Photo Caption: David ‘De Maestro’ Freeman crafted by Mr. Vaughn Anslyn
By: T. Chapman
Today, (Saturday 26th May) the Nevisian community mourns the loss of David ‘De Maestro’ Freeman, A Cultural Icon, A Family Man, A Fife Player, who passed away early this morning.
Freeman, a humble country man has left a legacy that would be told for an eternity. His prowess with a fife, brought him and his stringband many local, regional and international gigs.
Playing the fife for over sixty-one (61) years, Freeman played with the original Honeybees Stringband, from Brown Pasture and the Jimmy Mackerel’s Stringband from Rawlins.
Our Cultural Icon, was a giant Fife Player, who represented St. Kitts & Nevis at at least six (6) CARIFESTAS – Cuba in 1978, Barbados in 1981, Trinidad & Tobago in 1992 & 1995, St. Kitts & Nevis 2000 and Suriname in 2003.
He also toured St. Eustatius, Canada, USVI, Montserrat and St. Maarten with his Stringband and Big Drum providing music for Clowns, Cake Walk, Quadrille and the Masquerade folk dancers.
Former Minister of Culture and current Premier, Mark Brantley through his social media page wrote:
“Nevis has today lost one of her most iconic sons. We mourn the loss of David Freeman the greatest fife player the island has ever known. The family has said he passed away this morning peacefully at the age of 90. Mr Freeman has stood astride the cultural world in Nevis for decades. His incredibly talented playing brought great joy to us all. On behalf of the Government and people of Nevis, I extend our deepest sympathies to the family. Your loss is our loss. May the soul of David Freeman Rest In Peace and may the sweet sounds of the fife and kettle drum welcome him into heaven”.
David leaves to mourn, his wife Claristine, children (7), grand-children, other relatives and close friends.
Sincere condolences goes out to the Freeman Family.
Rest In Peace: Mr. David ‘ De Maestro’ Freeman
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