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Department of Culture to host ‘unique’ Fungi Music Workshop

- workshop is the first in a series of educational Fungi Music workshops
A Fungi Music workshop will be held this Wednesday, June 17, 2026, by the Department of Culture in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Studies Institute. Photo: Department of Culture
Deputy Director of Culture, Ms Anne A. Lennard, said the Department of Culture is excited to host the Introduction to Fungi Music 101 workshop on June 17, 2026. Photo: GIS
Deputy Director of Culture, Ms Anne A. Lennard, said the Department of Culture is excited to host the Introduction to Fungi Music 101 workshop on June 17, 2026. Photo: GIS
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A Fungi Music workshop will be held this Wednesday, June 17, 2026, by the Department of Culture in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Studies Institute.

The Introduction to Fungi Music 101 is open to Fungi music lovers, musicians, educators, students, and anyone interested in attending. This will be the first in a series of educational workshops in Fungi Music. 

According to Deputy Director of Culture, Ms Anne A. Lennard, the Department of Culture is excited to host the workshop. “Participants should expect to walk away armed with knowledge about this unique genre of music, which dates back countless generations here in The Virgin Islands and in some countries in the region.”

Unique workshop

Some key areas of focus will be the origin and history of Fungi Music, Virgin Islands Fungi Bands over the years, fundamentals of Fungi Music, and an interactive musical session. 

Introduction to Fungi Music 101 will be facilitated by Mr Kayron Todman and Ms Bernadine A. Walters Louise of the Virgin Islands Studies Institute. It will be held at the BVI Finance Conference Room from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. 

“This is perhaps one of the most unique workshops the department would have offered in some time, as it speaks to one of the most important sectors of our culture - our indigenous music,” Lennard added. 

Those interested in attending the workshop should contact the Department of Culture at 468-4408 or email: alennard@gov.vg. 

4 Responses to “Department of Culture to host ‘unique’ Fungi Music Workshop”

  • BuzzBvi (15/06/2026, 08:09) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    How excellent.
  • Concern Citizen (15/06/2026, 08:31) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    This article raises an important question for Virgin Islanders. While every community has the right to celebrate its heritage, are we doing enough to preserve and strengthen our own Virgin Islands culture?

    The Virgin Islands Culture & Heritage Policy identifies nation-building, cultural confidence, heritage preservation, and the strengthening of Virgin Islands identity as national priorities. As immigration and globalization continue to shape our society, what concrete steps are being taken to ensure that future generations remain connected to Virgin Islands history, traditions, values, and identity?

    This is not about opposing anyone else’s culture. It is about ensuring that our own culture remains strong, visible, and protected for generations to come.

    The time has come for a serious national conversation about culture, identity, integration, and the future of the Virgin Islands.
  • Proud (15/06/2026, 10:32) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am very happy about this. Fungi Music, origin and cultural history in the Virgin Islands need to be taught in ALL schools, public and private. In addition, We need more school fungi bands in order to keep the culture going and growing.
  • Joycelyn Banks (15/06/2026, 12:35) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Quote from concerned citizen "This is not about opposing anyone else’s culture. It is about ensuring that our own culture remains strong, visible, and protected for generations to come."
    I have heard expat persons berate fungi "Quelbe" Music in very derogatory terms but they still live in our country sucking it dry.


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