By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 19, 2020 – I am a huge fan of David “Funky D” Ferguson, the multi-talented Bahamian entertainer. Indeed, the fact that he has been performing at SuperClubs Beezes for more than two decades is the main reason why that all-inclusive resort was my favourite place to stay whenever I visited Nassau over the years.
Funky D has just released a new song, “FEEL THE SUMMER BREEZE (Down in the Bahamas),” that I was absolutely certain had been commissioned by the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Aviation because of its strong promotional pitch reminding potential visitors to The Bahamas that despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s tourism industry, The Bahamas – one of the world’s leading tourist destinations – is still very much open for business.
But apparently it was not commissioned by the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation. The promotional song encouraging potential tourists “to come and visit the islands of Bahamas” was written by Campbell Forbes, currently based in Canada; produced/recorded by Maitland Thompson; background vocals by Anansia (Nancy) Leadon; and vocals by David (Funky D) Ferguson.
According to a press release, “During these Covid times of emotional and economic instability for our fellow Bahamians, this song is guaranteed as a musical medicine to lift our spirits and make us feel proud and positive of where we live and who we are.”
It adds, “As most people know, Funky D is the leader/singer of the Summer Breeze Band that performed regularly at Breezes, up until the recent lockdowns. As it goes, nothing can keep this man still in times of difficulty. He has once again teamed up with the songwriter/production team Campbell Forbes and Maitland Thompson to create another masterpiece. Background vocals are beautifully sung by Anansia Leadon, who is a singer/songwriter in her own right.”
In response to my email request for additional information, Campbell Forbes said, “This project came from the heart since we are all Bahamian musicians and believe that a positive future for our country can be spoken through music. Covid has brought around many tragedies and we felt it was necessary to get the spirits up for The Bahamas not only for the people to ‘get their dancing shoes on’, but perhaps for the tourist industry who might want to use this song for promotion.”
He added, “Having had 40-plus years of experience within our group, we also came to the reality that we can write and produce music from afar. The world is a small place and anything can be done online by sharing music tracks and ideas. Our collaboration is united in a single goal of sharing joy in these times of difficulty.
“My history goes back to high school at Aquinas College, where I started playing percussion and bass. I met Funky D 30-plus years ago when he joined my band, The Summer Breeze Band, and we performed regularly at the Family Island Lounge. The rest is history.
“I have also played with many well known Bahamian artists over the years and then moved to Europe (The Netherlands), in 1989. There I became fluent in Dutch, introduced my brand of Caribbean music to the Dutch, forming a group called “Freez Careeb”, and played with many other European musicians broadening my styles and tastes in music.”
Continuing, he added: “I am currently in Canada with plans to move back to The Bahamas. You can view my website campbellforbes.com where you can get a more detailed profile and listen to a lot of other compositions I have written and produced personally. When Covid was in full bloom, I launched a video/song “Never Give Up” which is dedicated to the front line workers.
“Maitland Thompson is also a singer/songwriter and producer/engineer of his own studio, Baheuro Studios, Nassau, Bahamas. He is a fine guitarist of many genres and is well known all over the islands. We have known each other personally and played together for over 40 years, which makes our musical ideas very linear and satisfying.
“Anansia Leadon, also from Nassau, is a young aspiring singer/songwriter. When Maitland and I worked on ‘Feel the Summer Breeze’ we knew her beautiful silky voice would be perfect to depict the turquoise seas and gentle breezes. We are currently working on some new material with her for the near future.
“Of course, you know Funky D so I need not go further. His energy on this song or anything he performs goes without saying.
“In closing, we hope your article helps to connect us with any facet of Bahamian Tourism for promotion. We very much appreciate your time and interest!”
(EDITOR’S NOTE: Ever since I watched the highly entertaining livestream show, “For The Culture: Veronica Bishop and Sweet Emily,” last Thursday night, October 15, I have been “reliving” the wonderful experiences generated by listening to Bahamian music during my years growing up in The Bahamas. This latest Funky D song was just what the doctor ordered as an anti-depressant during my self-imposed quarantine. It had me vicariously “sculling” in the Banana Boat nightclub. Hopefully, its potential as a promotional magnet to lure visitors to The Bahamas as COVID-19 becomes history will be recognized by the powers-that-be at the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation.)
FEEL THE SUMMER BREEZE (Down in the Bahamas): https://www.facebook.com/1183727972/videos/10222692028387711/
