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Arts & Culture Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM


$30,000 raised for Rhythm & Youth Rake and Scrape band to travel to NYC
By Felicity Ingraham
Jul 25, 2014 - 3:53:12 PM

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Rhythm N Youth band performing in bowe ties; Band tribal performance; and Practicing the ancient art of call and answer while performing. (Photos: Felicity Ingraham)

Nassau, Bahamas - The Rhythm & Youth Rake and Scrape band are set to become some of the newest and youngest ambassadors of Bahamian music in the world.  Formed just three years ago, the band is already receiving international acclaim and has a date with a number of events in New York City in October this year.

They are in need of $40,000 for the entourage to make the trip, as they plan to make appearances on television shows, make university visits, and more.  They are well on their way after being presented with a $30,200 cheque this month from Minister of Youth, Sports & Culture, Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson.  The funds came through a variety of channels, including direct donations, performances, and a gala event held at the five star Sapodilla Restaurant, West Bay St.

The band is mainly made up of students of the Gerald Cash Primary School Rake n' Scrape band, but also includes students who have gone on to high school.  They performed at the Cat Island Rake n' Scrape Festival this year, where Swiss native Mr. Beat Schlagenhauf, guest of Cat Island native Minister Daniel Johnson, fell in love with this group of children, whom he described as "very passionate" about their craft at such a young age.  The performance inspired him to do what he could to help them realise their dreams of visiting the big apple.

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Gandhi Pinder of Sapodilla Restaurant, Mr. Beat Schlagenhauf and Minister Daniel Johnson encourage attendees to support the kids (Photo: Felicity Ingraham)

He worked with the Ministry and Sapodilla Restaurant owner Elaine Pinder to arrange a gala event, where others with the ability to donate and support the group could see them perform live and up close.  The event also featured an art auction conducted by businessman Dionisio D'Aguiar with works donated by artists Jon Cox, Toby Lunn and Marco Mullings.  Guests enjoyed wine and tapas in the courtyard during the event.  Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Philip Brave Davis was on hand to support the children, as he too, is a Cat Island native.

Between the singular donations and the event, the Rhythm and Youth band is just about $10,000 shy of their target budget to make the trip in two months.  Therefore, they are still seeking donations as they seek to make the Bahamas shine through their infectious music.  

When Gerald Cash Primary School music teacher Nathaniel Adams Jr. started teaching Rake n' Scrape music to the young boys who would linger around the park after school, he did it with the intention of ensuring that the community children didn't grow idle and wayward, but would develop a focus in life.  What he got was a whole lot more.  The band has grown in number, and devoted students who have gone on to high school, just couldn't leave there band, and hence the Rhythm n' Youth band was formed.  His father, musician Nathaniel Adams Sr. is also assisting in nurturing this group of boys, and performed with them at the event.  

The park where the boys once hung out has been renovated since those days, and is now the thriving Carmichael Community Athletics Center.  Minister Johnson said the music, sports, and social programmes coming out of the center are transforming the lives of the children.  He wants to see Rake n' Scrape music continue to carve out its spot on the world map, and is enthralled that the children are having the opportunity to do it. 

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Dionisio D'Aguilar conducting the art auction (Photo: Felicity Ingraham)



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DPM Davis getting into the Rake n' Scrape (Photo: Felicity Ingraham)



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New music sensation "Oafie & the Websites", a Cat Island band arecabout to release some new, hit Rake n' Scrape songs on the airways. Photo: Felicity Ingraham


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Nathaniel Adams Jr. band Director, addresses the crowd (Photo: Felicity Ingraham)



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Checque presentation



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