Tracing the Roots of Junkanoo, The Ahanta Bahamian Tourism Festival, The Sankofa Flamingo Foundation

Tracing the Roots of Junkanoo, The Ahanta Bahamian Tourism Festival,  The Sankofa Flamingo Foundation

The 242 Artist Network had the pleasure of re-connecting with Historian and founder of The Sankofa Flamingo Foundation Chris 'Omo Shango' Davis. He was featured last year in one of our first podcast episodes on 'Speak Fa Yah Self'. During our conversation we discussed his then recent trip to Ghana where he uncovered significant facts about our national festival Junkanoo. 

Last month Mr. Davis continued his quest to unite Bahamians with our African ancestry. He made the trip once again to Ghana for The Ahanta Bahamian Tourism Festival. Amongst others, Mr. Davis was accompanied by Ras Copper, a well known Bahamian Musician, Podcast Host and Community Activist releasing hit songs like 'Cant Keep I Down', 'Mr. Greedy' , and 'Here I Come'. 

Mr. Davis highlights the fact that Junkanoo in diverse forms is also celebrated throughout the Caribbean pointing to  our story of common origin. As Mr. Davis explains,

The research connects Jan Kwaw (John Canoe) to numerpus different countries but nowhere is he commemorated like The Bahamas' bianuual parade Junkanoo. The more i learned and since visiting the more the story expanded and reveals Jan Kwaw aka John Canoe (the namesake of the commemorations throughout the West), King Badu   Bonsu II and the entire Ahanta people as heroes for the entire Diaspora and the rediscovery of a black mecca in South West Ghana. This is where you can find Jan Kwaw's fort and ruins of his palace, mansion and wall. It was where he fought the Dutch Danish British and Portuguese slave trade for a number of years until he was finally removed in 1725 and took exile at Kwadaso in Kumasi. He was a general, a chief and the proverbial minister defense. 

Mr. Davis is the founder of the Sankofa Flamingo Foundation. He credits his research to a team of individuals stating that;

The first stage of the research is complete with the help of my team Tamara, Robin, Angelique, Michael and Oswald. It will be published in various different forms for Bahamians and the wider Diaspora. 

He further elaborated on the future implications of his findings; 

This is only a beginning and changes the historical narrative to one the entire Diaspora can be proud of. Intially it was started as a way for Bahamians to trace their roots and researching the origins of Junkanoo. The research took me to Princess Town in the Ahanta West Province of Ghana. 

Here at the 242 Artist Network we are truly proud of your research and trust that as you publish your findings it will inspire a new generation of youth to love themselves, their heritage, and the beautiful  complexities of our unique and diverse caribbean culture. Mr. Davis demonstrates a culture of continuity when tracing the roots of Junkanoo through The Bahamas, and The Caribbean, connecting ultimately to the legacy of our African Ancestors.

Watch Candle In A Dark Room by Ras Copper