Anguilla: Reggae's Changing Face

Reggae music may have been born on the island of Jamaica, but it's come of age throughout the Caribbean. Just ask artist Bankie Banx. He grew up during the 1960s and '70s witnessing Anguilla's political revolution firsthand — and dreaming of becoming a musician. Today, Banx's lyrics echo the themes of his childhood — justice, freedom and dreams come true — and his melodies stand apart in the genre, with prominent acoustic sounds and folk-style harmonica melodies. On weekend nights, follow the rhythm to Rendezvous Bay on Anguilla's southwest coast, where Banx's beachfront driftwood bar, The Dune Preserve, provides the venue as the living legend croons. While Banx strums behind the microphone, feast on conch and snapper salad at the boat bar and watch the latest incarnation of reggae unfold. bankiebanx.net