Will music preserve Jèrriais?

Thursday 15 May 2014

Jersey's Jèrriais-singing pop-folk band are the subject of a new film being made in the Island.

The documentary about the Badlabecques is being made by Goldsmiths University student Manuela Carrillo - an ethnomusicologist - who is studying how music can safeguard language and cultural heritage. She's aiming to find out whether the band are really helping to keep Jersey's old language alive.

Miss Carrillo comes from Bogota, Colombia and is following the band around the Island as they prepare to record their next album. She'll also be visiting schools to find out whether there is a future for Jerriais.

Miss Carrillo said: "I'm interested to find out if Badlabecques are really helping to revitalise Jerriais, and study the role that music can play in shaping cultural identity."

The band's lead singer Kit Ashton said: "I'm really pleased someone like Manuela would come all the way over to make a film about us and Jèrriais. Hopefully it will show that the appeal of Badlabecques is more than just novelty or nostalgia but contributing to a sense of true Jersey cultural identity that is aware of its roots, as well as being forward-looking and creative. Music is such a great tool to help people connect with part of our culture that, sadly, has been allowed to subside; and our songs have also introduced the language of Jèrriais to many who had little knowledge of it. It's strange to be followed around for ten days or so, but I hope the outcome will help our cause!"

Miss Carrillo will be filming the band as they gig at The Farmer's Inn on Friday night at 8.30 pm.