Kalik, Cowbells, Junkanoo, Beer and the Bahamian experience in The Bahamas

Kalik-kalik-kaliking-kalik and Junkanoo in The Bahamas

By Dennis Dames
Nassau, The Bahamas

Kalik has not always been synonymous with: The beer of The Bahamas.  Rather, it's the sound associated with cowbells shaking and junkanoo.  Kalik-kalik-kaligging-kalik is a popular rhythm of the bells, and junkanoo is simply the regular opportunity to get them to knock their sounds with that of goatskin drums, horns and other junkanoo music utensils.

One can roam the entire Bahamas looking for cows with bells around their necks, but don't waste your time- as those creatures have been deprived of their music decades ago.  They now belong to junkanoo.

Cowbells have come a long way over the years.  I could remember the simple single compartment bells with their respective size tongue, but as a result of competition and innovation in Bahamian junkanoo- cowbells are now varied.  Multiple compartments for the desired sound effect and bells that are supported by other means than the conventional hand controlling them.

Kalik and kaliking have a bright future in The Bahamas.  Cowbells are always on standby in the islands.  Junkanoo is now a daily phenomenon in The Bahamas, and is popular among Bahamians and visitors alike.  Junkanoo music is a regular feature at many hotels and popular hang out spots like the fish fry on Arawak cay.

Junkanoo in the old days was primarily a seasonal affair, something that was looked forward to during the Christmas season.  Obviously for Bahamians and tourists alike, that was thoroughly unacceptable.  Thanks to the cowbells, goatskin drums and friends, for they are active participants in the cultural expressions of The Bahamas.