Oldies but Goodies hits to listen to this Christmas

Dec 25, 2022 News

By Allyiah Allicock

Besides my birthday, Christmas is the other exciting time I look forward to the most each year, because every holiday season I am fortunate enough to spend it with the people I love dearly; my family.

For me, the festive season begins as early as October and November when the streets usually become busy with shoppers, and the music carts begin to blast local and reggae Christmas songs.

Apart from the tasty foods and beverages, it is the music that really puts me in that holiday spirit. Not just any kind of music, but as I mentioned, the reggae type of tunes, from ‘Cake In The Oven Baking’ by Lloyd Lovindeer, to ‘Christmas in Guyana’ by Slingshot; they all serve as a reminder that Christmas is approaching.

Today, I will share with you some of my favourite Caribbean Christmas music that you can listen to, enjoy and even dance to this Christmas.

‘Away in a Manger’ by Donna Marie

Slingshot’s Christmas Album, ‘Christmas is Family’ which was released in 2014.

This reggae version of this Christmas standard was one Marie released from her Christmas album titled ‘Christmas Cheers’, which featured 11 other popular Christmas songs. ‘Away in a Manger’ is a Christmas carol that was composed in the nineteenth century with lyrics that centre on the adoration of the new-born baby Jesus, as he lay in a manger.

The two most common musical arrangements are by William J. Kirkpatrick (1895) and James Ramsey Murray (1887).This song is one that we usually hear playing frequently during the weeks leading up to Christmas. This reggae version is quite catchy and brings a warm Caribbean vibe to the holidays.

‘Joy to the World’ by Nikesha Lindo

Lindo, in 1997 released her sweet melodic interpretation of this traditional Christmas carol. ‘Joy to the World’ forms part of her Christmas album titled: ‘The Christmas Album’.

Originally, this song was written by English Minister and Hymnist, Isaac Watts, based on a Christian interpretation of Psalm 98. The song was first published in 1719 in Watts’ collection ‘The Psalms of David: Imitated in the language of the New Testament, and applied to the Christian state and worship’.

‘Joy to the World’ signifies the joyous celebration of the sovereignty of God and the gift of Jesus Christ. The song has since been covered numerous times in different genre and languages, and sang by popular singers such as Nat Cole, Mariah Carey and the acappella group ‘Pentatonix’.

3 & 4: ‘A Very Merry Guyanese Christmas’ and ‘There Is Nothing Like Meh Home On Christmas Morning’, by our very own John ‘Slingshot’ DrePaul

Two prominent Christmas songs written by legendary Guyanese Musician ‘Slingshot’ and his wife, Ingrid DrePaul, are hits that never seem to go out of style in Guyana. They really and truly capture the essence of what Christmas is like in Guyana. And because of their catchy lyrics and pulsating rhythms, these hits have been making their way onto the international airwaves for a number of years now. These two songs from Slingshot’s Christmas album titled ‘Christmas is Family’.

5 & 6: ‘Feliz Navidad’ and ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’ by Eddie Lovette

Eddie Lovette’s Christmas album, ‘Merry Christmas’ which was released in 1983.

‘Feliz Navidad’ which means “Merry Christmas” was first composed in 1970 by Latino Musician, Jose Feliciano. Feliciano had penned the song to bring people together with holiday cheer and to wish them a prosperous year and happiness.

Wanting to bring the same cheerful holiday spirit with a Caribbean twist was Lovette, who in 1983 released his version of the song on his holiday album called ‘Merry Christmas’. Ever since then, his version of ‘Feliz Navidad’ is popularly known throughout the Caribbean during the festive season. ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing’, another reggae remix by Lovette, was also part of his Christmas album. The original lyrics which date back to 1739 were first written by Charles Wesley as a hymn for Christmas Day and features several scriptures from the bible.

‘Give Love on Christmas Day’ by Fiona Robinson

This song starts off with a sweet reggae rhythm telling you what traditionally happens on Christmas morning; of people surrounded by their family and opening presents. This original song was recorded by ‘The Jacksons’. Written by the Motown Record’s songwriting-producing team, ‘The Corporation’ (Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell, Christine Perren, Freddie Perren and Deke Richards), the song was recorded for the Jackson brothers’ 1970 seasonal album, entitled ‘The Jackson 5 Christmas Album’.

Robinson’s version though is a sweet easy going reggae interpretation of this Christmas standard that can be enjoyed by all.

‘Wish you a Merry Christmas’ by Jacob Miller

Jacob Miller’s Christmas album ‘Natty Christmas’ which was released in 1978.

Released in 1978 from his ‘Natty Christmas’ album, this Jacob Miller’s has become a staple for many this time of year. However, ‘We Wish You a Irie Christmas and a Dancehall New Year’ is a very popular rendition in the busy streets of Georgetown and at many parties. For me, it is one I enjoy particularly while doing last-minute shopping on Regent Street.

‘Cake in the oven baking’ by Lloyd Lovindeer

Lloyd Lovindeer really knows how to put people in that Christmas spirit, especially during all the last-minute baking and cooking being done on Christmas Eve. In 1987, he released this popular hit from his Christmas album titled ‘Caribbean Christmas Cheer’.