Biography
Marjorie Whylie entered the Jamaican Jazz Hall of Fame in 1997 after dedicating decades to uncovering and extending the island’s musical foundations. Blending indigenous Jamaican folk, African polyrhythms, European art music, and classic jazz, her original works encompass “Mountain Women,” “Ni Woman of Destiny,” “I Not I,” “Blood Canticles,” “Drumscore,” “Caribbean Canvas,” “The Black Widow,” and “Journeys Beyond Survival.” Formerly acting director of the music department at the University of the West Indies, she directs the National Dance Theatre of Jamaica singers, creating song suites, interludes, and scores for the company’s choreographers. Longtime collaborator of artistic director Rex Nettleford, she composed and arranged large-scale pieces including “Myal” and “Gerrehbenta.” As a widely consulted musicologist, Whylie has delivered lectures and led workshops across England, continental Europe, and North America while serving on adjudication panels for competitions throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Alongside her duties with the Whylie Wrhythms Band, she maintains a schedule of solo piano recitals and vocal performances in Jamaica’s leading hotels.