Indigenous Caribbean Network

Our sacred song Taino Ti Oakia Ata:Song to Atabey has become a very popular hit in the field of children' music in Germany and in other areas of Europe. As a result of this we of the Caney Circle and I personally have developed unexpected friendships there. Some of these are musicians who posted videos on Youtube that contained our song. I reached out to these people and they responded to my queries in a positive manner that allowed for friendship to develop. Some of these new friends are working diligently to correct online and public information by giving credit to the Caney Circle, the Taino people of the Resurgence Movement and myself personally for the existence of this beautiful song and the effect that it has had on at least two generations of European children since 1993 when the first musical album was released by Mr. Pit Bude and the Karibuni Weltmusic Fur Kinder musical band.

In particular I would like to introduce you to one of our German friends Birte Reuver who first uploaded a video teaching her audience how to play our song on the ukulele. Her response when I contacted her was so beautiful and full of love, exactly what one would expect of somebody who seeks to share this song with children. She has promised to give us credit for the song in all future public presentations and publications.

Since our very cordial interaction Birte has remained in touch with me and we have continued sharing with each other. Today I received a copy of the ukulele training book that she published which includes our song. She sent it to me as a sign of her friendship and her respect for our Taino people and our Taino culture.

We are grateful to Yaya the Great Spirit for the existence of Birte Reuver and Pit Bude and all the other people who love our song and have demonstrated their respect for the legitimate owners of this tradition.