and who is more commonly known to everybody in The Bahamas as "Vola" the King of Junkanoo in The Bahamas.
When He was fourteen "Vola" joined the neighborhood junkanoo group, founded by William Cooper, who was keenly interested in Vola's artistic talents and abilities. At the same time, however, Vola was not allowed to rush on Bay Street and Philip had to beg permission for him to participate. Then in 1965, the East Street and West Street groups formed a coalition of Junkanoo groups. The new group became know as the "Saxons" because of an award winning design of the same name. At the tender age of sixteen Vola became the leader, artistic designer and costume builder of the Saxons. And the rest, as they say is Junkanoo history.
| |
For three decades, it has fallen to Vola to almost single-handedly raise sponsorship monies, find the theme for the right group, develop the ideas and ideals, design the costumes and lead the Saxon Superstars to more than 25 victories. Contributing further to its becoming a legend in junkanoo. He is also admired for his mesmerizing costumes and original creations in the ever popular junkanoo dance called the "Vola Suffle" based on the moves that were inspired by the late Sweet Richard Dean, one of the greatest dance performers in Junkanoo who along with the late Josh Symonette another prominent Junkanoo character from Mason's Addition, and John "Chippie" Chippman, were strong influences on Vola.
In addition to his work in Junkanoo, Percy "Vola" an artist born with natural talent is known for his painting, professional window decor, sign painting, song writing, singing and dancing. In 1973 he wrote and produced the popular song "Jumbey Village," dedicated to the founder of the village, Mr Ed Moxey, who was the inspiration for this composition. He hosted his first Art exhibition at the Junkanoo Expo Prince George Dock in June 1995.
Vola has given us of his time and talent for almost forty years in an effort to see the art of Junkanoo develop. As an artist, he had made ongoing unselfish contributions to Junkanoo without any thought of monetary reward. Due to his devotion and dedication of the arts, Vola has lost valuable time and irreplacable time with his family. Although these sacrifices should not be and may have gone unnoticed for many years, the world of the Bahamian Junkanoo is infinitely richer and more evolved for his having made these personal sacrifices. Because of Vola, junkanoo has emerged from the latter part of the 20th century with worldwide recognition as one of the most colorful, incomparable and unequaled indigenous festival in the new millennium.
Vola's honors and achievements include the Queen's Certificate and Badge for the Creative and Performing Arts (1982), The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, the Distinguished Citizen's Award for the Creative and Performing Arts (1985), The National Junkanoo Committee's Award for 25 years of contribution and dedicated service to the development of Junkanoo (1989), and member of the British Empire - Queen's honor list (1995). In addition Vola was recognized by the Bahamas Government for service to culture during the 25th Anniversary of Indepenence 1998.
Kiwanis Club of Nassau AM Man of Distinction 2002
for Culture/Junkanoo Known as the King of Junkanoo. |