Long before music festivals and digital playlists, David Freeman was already shaping the sound of Nevis. A self-taught musician, culture bearer, and community leader, Freeman founded the Honey Bees Stringband in the late 1960s. His goal wasn’t fame. It was preservation.
Back then, the music of Nevis lived on porches, village greens, and under almond trees. Freeman, along with a handful of skilled players, turned that local sound into a structured band. But the heartbeat stayed the same — folk stories wrapped in rhythm, laughter, and wisdom.
He led the group with purpose, making sure instruments like the fife, banjo, and baho weren’t forgotten. Each one carried the history of African, British, and Caribbean influences. Each note reflected island life — from harvest time to Carnival, weddings to wakes.
Over time, the Honey Bees became a fixture at community events and national celebrations. Freeman wasn’t just the frontman. He was also a teacher, mentor, and fierce protector of Nevisian culture. He trained younger players, insisted on live instruments, and kept the group grounded in its roots.
Now, decades later, the band returns to a major stage — the St. Kitts Music Festival — led by his son, Colin Freeman Jr. It’s a full-circle moment. While David Freeman passed in 2020, his legacy echoes through every chord and chorus.
His influence isn’t just in the music. It’s in how Nevis holds on to its traditions. In the way young musicians respect the old sounds. In how culture lives, not in museums, but in song and performance.
As the Honey Bees Stringband prepares to play for a wider audience, they carry his name, his vision, and his values. It’s more than a tribute — it’s proof that one man’s dedication can shape generations.
