Durrant Pate/Contributor

Jamaican actress and producer Joan McKenzie went back to her roots in Clarendon, hosting ‘Kulcha Re-Konnek’ to immerse students on nostalgic Jamaican past-times last Wednesday (March 6).

Held at the Chapelton Branch Library, Kulcha Re-Konnek was created to help preserve and promote Jamaican culture through interactive sessions that engage students meaningfully through traditional games, storytelling and performances to reinvigorate students in our vibrant heritage. These activities were facilitated by actors and social media content creators such as ‘Joan Kenzie’ herself, Everaldo ‘Pukupoo’ Creary, Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, Evy Royal, and Khorii Rhymez. 

The event commenced with an uplifting devotion session including a heartfelt prayer led by Pastor Sandria Ormsby of the New Ground Church of God of Prophecy. The opening session set the tone for the day, creating an atmosphere of reflection, gratitude, and appreciation. 

Preserving and promoting Jamaican culture 

McKenzie also shared her thoughts on the impact of the event, stating the importance of reconnecting today’s youth with the cultural roots of Jamaica, telling the audience, “I created the event Kulcha Re-Konneck to preserve and promote Jamaican culture, ensuring it is passed down to the new and upcoming generation.”

Students then engaged in a variety of breakout activities designed to reconnect them with Jamaica’s traditional activities. These activities included storytelling, led by Basillia, which captivated the students with a story from her book titled ‘The Adventures in Mannershill Valley‘, continuing the tradition of Jamaica’s rich oral storytelling history.

Joan led the ring games, reigniting the students with classic childhood games that have been passed down for generations such as ‘Brown girl in the ring’, ‘Bull in a pen’, and ‘Those who born in January’. 

Evy Royal and Everaldo ‘Pukupoo’ reconnected students with marble games and the famous ‘Dandy Shandy’ bringing a competitive and nostalgic edge to the event. Khori hosted a skipping rope and track and field session ensuring that all in attendance had a chance to relive the cherished pastimes of Jamaica’s youth. 

Old-time Jamaican activities 

The outside activities were topped by an iconic ‘bulla’ eating competition, a staple at Jamaican events. Reflecting on the significance of the event, one teacher remarked, “Old-time Jamaican games are more than just play, they are bridges to our culture, teaching lessons of community, creativity, and resilience. In this digital era, they remind students of the power of tradition, storytelling, and the joy of simple, shared experiences.”

The event culminated in an exciting concert and cultural competition hosted by the content creators’ famous online personas. This segment was hosted by Gladys featuring guest performances from La-aqwawn, Khorii Rhymez, Winston, and Lipton. 

Attendees participated in the Complete the Proverb Challenge, testing their knowledge of Jamaican sayings and their meanings, folk and dancehall competition. Students were rewarded several prizes for their participation throughout the sessions. 

The Kulcha Re-Konnek event successfully reinforced the importance of preserving Jamaica’s cultural heritage. Joan Kenzie expressed her gratitude to all participants, students, teachers, and supporters who contributed to making the event a success.