Jamaica's Only All Female Steelband

by Mags
(Jamaica)

This old steelband photo shows the first and only (to date) all female Jamaican steel band. It was formed at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica (Mona campus) in 1964 by Judy Wedderburn.

Judy says it was formed not out of a sense of alienation because of male numerical dominance, but because she felt it was something women should do.

The band was sponsored by ESSO and became the ESSO Girls' Steelband. They used to participate in Carnival festivities and even competed with the other established steelbands, placing second in one competition.

The band lasted for only two years. Its life was cut short by the graduation of its members.