01/10/2024
The founding members of the Jolly Boys mento band from Port Antonio, Jamaica were Moses Deans and "Papa" Brown:
• Moses Deans: Played the banjo and guitar
• "Papa" Brown: Played the rumba box
The Jolly Boys were formed after the Navy Island Swamp Boys split in 1955. The Navy Island Swamp Boys included Deans, Noel Lynch, and "Papa" Brown, and they often played at Errol Flynn's parties. Flynn is said to have coined the name "The Jolly Boys" for the new band. Other early members of the Jolly Boys included: Derrick "Johnny" Henry on maracas and drum, Martell Brown on guitar, and David "Sonny" Martin on guitar.
Allan Swymmer was a regular substitute for the group before joining as a full member in the 1960s.
Mento is a Jamaican folk music style that mixes African and European rhythms and traditions. It became popular in the Caribbean in the 1920's, but its golden years were in the 1940's and 1950s.
• The Jolly Boys - Wikipedia
Current Members Lineup:
Shantel Valentine ( Backing Vocal)
Carl Thompson & Lead Vocalist/Shaker Player)
Delano Douglas (Drummer/Backing Vocal) Noel Howard (Guitar/Backing Vocal)
Lawrence Christie (Rumba Box/Vocal)
Acheme Jaarett (Keyboard/Vocal)
Management: Donald Deans
Bookings: [email protected]
[email protected]
