Musical tributes flow for Barry Chevannes
The legacy of the late Professor Barry Chevannes is rich and varied. But among the things for which he will be remembered most, is his lasting effort to harmonise religious concepts.
It was noted that his general tolerance manifested itself in a fair, objective and permissive attitude toward those whose religious faith or personal characteristics may not necessarily match his own.
As Professor Peter Figueroa, who gave the remembrance at the thanksgiving service for the life of Professor Chevannes at the University Chapel yesterday, observed, it was the most ecumenical funeral he had ever seen.
Mainstream Christianity, Revival and Rastafari celebrated the life and work of Professor Chevannes who was himself Roman Catholic. It is important to note also, that Ras Iration I from the Rastafari Community was among the officiating ministers.
It was no surprise therefore, that the departed social anthropologist’s work and faith were mirrored in music even though it is the lesser known side of his personality.
His thanksgiving reflection featured a wide range of musical forms. At the openning and closing of the over three-hour long reflection, the drummers of Rastafari Theocracy Nyahbinghi Order reigned with Rastaman chants Fly Away Home Yad (Trod) Away and In That Land among others.
The clergy processed into the chapel to Missa Luba followed by the hymn Enter into Jerusalem, then after tributes from UWI Vice Chancellor Nigel Harris and Barbara Gloudon, the musical selections returned. This time from Chevannes’s cousin Brenton McLean with a rendition of Peace I Give You.
A delightful rendition of Blessed Assurance by the Mustard Seed Community Steel Band, preceeded Chevannes’s adaptation of the hymn Redeemed, then O God Our Help in Ages Past by the University Singers and another of Chevannes’ adaptations, Spirit of God, before the recessional to Peter Tosh’s haunting Creation (Jah is My Keeper) by the University Singers.
(Photos: Jermaine Barnaby)