Kenrick Georges, Composer of the St. Kitts and Nevis Anthem

Kenrick Anderson Georges, was born on 1^st May, 1955 and hailed from John Street, Newtown Basseterre, St. Kitts. His journey began at Newtown Primary School, where his exceptional talents were immediately recognised. At the tender age of six, he embarked on a musical path by learning to play the steel pan. During his time at Newtown Primary, Kenrick collaborated on numerous performances.

In 1967, a pivotal moment occurred when at just eleven years old, he was encouraged to join the St. Kitts Nevis Defense Force Band, a decision that would shape his future. Within two weeks of training, he was promoted to practice with the senior band members. Georges quickly distinguished himself by transcribing music, with guidance from Ivan Cowan, a skilled Cap and Reed instrument player, and Paul Archibald. He went on to teach himself to play every instrument within the band’s repertoire. Remarkably, at the age of thirteen, Mr. Val Morris, the head of the Defense Force Band at the time, invited Georges to join the Val Morris Orchestra, a popular local ensemble.

In the year preceding his involvement with the Val Morris Orchestra, Georges entered Basseterre Junior High School and later attended Basseterre High School and the St. Kitts Technical College, where he pursued studies in construction. Thus, in addition to his musical talents, Georges was also an artist, painter, and builder.

During his early teenage years, he played the guitar for a local church and assumed the role of lead trumpeter for the Grand Ash 11 Express Brass band. Within a short span, he advanced to become the band’s arranger. In 1975, Georges embarked on a tour of New York, USA, with the band, during which he established his personal music library. In addition to his formal training with the Defense Force Band, he was a self-taught musician who tirelessly studied books and various musical instruments. His dedication led him to a book from the Berklee School of Music, which he embraced with religious zeal, nurturing a thirst for daily improvement.

The 1970s and 80s were bustling years for Georges. He composed music for local calypsonians, recorded his first music with De King Arrow and the Grand Ash II Brass Express, and earned the title of Arranger of the Year in 1976. Georges also collaborated with other local bands such as Black Coral and Toucan and travelled with the renowned GI’s Brass. His musical journey extended to international shores, including St. Maarten, Aruba, Antigua, Tortola, and St. Thomas. In 1979, he was honored with a music scholarship to study in Jamaica. His outstanding work within local high schools was of such caliber that he received an additional scholarship offer and a teaching opportunity upon completion. He chose to decline the second scholarship, believing that he could make a more substantial contribution to music development in his homeland of St. Kitts and Nevis.

Independence arrived in the Federation in 1983, and Georges had initially shown little intention of participating in the anthem-writing competition. In fact, he had composed scores for many of the competitors, as he was one of the few musicians capable of transcribing music for all instruments. Around 2:00 A.M., just four hours before the 6:00 A.M. deadline, Kenrick Georges, with his special talents, composed and arranged an anthem. This late-night composition proved to be a masterpiece, and “O Land of Beauty” was declared the Nation’s National Anthem, a true testament to the genius of a musical mastermind.

After dedicating numerous years to teaching in local high schools, Georges decided to relocate to the USA. Over his illustrious career, he collaborated with many Caribbean music legends, including the Mighty Sparrow, Calypso Rose, Lord Kitchener, Mighty Duke, The Shadow, and served as the lead trumpeter and transcriber for the famous Arrow for approximately ten years.

Georges constantly strived for excellence, establishing the Sugar Mill Digital Sound Lab and Music School. The Sugar Mill became a haven for both local and international artists. When he wasn’t in the sound lab, Georges was a globe-trotter, travelling to Japan, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, and the USA. He spent increasing amounts of time in the studio, producing remarkable recordings, including two Christmas albums, “Sugar City Classics Vol. 1,” regional political campaign jingles, and songs, as well as his cherished creation, the long-awaited “Island Symphony”, a classical interpretation of traditional calypso music.

Kenrick Georges, an author, composer, poet, artist, painter, and national treasure, left this world on 26th August, 2019, leaving behind a wonderful legacy in the world of music and culture.

Fun Fact:

Georges arranged “Nevis Nice” the popular calypso by Crefton “Meeko” Warner.

Links to other articles about citizens from the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis are below:

Allister Williams

https://caribbeanvybes.com/allister-williams-deep-sense-of-patriotism/

Tunka Abdurama

https://caribbeanvybes.com/tunka-abdurama-master-of-creative-arts/

Lorna “Ava” Henry

https://caribbeanvybes.com/dance-icon-lorna-ava-henry/

SPORTS

Luther Kelly

https://caribbeanvybes.com/our-test-star-luther-kelly/