By: La Shawna Griffith
There is a rhythm that moves with the soul of a people. It captures their triumphs, their history, and their dreams. For the We Gatherin campaign, that rhythm found its heartbeat through the powerful jingle conceptualised by none other than Barbadian songwriter and cultural icon Damien “Bobo” Bowen.
When asked what inspired him to write the We Gatherin jingle, Damien reflects on the extraordinary accomplishments of Barbadians across the globe. “In drawing inspiration, I reflected upon the many global achievements Barbadians and Barbadian brands alike have made over the years in commerce and trade, politics, climate advocacy, music and entertainment, sports, rum and food,” he explains. “From these accolades, there must be a profound sense of pride flowing through the hearts and souls of our diaspora. That set a solid foundation for the celebratory nature of the jingle.”
Damien’s journey in music did not start at a studio or stage but rather in the classrooms and corridors of his youth. From Wesley Hall Primary School to Queen’s College, his passion for writing was evident. “I received 26 out of 25 for a poem I wrote from my then teacher Sam Sawyer,” he says with a laugh. “Pretty much every school I attended in life, I wrote and performed at, from primary to tertiary.”
His career has been defined not only by personal success but by rich collaborations that have shaped the local music industry. “My music is a reflection of some amazing partnerships I have forged over the years,” he says, extending thanks to the producers, musicians, singers and engineers who have worked with him.
In the calypso arena, his songwriting credits are impressive. He has penned songs for top performers such as Blood, Adrian Clarke, Ishaika McNeil and Miguel. This collaborative spirit speaks to his commitment to storytelling through music that resonates with the heart of the nation.
While many associate him with St George, Damien clarifies his roots with a smile. “I am actually a Christ Church native, but I spent a lot of time in St George where I raised my first son as well as in St Philip where I raised my second son. So I have a triangular sense of excitement for We Gatherin in those parishes.”
“Come Long… Come long come long HoOoOoOme”
We Gatherin, to Damien, is more than a slogan. It is a calling. “It is about reconnecting, reimagining, remembering, reenergizing and reengineering across the global spectrum of our diaspora,” he says. His words are more than lines on a page as they speak to a deeper mission to bind the Bajan community at home and abroad.
When audiences listen to his work, Damien hopes they walk away with something more than just a catchy tune. “I want people to feel enriched, enlightened and entertained,” he shares. “I take great pride in the quality of my offerings and I give thanks for those who appreciate it.”
As Barbados continues to celebrate its identity through the arts, Damien “Bobo” Bowen stands as a proud custodian of its musical legacy as a storyteller, a cultural ambassador, and the melodic voice behind one of the nation’s most unifying projects.
