Caribbean Folk Songs Singing Workshop

A 2-hour workshop learning traditional folk songs from the Caribbean, describing work life and the community. The session will include the use of call and answer, harmonies, rhythm and accents, giving the participants a fun and informative experience. Led by vocalist Leonie Smith.

• For young people aged 14 - 25

• No previous experience or skill of singing is needed to take part - the aim of the workshop is to have fun, boost wellbeing and learn about Caribbean cultural heritage

About the workshop leader:

Leonie Smith is at home in any genre of music and has been a vocalist for over 20 years, she started a gospel group with friends at church, it was here her love for harmonies began. she grabbed the opportunities that came, touring South African continents with Black Voices and taking various opportunities within the reggae community of Birmingham. She has performed lead vocals for Reggae Winehouse, Ayodi and backing vocals for many artists including Gabbidon, Carol Thompson, Janet Kay and Steele Pulse, she also toured internationally with Legend, Pato Banton and Junior Marvin (The Legendary Wailers). Leonie also embarked in classical training sessions which she utilised as a support worker, to facilitate vocal technique sessions with young people and vulnerable adults. Leonie continues to work in the community bringing well being through creativity.

This workshop is part of a wider events programme surrounding the TURNING POINT exhibition at The GAP. TURNING POINT is a video installation created by Sweet Patootee Arts. Inspired by the oral testimonies of people who lived and worked in the Caribbean in the 1920s, these films combine monologue-style performances, melodrama, comedy, projection, poetry, visual arts, folk songs and 3D sound to convey this momentous moment of history in Britain’s former slave colonies after the First World War - a new era for Black identity and pride.

Host or Publisher The GAP