Reviving Culture Through Rhythm: Meet The Brotherhood Drummers of Saint Kitts & Nevis
In the heart of Saint Kitts, a unique cultural movement is taking place, one that bridges generations, nurtures talent, and revives an ancient art form that some contend, was on the brink of being forgotten. Under the leadership of Chevaun Matthews, the Brotherhood Drummer are leading the charge in bringing African drumming back to the island’s youth.
Chevaun, visionary behind the group which he started in 2019, has a personal connection to the tradition of drumming. He began his journey as a drummer at just nine years old, being introduced to the craft while he as a student at the Doctor William Connor Primary School.
During a recent interview, he said that as time elapsed, he noticed a decline in interest among the younger generation. This, he said, posed a threat to the preservation of the culture that had shaped his own upbringing.
In response, Matthew teamed up with fellow musician and cultural advocate, Royd Phipps, and together they set out to create an environment where the next generation could learn to love, appreciate and fully embrace African drumming.
The Brotherhood Drummers were born from this vision, with a mission to not only preserve the art form but also to provide an avenue for young people to express themselves, build confidence, and stay engaged in positive activities.
“Our goal was to bring back the culture, which was dying,” Matthew says, reflecting on the group’s humble beginnings. “We started in November 2019 with just two students, and now, we have grown to 40 members. We work with children ranging from 5 to 14 years old.”
But the group’s impact extends beyond just drumming. Matthew believes that learning the rhythms of African drumming provides more than just musical education—it offers a pathway for personal growth. “It helps with self-esteem. It’s not only about drumming. We teach life skills that benefit their future endeavors,” Matthew explains.
According to Chevaun, while many students dream of becoming doctors, lawyers, or policemen, few aspire to be drummers or to study traditional dance forms. He said the Brotherhood Drummers allows the youngsters across Saint Kitts and Nevis to see what’s possible when they tap into hidden talents they might not have otherwise discovered. He noted with pride that once unearthed, these talents shine brightly in his students.
One of the standout successes of the Brotherhood Drummers is Micah Hendrickson, a young drummer who has shown exceptional skill and passion. “When Michael first joined, you could see the fire in him,” Chevaun recalled. “We nurtured his talent, and now he’s one of the standout drummers in the group, traveling with us to performances.”
Another significant moment for the Brotherhood Drummers came in June 2024, when they formed a key partnership with the First Federal Co-operative Credit Union, boosting their visibility and connecting the group with broader cultural networks. This partnership solidified their place as a leading force in the revival of Saint Kitts’ drumming culture and expanded their reach within the community.
Commenting on the partnership, Business Development Manager at the FFCCU, Dionne Baptiste-Clarke said “At First Federal Co-operative Credit Union, we believe that strong communities are built by the people who invest their time, passion an resources into making a difference. We also believe that cultural preservation is key to our national identity. The Brotherhood Drummers are definitely aligned with us in this regard and that’s why we are immensely proud to announce our partnership with this dynamic group.”
Chevaun led his talented students through the paces in front of a packed house during their annual recital, themed REVELATION, on Sunday March, 9. The exuberant crowd gathered at the at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank for the event, couldn’t seem to get enough.
During a brief exchange with Your Caribbean Guide after the event, Chevaun said “I’m tired but I’m happy and I’m proud. This is a lot of work but it is worth it to see the growth of the students. I’m really excited about this partnership with First Federal and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”
The Brotherhood Drummers’ work doesn’t just focus on the performance aspect of drumming. It’s about creating a community, instilling pride in their cultural heritage, and ensuring the next generation has the tools they need to succeed—whether on stage or in life. As their story unfolds, the Brotherhood Drummers are sure to remain an influential force in the cultural landscape of Saint Kitts.
