This project documents Montserrat’s traditional uke production and playing techniques. With limited resources and little to no local manufacturing, Montserratians developed a strong “makers” culture. Handcrafted instruments included ukes, fifes, babla and jumbie drums, boom pipes, gradges and shak-shaks. Today, only the uke, a small string instrument, fashioned from local wood, goatskin, and plastic combs is still being made.
Ukes featured in string bands and played a vital role in public events and rites of passage. By the 1950s pan-Caribbean steel bands began replacing string bands and recorded music supplanted live performances. After Hurricane Hugo (1989) and the Soufriere Hills Volcanic eruptions (beginning in 1995) most of Montserrat’s population, including traditional musicians and instrument makers emigrated. The last Montserratian string band, the “Rude Boyz,” has not performed for several years and local instrument production is limited to two mature uke makers, Mr. Edward Semper and Mr. Wilfred White.
To conserve the knowledge of ukes and string band culture for future generations, we will digitally record uke production and playing techniques. We will also record uke players’ and makers’ commentary, alongside audience memories. These recordings will be made publicly available on the EMKP/Arcadia/British Museum database.
Principal Investigator:
Samantha Koster Lauren
Research Assistant:
Randall Greenaway
Location of Research:
Montserrat
Host Institution:
Montserrat National Trust
Top Banner Image: Two Montserratian ukes, made by Walter and Edward Semper, and one Nevesian uke owned by Montserratian player Donald Douglas (from the back). Photo credit: Randall Greenaway.