Culture · 1 min read · Published 28 Oct 2026
Tobago Assembly Names Tambrin Official Instrument
By the Luk It Hyah newsdesk · Sources · Reporting disclaimer
The Short
The Tobago House of Assembly passed a motion naming the tambrin Tobago’s official instrument and the fiddle-and-tambrin ensemble its official sound, TTT News reported on 27 October. Assembly members described the music’s place in local heritage and proposed bringing it into schools and community programmes.
Related public figures: Farley Augustine · Zorisha Hackett
The Full Story
The tambrin and fiddle have long accompanied Tobago celebrations, including the Ole Time Wedding staged at the Tobago Heritage Festival. The tambrin is a small hand drum with different parts in an ensemble; the fiddle carries melody. Their pairing gives a distinctive sound to traditional reels and jigs.
Sources: TTT News, 27 Oct ↗
On Tuesday 27 October, THA Secretary of Tourism, Antiquities and Creative Industries Zorisha Hackett moved a motion to recognise the tambrin as Tobago’s official musical instrument and the fiddle-and-tambrin ensemble as its official sound. TTT News reported that the Assembly passed the motion. Chief Secretary Farley Augustine supported it, arguing that Tobago’s cultural identity should receive wider recognition.
The Assembly also discussed using the tradition in schools and community programmes. That is a proposed next step rather than an established programme in the report. The decision gives formal recognition to a practice already sustained by musicians and communities; its longer-term effect will depend on whether the suggested teaching and support follow.
Sources: TTT News, 27 Oct ↗
Sources
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