11/02/2021
It’s Black History Month and we’re reintroducing you to a few key figures in Barbadian history that we believe deserve a special moment in the spotlight for their contributions to our island.
Seymour “Shilling” Agard – Born in 1904 in Westbury Road St Michael, Seymour was taught to play the guitar at an early age by his devoted father. He acquired such a mastery of the instrument, that he was able to make a livelihood solely off his musical skills when he migrated to Cuba in the 1920s. After resettling in Barbados sometime later, his talents in the folk arena earned him significant popularity and fame.
Seymour was a familiar figure around the city and was always known to have his trusty guitar in hand.
On occasion, he was given the opportunity to perform on local radio. Seymour’s contribution to the folk art form in Barbados played a role in the development of the Calypso genre on the island.
