Culture Department Hosts Fungi Workshop
The BVI Department of Culture will present Introduction to Fungi Music 101, the first in a planned series of educational workshops exploring the territory’s indigenous Fungi music. The full-day session will cover the genre’s origins, history, key local bands, musical fundamentals and include an interactive performance component.
The British Virgin Islands Department of Culture is inviting musicians, educators, students and members of the public to attend Introduction to Fungi Music 101, a new educational workshop focused on the territory’s indigenous musical tradition. Lennard said the Department is excited to launch what will be the first in a series of workshops aimed at documenting and promoting Fungi music. "Participants should expect to walk away armed with knowledge about this unique genre of music, which dates back countless generations here in The Virgin Islands and in some countries in the region," Lennard said.
The workshop will be facilitated by Kayron Todman and Bernadine A. Walters Louise of the Virgin Islands Studies Institute. Organisers say the syllabus will include the origin and history of Fungi music, an overview of notable Virgin Islands Fungi bands across the years, the fundamentals of the genre, and an interactive musical session where attendees can hear and try Fungi instruments and rhythms.
Fungi music is a cornerstone of local cultural life in the Virgin Islands, often heard at festivals, community celebrations and family gatherings. The genre blends African, European and Caribbean musical influences and is traditionally performed by small ensembles using a mix of string and percussion instruments.
For many residents, Fungi is not only entertainment but a living link to the islands’ history and identity. The full-day workshop is scheduled to run from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM at the BVI Finance Conference Room. The Department of Culture notes this offering is "perhaps one of the most unique workshops the department would have offered in some time, as it speaks to one of the most important sectors of our culture - our indigenous music." Because the event is intended to be both educational and participatory, organisers encourage local musicians, schoolteachers, cultural workers and anyone with an interest in preserving and promoting Virgin Islands culture to attend.
Those wishing to register or confirm the event date and other details should contact the Department of Culture at 468-4408 or email alennard@gov.vg. This workshop is part of ongoing efforts by the Department of Culture to strengthen cultural programming, support local artists and ensure traditional practices like Fungi music continue to be taught and enjoyed by future generations.
Primary source: VINO