Exuma – Exuma

Bahamian artist, also known as Tony McKay (the Obeah Man). Born in Cat Island 18 February 1942, died 25 January 1997. He grew up on Canaan Lane, off Shirley Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

Drawing on the traditional Bahamian folk songs, the infectious beat of Junkanoo, ring play, myths and linguistic idioms, Exuma, through his musical recordings, performances and paintings, has promoted Bahamian heritage and extended Bahamian music throughout the world more so than any other contemporary Bahamian recording artist.

Exuma is the debut studio album by Bahamian folk musician Exuma. It was originally released in May 1970. In the early 1960s, Exuma (born Macfarlane Gregory Anthony Mackey) had moved to Greenwich Village, New York and started playing guitar and singing in the cultivating folk rock scene developing in that area. After producer Bob Wyld came up to him offering a record deal, he chose to adopt "Exuma, the Obeah Man" as his name. Wyld adopted the pseudonym "Daddy Ya Ya" and recruited a few musicians for the album, including Peppy Castro of the Blues Magoos. During recording sessions, Exuma would often turn off the lights and set up candles, recalling songs from his dreams.