Dominica Travel 2009

Isma Alie and his Jing Ping group

Isma Alie, from the village of Petit Souffriere, is at 68 years the most acclaimed traditional musician in Dominica. He began at age 17, his mentor was Clayton Gopierre who was an old man at the time. Isma has performed at dances and in competitions all over the island for the past 40 years and year after year is acknowledged as best traditional artist. Today he is passing along the knowledge to the young musicians that now perform jing ping music with him. Jing Ping is uniquely Dominican traditional music, derived from the european and african traditions found here. Jing Ping bands feature for performers on accordian, Gwa or Grater, Boom Boom, a long hollow tube that is blown into; and the tambu drum. He also performs Quadrille, Waltz, Mazouk, Flotation and Bele which traditionally features four couples dancing. He feels that today traditional music is getting stronger with support from the government and schools. He can be found performing at Emerald Pool on days when there is a cruise ship in port and we cught him at the restaurant in the Garroway hotel with his group on Creole Day.

Isma Alie and his Jing Ping group performing at the Garroway Hotel on Creole Day, Friday, October 31st, 2008. (L-R) Jacky on Boom Boom, Naughty Durant on Gwa, James on Tambu and Isma Alie on Accordian.

Dominicans enjoying creole dishes while Petit Souffriere Jing-Ping band lead by Isma Ali on accordion play at the Garroway restaurant in the Garroway Hotel

James on the Tambu, performing with Isma Alie and his Jing Ping group at the Garroway Hotel on Creole Day, friday, October 31st, 2008

Jacky performing on boom boom with Isma Alie and his Jing Ping group at the Garroway Hotel on Creole Day, friday, October 31st, 2008

Isma Alie and his Jing Ping group performing at the Garroway Hotel on Creole Day, friday, October 31st, 2008

Naughty Durant performing with Isma Alie and his Jing Ping group at the Garroway Hotel on Creole Day, Friday, October 31st, 2008.

Dominican Jing Ping master demonstrating the instrument known as the Gwa or Scraper which is an essential element of the music that is an expression of Dominican culture.

Dominican Jing Ping master perfoming a song of the music, which is an essential element of Dominican culture.

Dominican Jing Ping master demonstrating the instrument known as the Boom Boom which is an essential element of the music that is an expression of Dominican culture.