art form.
In the US, he is respected as the best around, and is usually booked for most folk events that are held there. The Guyanese community in the US is not only familiar with him, but they have honoured him time and time again.
In Trinidad and Tobago, Baba Mpho is fast developing a reputation as a rare drummer with many talents. He has performed a few times in the twin island and has been booked to give two lectures there later this month.
He has performed with his group, ‘The Collective’ across the US, Canada, South Africa and more recently a few Caribbean countries. Baba Mpho beats his drums, sings, entertains and ‘edu-tains’ as he puts it, since he raps with his audience and carries a message. In addition to his music, he is a herbalist who lectures on the benefits of herbs. He is also a spiritualist who preaches about unification and the preservation of roots, particularly African roots, and is the holder of three rare African drums, one of which is the only one of its kind ever produced in Africa.
In breaking down what he has planned for Carifesta this year he said it all begins with the celebrations in Festival City and then he moves on to the seawall on Sunday to give thanks to the African slaves who died during the Atlantic slave trade. The following day he will be at Water Chris Hotel to perform a Kweh Kweh service from 7-9 pm.
Baba Mpho said the Kweh Kweh service will encompass a whole lot and will truly bring to life what the service is all about and why it was originally performed. He said he will also give a lecture on its meaning.
On Thursday [August 28] he will again be at Festival City for another celebration where he will perform another Kweh Kweh and have a story-telling session. He said that he is also here to soak up the celebrations and be part of a few other things unofficially.
Baba Mpho wrote the Carifesta Secretariat earlier this year to be part of the official list of performers but failed to get a favourable response. But feeling no way discouraged he decided to travel home for the celebrations and has teamed up with the residents of Festival City and the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA).
“I chose to get involve anyway and I am happy that I did because Carifesta has come home which means I had to come home,” he said with a smile.
He leaves Guyana on August 31 for Trinidad.