Fi Wi Sinting is produced by Pauline (Sista P) Petinaud who upon returning to Jamaica after living in the USA moved to deep rural Jamaica where she became exposed to a culture that few in the city or outside of Jamaica were familiar with. It was a culture deep rooted in African traditions that had survived life on the plantation.

For her, this was the icing on the cake since she had developed a love for Africa as a young woman living in Brooklyn, New York, where an awakening of the African identity was taking place. On her return she was bitterly disappointed to find a society that knew or celebrated little of its African heritage

Since that time she has worked tirelessly and passionately to promote, preserve and uplift Jamaica’s African heritage while connecting with the Motherland.

Fi Wi Sinting began in 1991 as a fundraiser for Sista P’s African centered school, The Content Model School located in the tiny community of Content, in the hills of Portland which was without running water or electricity. The school became world famous due to its achievements culturally and academically. She currently produces “Lioness Oil” a natural skin care product and is a contributor to radio programs. She has received various awards for her work in uniting Africans at home and abroad and has represented Jamaica overseas on several occasions including for The Jamaica Tourist Board with Jamaican craft at the Rottotom Reggae Sunsplash held in Italy.

Her frequent trips to Ghana led to her being appointed the Jamaican representative and board member for PANAFEST, (Pan-African historical theatre festival) in 1995, the largest festival of its kind on the African continent, which is held in Ghana, West Africa bi-annually. The Nayamka Drummers under her guidance were the 2001 overall world champions at the World Championships of the Performing Arts held in Los Angeles, California. In the Daily Gleaner newspaper of March 30, 2009 Sista P was named one of Jamaica’s phenomenal women.

Sista P is ably assisted by her daughter Subira Gordon, recipient of the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award in 2000 for excellence in the performing arts. She was featured on the American children’s program Sesame Street in a segment titled “A day in the life of Subira” and in National Geographic’s children magazine. A graduate of Bates College in Maine, USA, where she now resides, Subira also has traveled to and performed in Ghana on several occasions. Remaining close to her roots in rural Jamaica, she has contributed immensely to the large outpouring of young persons who are involved in the production.

Youth are an integral part of Fi Wi Sinting and are given various areas of responsibility in recognition of their role as the next generation of standard bearers for the preservation of our culture.

Photos: Damian Phillips & Patsy Crocker