NASSAU, The
Bahamas – St. John’s College Alumnus Raphael Munnings, leader of the famous ‘Beginning
of the End’ band of “Funky Nassau” fame was honoured at a Special Assembly at
the school
on Thursday morning.
Students
from primary through secondary school levels learned of his achievements as an
international entertainer – his band “Beginning of the End” was named one of
the ‘41 Bahamian Cultural Warriors’ acclaimed during the Bahamas 41st
Independence Anniversary Celebrations in 2014.
The band’s hit song “Funky Nassau” sold a million copies in 1971.
Forty-six
years since his band started and after a long and successful career as a
songwriter, entertainer, and producer, Mr. Munnings said he was honoured and
impressed by the students of all ages, backgrounds and races at St. John’s who
filled the auditorium; and he was touched by the nostalgia of the moment –
there was once a time he was just like them.
The band,
the ‘Beginning of the End’ formed in 1969 with leader Raphael ‘Ray’ Munnings on
lead vocals and organ along with brothers Leroy ‘Roy’ Munnings (guitar and
vocals), Frank ‘Bud’ Munnings (drums, conga and vocals), and Fred Henfield (bass). They were accompanied by the Funky Nassau
Horns – Neville Sampson, Vernon Mueller, Kenneth Lane, Ralph Munnings, and their
legendary musician father Freddie Munnings, Sr., who owned and operated the
iconic ‘Cat & Fiddle Nightclub’ in Nassau.
The smash
hit, “Funky Nassau” has been featured in film and re-recorded by a number of
international performers.
Mr. Munnings
belongs to a musical family that has made longstanding contributions to the
musical and cultural development of The Bahamas.
Pictured at
the St. John’s College assembly are Mr. Munnings in the front row, second left;
and next to him Mr. Athama Bowe, Chairman of the Bahamas Plays and Film Control
Board; his sister Mrs. Lana Munnings Basalyga (third left); and the Principal
of St. John’s College Dr. Nevillene Rolle Evans (fourth left). (BIS Photo/Letisha Henderson)
