Tuk Band

The Tuk Band rhythm is an indigenous form of music to Barbados. It is believe that slaves brought the rhythm to the island in the 1600s; however, the English Colonists of the island then legally hindered it from being played, and it was only after emancipation that the music resurfaced.

Today the Tuk Band rhythm can be identified as a merging of African heritage and colonial powers. The music can be identified with a British military band because their instruments and basic styles are similar. Through out the years Tuk had become the forerunner of both calypso and reggae music; however, it died out after falling into disrepute, but the teachings of Poonka who is known as the King of Tuk, revived and raised the rhythm form its death. The task was not an easy one but Poonka was determined to revive a part of his Barbadian culture. Working though the Ministry of Education Poonka visited schools teaching children the Tuk rhythm.

The rhythm is one that progressively moves from slow to fast by way of waltz to "fassy" (march rhythm) and then into a more frenetic African rhythm. The instruments which make up the Tuk Band are Bass, Kittle, Triangle and a Clarke's tin whistle.

Kittle Drum

A kittle drum or what is known as a snare drum, which was originally made from animal skin and other materials found on the island, leads the Tuk Rhythm. Although this style drum is still made and used locally, some performers now use the modern snare, which unlike the authentic drum have less disadvantages.

With the authentic kittle drum, you constantly have to keep the skins of the drum tight by allowing it to be expose to sunlight. If this is not done the drum will not sound as crisps and would not give the desired sound; however, with the modern drum little preparation to the plastic skin is required, and it gives the rattling sound of Tuk almost every time. The rattling sound, is due to the wire strands at the bottom, which when the drum is struck vibrates onto its skin.

Bass Drum

The bass drum (log drum) follows the kittle in forming the Tuk rhythm, while making a foundation sound of boom-a-tuk, boom-a-tuk. It too was originally made using animal skin and other materials from the island. Like the kittle, some users are now replacing it with a modern drum to eliminate the flaws, which is associated with the authentic drum.

Penny Whistle

The Clark's tin whistle creates the mood and melody while adding character by through a rendition of popular and traditional sounds to the Tuk Rhythm.

Triangle

The triangle compliments the Tuk Rhythm as it adds a natural sound of steel and at the same time keeping timing to the explosive beat.

A Navy That Never Goes To Sea

Barbados can proudly boasts of having the only "Landship" movement (A Navy that never goes out to sea), which was established over 100 years ago, though the initiative of a retired seaman, Moses Wood. The fleet that is commanded by an Admiral, wears uniforms similar to those worn in a professional navy, and are trained and regimented in the manner of the military.

The Tuk Band Rhythm is the engine of the ship and therefore plays an integral part in the "Landship" movement. The rhythm provides excitement and movement as the crew does their maneuvers to the instructions of their Admiral.