Gombey Festival Honouree, September 21, 2013
Richardson’s Gombeys have been in existence since 1973. Founder George Richardson has managed Richardson’s Gombeys almost entirely by himself with some assistance from his sister Gloria Tacklyn who made Gombey suits for the troupe.
George’s love for Gombeys started during his childhood on Pond Hill, Pembroke where he and his friends and family would use items such as crocus bags, cardboard boxes and “Cow and Gate Baby Formula Tins” as instruments. They also used cane grass as Gombey feathers.
George would make the whole costume including hats by hand, no sewing machine! Richardson’s Gombeys consist of anywhere between nine to eighteen dancers and six drummers.
He started as a dancer, but developed a passion for drumming. He is known for his master drumming as well as bottle blowing. In the 80s, if you heard the Gombeys and you heard the loud musical whistle, it was George making tunes along with the Gombey beat.
Richardson’s Gombeys has travelled to perform at Boston Eastern Parkway in their annual Caribbean Festival in which they were well-received. Through the years, George taught many children about drumming and the Gombey Tradition. He is known as “Uncle George” to his Gombey Troupe and followers.
On behalf of the Department of Culture and on behalf of the people of Bermuda, we salute Mr. George Richardson for his invaluable contribution to the Gombey folk art tradition.
Note: Mr. Richardson passed in 2024.
