Origins: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree

Subject: Words please: Jumbie Jamboree
From:
Date: 15 Dec 98 - 10:47 AM

Anyone have the words to a calypso song Jumbie Jamboree, aka Zombie Jamboree?

Chorus goes: Back to back, belly to belly, Well I don't give a damn 'cause I done dead already! Back to back, belly to belly, At the Jumbie Jamboree

Ta,Steve

Subject: RE: Words please: Jumbie Jamboree
From: Barbara
Date: 15 Dec 98 - 01:16 PM

Bet that's Zombie Jamboree, and Joe Hickerson has it on a tape.

Subject: RE: Words please: Jumbie Jamboree
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Dec 98 - 01:38 PM

Hi - a Forum Search comes up with this (click here). The lyrics posted aren't exactly what I remember, but they're close.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Words please: Jumbie Jamboree
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 01:22 AM

ZOMBIE JAMBOREE was written by Conrad Eugene Mauge, Jr. It's been recorded by The Kingston Trio, Harry Belafonte, Rockapella, and a few others.

According to allmusic, JUMBIE JAMBOREE was written by Clement "Coxsone" Dodd and Peter Tosh. It was recorded by Peter Tosh on "The Toughest," 1988.

Subject: Lyr Add: ZOMBIE JAMBOREE (from Dorris Henderson)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 06:08 AM

I collected this in true Folk Style from a long playing album back in the sixties - Sung by Dorris Henderson, who's just, sadly, died.

Oh, oh, what a Zombie jamboree
Took place in the Wood Lawn Cemetery
Oh what a Zombie jamboree
Took place in the Wood Lawn cemetery
Zombies from all parts of the island,
Some of them were dead calypsonians
Since this was Summer Carnival
They got together in Bachannal

And what they singing'? Back to back, belly to belly
Don't give a damn cos I done dead already
Back to back, belly to belly at the Zombie jamboree

One female Zombie wouldn't behave,
See you she dancing on the grave
In one hand she hold a quart of rum,
With the other hand she knocking Conga Drum
The lead singer start to make his rhyme
While the other Zombies rattle their bones in time
It was a treat I hear one bystander say
To see the Zombie breakaway

Left and right, it's getting sweet
When a bystander stomp the Zombie's feet
The Zombie lift one finger to warn
Saying 'Mister, take care you mash me corn'
The funniest sight I ever did see
Was a Zombie eating codfish and pungee
I never see more mobie and ginger beer
Than at the zombie parade that took place here

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Azizi
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 07:48 AM

Just for the record, I am posting some etymological meanings and for other information about the word "zombi" My principle source for this information is Mervyn Allene's "Africa: Roots of Jamaican Culture" {Chicago; Research Associates School Times Publications; 1996; p.92-93}.

"Zombi" is a word that is derived from the word 'dzambi' in the Kikongo language language {a Bantu language in Central Africa-see the nations Congo-Kinshasa and Congo-Brazzaville}

The traditional Kikongo meaning of 'dzambi' is God. The chief Kumina sky god was Oto, King Zombi.   

The word "zombi' is found in various forms throughout the Caribbean- Haitian: "zambi"; Trinidadian "jumbi"; and Brazilian "jumbi."

In the largely neglected but very important study of Brazilian maroon integretated communities for runaway slaves of some African descent and persons of other rcees & ethnicities such as Palmares, the title and/or name of the kings was "Zumbi".

The Kikongo term for 'spirit' is "mvumbi" [which was apparently synonymous with "zambi"] Traditionally, then "zombis" were ancestral spirits {"the spirits of men and women who, in their lifetime, were zombies {persons who experienced possession by a god and who dead while possessed'. The spirits of drummers and leaders of obeah could also could become zombies upon their death -"obeah" is a West African magic system; The Akan language and people are from Ghana & The Ivory Coast; among Akan people are the Ashantis [Asantes] & the Fantis.

In "Kumina", an African based religion in Jamaica, the word 'zombi' also means 'spirit'. Allene writes that Kumina has been given new impetus in Jamaica and elsewhere, particulary due to the integration of its music & dance forms. {For instance, I have read elswhere that reggae owes a particular debt to Kumina drumming}.

Although the dance form isn't as well known as "limbo', "Moko Jumbi stilt dancers are a key tourist attraction in Caribbean nations.
"Moko Jumbis" are supposed to be fear inspiring spirits [ghosts].
The term "jumbie" for spirit is still quite common in Trinidad and ]and perhaps other Caribbean cultures]. You will hear the word 'jumbi" in Calypso, Reggae and other Caribbean music. Given the large number of people from the Caribbean in Great Britain, Moko Jumbi is certain to be a central character in carnival there.

I searched unsuccessfully for a good online photo or drawing of contemporary Moko Jumbi stilt dancers. However, I did come across this historical article about Moko Jumbi plays whose text and illustrations are reprinted from Wide World Magazine, VII, 38 (May, 1901). I concur with the notes to the article that "The following The material is of considerable historical interest because of the detail it provides on a particularly interesting and relatively little-known seasonal custom. The author, Dorothy Harding, had apparently lived in the Caribbean for some years. The editors feel that its value as source material justifies reproduction of what would otherwise be unacceptable in terms of its racist perspective and tone"

early 20th century Moko Jumbi

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Azizi
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 08:01 AM

I suppose it goes without saying, but I will say it anyway, that the meaning of the word "Zombie" and the word 'vodoo' for that matter are twisted products of Hollywood & other USA mass media offerings.

Also 'negro' with a small 'n' as found in the above linked historical article is a definite no no. The once acceptable referent 'Negro' is mostly used nowadays by African Americans as a diss [insult] for submissive Black people who are Euro-centric in their attitudes and actions.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: GUEST,Hootenanny
Date: 19 Mar 05 - 06:41 PM

Coxone?, Peter Tosh?

Are you sure ?? I always understood that it was a song from Trinidad, the first person I heard perform it was Fitzroy Coleman about 1956/8 at the daddy of all English Folk Clubs the Ballads and Blues when it was upstairs at the Princess Louise in Holborn. Steve Benbow also performed it probably learned from Fitz.
Fitz always sang "Jumbie". Wonder if he stills sing it?

Hoot

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Leadfingers
Date: 20 Mar 05 - 06:59 AM

Yes - Steve Benbow still sings Zombie Jamboree (In the key of F ) at The Brewery Tap in Brentford !!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: RWilhelm
Date: 20 Mar 05 - 12:40 PM

It was originally done by Lord Invader and his 12 Penetrators.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: James Fryer
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 03:03 PM

Lord Invader did not write the song, nor did he ever have a band called the 12 Penetrators. This was a story made up by the Kingston Trio.

As far as I am aware it was written by Lord Intruder (real name Winston O'Conner according to Ray Funk). I don't know how it became attributed to Conrad Mauge.

See this page

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 22 Mar 05 - 05:26 PM

Information Please.
There also is a song (or songs) called "Jumbie." I haven't heard it; is it the same song?
Fitzroy Alexander ("Lord Melody') is credited with its composition.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 07:59 AM

what about some chords for this ditty preferably over the lyrics!!

Subject: Chords Add: ZOMBIE JAMBOREE
From: Leadfingers
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 09:16 AM

(C)Oh What a (G)Zombie Jamboree (C)Took place at the (G)Wood Lawn Cemetar(C)y
Oh What a (G)Zombie Jamboree (C)Took Place at the (G)Wood Lawn
cemetar(C)y
Zombies from all (F)parts of the Island , (C)some of them were (G)dead
Calypsonians
(C)Since this was (F)Summers Carni(C)val they got to(G)gether in Bachann(C)al
And What they Singing ? (F)back to Back , (C)Belly to belly
I (G)dont give a damn cos I (C)done dead already
(F)Back to Back , (C)Belly to belly at the (G)Zombie Jambor(C)ee

OK - Try that for the Chords !

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Flash Company
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 09:31 AM

Cliff Hall used to sing this with The Spinners (Liverpool)

FC

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: GUEST,Bainbo
Date: 23 Mar 05 - 10:24 AM

It's on the Pop'n'Mento album by veteran Jamaican group The Jolly Boys, although it's listed as "Back To Back (Belly To Belly)". A great album for warm summer evenings (please God we'll get some :-))

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: GUEST,TimP
Date: 02 Apr 05 - 12:54 PM

Interested to see reference to Dorris Henderson re Zombie Jamboree. I played piano with Dorris a lot over the years from 1973 right up to Dec 2004 before she went into Hospital for the last time.

This is a song I've never heard of from her - and I'm intrigued. If anyone knows anymore about this song and the Dorris connection I'd be really grateful to hear from you -- mail me offline at [e-mail]

Thanks

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: GUEST,Trey
Date: 15 May 08 - 01:19 AM

It was actually originally called Jumbie Jamboree even though it says Zombie in the song. Just a fun fact for all you people who love to jump the gun! :)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 May 08 - 02:58 AM

"Jumbie Jamboree" is on a Peter Tosh album called The Toughest. You can hear a brief sample here (click). It's not much of a sample, but it's enough to convince me that "Jumbie" is probably not the same song as "Zombie." Then again, this clip from King Selewa & His Calypsonians is definitely the same song as "Jumbie." So, then what?
The Peter Tosh album also has "Shame and Scandal" - I may have to buy it.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: EBarnacle
Date: 15 May 08 - 09:17 PM

Interrressssting. It could have been written by one of the transplants to Brooklyn, NY. The most famous cemetary in Brooklyn is Wood Lawn. Brooklyn also has the largest population of transplants from the Caribbean in the US. The authors of several well known West Indian songs currently live in Brooklyn.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Azizi
Date: 05 May 09 - 11:29 AM

Here's a link to a YouTube video of The Kingston Trio: Zombie Jamboree

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H69HODLlDMo

**

And here's a link to a YouTube record and photo collage of Peter Tosh & The Wailers - Jumbie Jamboree:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCTuNU8CZsU

"The Wailers song Jumbie Jamboree, written by Clement Dodd and Peter Tosh (1965), is based on calypso Zombie Jamboree. Album :The Toughest, Peter Tosh, 1996"

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Azizi
Date: 05 May 09 - 11:36 AM

It seems that the words "jumbie" and "zombie" have come to mean the same thing to some (most?) people from the Caribbean.

Here's a link to a YouTube video of Machel Montano's soca song " Jumbie".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtUndRtKXlQ

"Title: Jumbie Artist: Machel Montano HD Album: Book of Angels Year: 2007 Genre: Soca Origin: Trinidad and Tobago Roach* March 2007

* Road march?

-snip-

Notice the zombie like dancers who sometimes transform themselves into moko jumbie stilt dancers.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Azizi
Date: 05 May 09 - 11:58 AM

In an earlier post to this thread, I shared some information about different meanings for the word "zumbi". I also shared some information about the moko jumbie stilt dancers.

It appears that moko jumbies (Caribbean stilt dancers) are considered to be the same as zombies (dead people who act under the influence of an evil person) much of the time but not all of the time. But it appears that wasn't the original meaning in the Caribbean of "moko jumbies".

Compare these two Wikipedia excerpts:

"A moko jumbie (also known as "moko jumbi" or "mocko jumbie") is a stilts walker or dancer. The origin of the term may come from "Moko" (a possible reference to an African god) and "jumbi", a West Indian term for a ghost or spirit that may have been derived from the Kongo language word zumbi. The Moko Jumbies are thought to originate from West African tradition brought to the Caribbean... The Moko arrived in Trinidad by "walking all the way across the Atlantic Ocean from the West coast of Africa, laden with many, many centuries of experience, and, in spite of all inhuman attacks and encounters, yet still walks tall, tall, tall. (John Cupid, Caribbean Beat)" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moko_jumbie

**

"A zombie is a creature that appears in folklore and popular culture typically as a reanimated corpse or a mindless human being. Stories of zombies originated in the Afro-Caribbean spiritual belief system of Vodou, which told of the people being controlled as laborers by a powerful sorcerer. Zombies became a popular device in modern horror fiction, largely because of the success of George A. Romero's 1968 film Night of the Living Dead...

There are several possible etymologies of the word zombie. One possible origin is jumbie, the West Indian term for "ghost".[1] Another is nzambi, the Kongo word meaning "spirit of a dead person."[1] According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word entered English circa 1871; it's derived from the Louisiana Creole or Haitian Creole zonbi, which in turn is of Bantu origin.[2] A zonbi is a person who is believed to have died and been brought back to life without speech or free will.[3] It is akin to the Kimbundu nzúmbe ghost.

According to the tenets of Vodou, a dead person can be revived by a bokor or Voodoo sorcerer. Zombies remain under the control of the bokor since they have no will of their own. "Zombi" is also another name of the Vodou snake god Damballah Wedo, of Niger-Congo origin; it is akin to the Kongo word nzambi, which means "god". There also exists within the voudon tradition the zombi astral which is a human soul that is captured by a bokor and used to enhance the bokor's power."

**

Here's a link to a YouTube video of moko jumbie dancers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5sQ-jizTRo

-snip-

Here's a link to a YouTube video of traditional West African stilt dancer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7H9f0paCCo&feature=related
Dan (Ivory coast/Liberia)

**

And here's a link to a YouTube video of Caribbean stilt dancer at the 2006 International Festival at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUGijRZwYpg

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 05 May 09 - 12:28 PM

"Back to Back," a ska by Count Owen from the 1960s (Owen Emanuel, Jamaica) tells the same story.

Hard to work out the chronology on these songs.
One of the most prolific writers, "Lord Melody (Fitzroy Alexander) wrote "The Jumbie." It appears on the Folkways cd, Calypso through the Looking Glass.
Any relation to Jumbie Jamboree? I have not heard it yet. Help needed from a calyptaddict.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Azizi
Date: 05 May 09 - 12:57 PM

Here's a link to a website that includes song clips of some of Lord Melody's song, including Jumbi (4:07)

http://www.rhapsody.com/lord-melody

This song's lyrics and tune reminds me of a slower version in word of "Mama Look A Boo Boo" as popularized by Harry Belafonte. "Mama Look A Boo Boo" was actually Lord Melody's song.

"Lord Melody (born Fitzroy Alexander) had a lengthy career that spanned from the early days of calypso in the late-'40s to the reggae of the late-'70s. Remembered for his witty lyricism, Lord Melody wrote and recorded such calypso hit tunes as "Berlin on a Donkey," "Jonah and the Bake," "Boo Boo Man and the Creature From the Black Lagoon," and "Hurricane Janet." His greatest success came when Harry Belafonte recorded his songs "Mama Look A Boo Boo" and "Juanita." Lord Melody subsequently toured with Belafonte. In the late-'70s, Lord Melody veered towards reggae, recording such tunes as "Rastaman Be Careful" and "Brown Sugar." ~ Craig Harris, All Music Guide
http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/bio/0,,467162,00.html

-snip-

A song clip of Lord Melody singing "Booboo Man (Mama, Look At Bubu)" (4:22) is on the same rhapsody.com website given above.

The plot of Lord Melody's Jumbie song centers around a boy who sees a jumbie in the bathroom washing up and his mother says that's Melody.* The boys sings what becomes the refrain of the song "That's not Melody. No it's a Jumbie".

*meaning the singer.

**

Sorry. I can't find the lyrics online.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: Azizi
Date: 05 May 09 - 01:05 PM

Sorry again. Taking out the extraneous words, here's the sentence I meant to write:

This song's lyrics and tune reminds me of a slower version of "Mama Look A Boo Boo" as popularized by Harry Belafonte. "Mama Look A Boo Boo" was actually Lord Melody's song.

-snip-

I'm not sure which song Lord Melody wrote first "The Jumbie" or "Booboo Man (Mama, Look At Bubu)". But there are definite similarities between the "plot" of those two songs. in both of these songs a child insults someone for being ugly. However, the "Mama Look A Bubu" song doesn't compare that "ugly" person to a Jumbie.

All of this to say, besides for the word 'jumbie", I don't think there's any connection between Melody's song "The Jumbie" and the "Jumbie Jamboree" song.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: GUEST,Jim P
Date: 06 May 09 - 03:44 AM

Jerry Riopelle, "the biggest rock star you never heard of," did "Zombie Jamboree" as "Back to Back," using the chorus with original words. A compilation of ALL of his work is available on CD Baby, but unfortunately only a few of the eighty or so songs on the set are pre-viewed, and Back to Back is not one of them. Still, its a fun version.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: sing4peace
Date: 14 Sep 09 - 12:30 PM

This is just what I was looking for - some background on the Zombie Jamboree.

My understanding is that this song is part of a tradition of calypso singers who compete in extemporaneous verse making. Many other cultures have this type of singing competition.

I saw this in action at a Puerto Rican festival called "Betances"(????? on the spelling). Same sort of thing - a singer with or without the band starts from a familiar riff and then others join in. Verses accrue and go on and on...

A lot of versions exist with the chorus line: I don't give a damn because I've done dead already. Others say: I don't give a damn because I'm stone dead already.

It's a fun folk process song. I'm always looking for verses.

(Saw a reference online today about banks that are "stone dead" zombie banks. Full of toxic assets. Interesting...)


Joyce K.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: GUEST,Phil
Date: 02 May 15 - 07:19 AM

The real (?) composer Dr. Conrad Eugene Maugé Jr. PhD (1932-1998) could use an advocate here methinks.

Calypso Carnival Featuring King Flash;– Zombie Jamboree (Back To Back) / Mama, Looka Boo Boo (Boo Boo Man) Columbia 40866, 10", 78 rpm, 1956 (credited as C. E. Mauge, Jr.)

Calypso Carnival (King Flash in compilation with Massie Patterson, et al) Columbia CL 1007, 12", 33-1/3, 1957 (track B5)

The Calypso Carnival: Ten Exciting Authentic Calypsos, musical score, (New York, Ludlow Music, Inc.: Selling Agent, Hansen Publications, 1957)

For additional biography on the original copyright holder:
Freeman, Out of the Burning: The Story of a Boy Gang Leader (New York, Crown Publishers, 1960)
Allen & Wilcken, eds., Island Sounds in the Global City, (NY Folklore Society, 1998) pp.120-122

Conrad E Maugé; Awo Fayomi
The Yoruba Religion: Introduction to its Practice (Mount Vernon, House of Providence, 1993)
Odu Ifa : Book One & Two: Sacred Scriptures of Ifa (Mount Vernon, House of Providence, 1994)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: GUEST,GUEST.Lani
Date: 25 Aug 16 - 08:37 PM

When I lived in Antiqua in 1956 the local populace sang it this way, accompanied by steel drums:

Back to back
Belly to belly
I don't give a damn
'Cuz I'm done dead a'relly
It's the jumbie jamboree

Subject: Lyr Req: ZOMBIE JAMBOREE (BACK TO BACK) (Belafonte
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 27 Aug 16 - 04:52 PM

Wikipedia says: "Harry Belafonte recorded five versions of the song (in 1962, 1964, 1966, 1972 and 1974). It first appeared on Belafonte's 'The Many Moods of Belafonte' and later became one of his signature songs."


ZOMBIE JAMBOREE (BACK TO BACK)
As recorded by Harry Belafonte, on "The Many Moods of Belafonte," 1962.

1. Oh, what a zombie jamboree
Took place in a New York cemetery!
It was a zombie jamboree.
Took place in a New York cemetery.
Zombies from all part of the island,
Some of them was great calypsonians,
Since the season was carnival,
They get together in bacchanal.

And they singin'—

CHORUS: Back to back, belly to belly,
I don't give a damn; I done dead already.
Back to back, belly to belly,
At the zombie jamboree.

You hear me talkin'—CHORUS

2. One female zombie wouldn't behave.
See how she jumpin' out o' the grave.
In one hand she holding rum.
With the other hand she knockin' conga drum.
The lead singer start to make his rhyme
While the other zombies rattlin' in time.
One bystander had this to say:
"It was a treat to see the zombies break away."

And they singin'—CHORUS

Hear you talkin'—CHORUS

3. Now I'm a speak to Brigitte Bardot,
And say: "Miss Bardot, take it slow."
'Cause all the men think they're Casanova
When they see that she's barefoot all over.
Even old men out in Topeka
Find their hearts are gettin' weaker and weaker,
So we must ask her, for your sake and mine,
At least wear her earrings part of the time.

And we singin'—CHORUS

Once again now—CHORUS

4. Now they beatin' war drums in the Congo,
And the beatniks are beatin' the bongo,
So it's up to us, you and me,
To put an end to this catastrophe.
We must appeal to their goodness of heart,
To pitch in and all do their part,
'Cause if this atomic war begin,
They won't even have a part to pitch in.

And we'll be singin'—CHORUS

Hear you talkin'—CHORUS

A little softer—CHORUS

Ah, back to your graves now—CHORUS

Now cover up with the dirt—CHORUS

[OVER LAST CHORUS:] Hey, that one there! Your foot's stickin' out! Cover up! [FADE]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: leeneia
Date: 28 Aug 16 - 08:54 AM

One female zombie won't behave -
she say she want me for slave.
In one hand she's holding a quart a wine,
the other, she's pointing that she'll be mine.

Well, excuse me folks, but I have to run.
Husband of a zombie ain't no fun.
Did ever you see such a horror in your life?
Can you imagine me with a zombie wife?
[band] Yes!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Jumbie Jamboree / Zombie Jamboree
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 29 Aug 16 - 04:23 AM

I first heard this sung in the early 1960's by Nadia Cattouse, who had been born in Belize City, in (British?) Honduras. She always used the term "Jumbie jamboree", though I don't know if she learnt it this way in Honduras before coming to Britain.