TORONTO: Dick Smith grew up in a remote region of the Blue Mountains in Jamaica. Most of his boyhood friends were the descendants of Africans who came to the island centuries before and who became known as the "Windward Maroons." It was their powerful, sensuous drumming and hypnotic chanting which would shape his musical career.

His career began when he came to Canada to work with internationally known artists in the fields of theatre, television and recording. Within a short time he earned the reputation of being one of the best exponents of hand percussion. In 1967, Canada's Centennial Year, Dick was part of the team that founded "Caribana", North America's first and largest Carnival celebrating Caribbean culture. He then formed the band "Syncona" to express the hypnotic rhythms and beautiful melodies of the West Indies. He continues to compose and perform for radio, television, and film. Some credits include The Lion King, The Rolling Stones, Sesame Street, The Muppet Show and Beetlejuice.

In 1987 he was inducted into the Black Music Association's Hall of Fame for his contributions to Caribbean culture in Canada. Since then he has introduced Syncona's unique blend of World Music to colleges, schools, and concert halls where he has played to sold out audiences. He remains a consultant for the Percussive Arts Society and to the Brandor and McMillan Music Publishers.

"Synconaź - Music of the Caribbean" ©1974 - 2023 Synconaź Music Productions.
For questions or comments regarding this page, E-mail syncona@gmail.com

|Home| |Main|  |Roots| |Cool| |The Band| |Music| | ORDER MUSIC!! |