By Monique Forbes

Guardian Features Reporter

He was a man who decided he needed a name that was original, and one that would depict who he really was.

Exuma - "The Obeah Man" as he was known, or rather Tony McKay was a Bahamian entertainer whose work trancended across borders around the world.

He was born in T-Bay, Cat Island in 1941 to Daisy and Sybrian Alexander Mackey. However, McFarlene Anthony Mackey was brought to Nassau as a young child, and grew up calling the street of Canaan Lane home.

As a teenager, Mr. Mackey

As a singer, poet, musician and artist there are those who agree the artist known as Tony Mckay was original in his own mysterious way.

In my opinion he is one of the few artists who was 100% original. The way he records, he tells a story with his songs," comments Huedley Moss, President Bahamas Utilities and Services Allied Workers Union.

hence The Obeah Man was ideal. McKay said the Obeah Man was always a mystical serious person who wore colourful robes.

His art work as primitive, intense, straight from the heart and soul. Tony will describe his work as a release of emotion and a tribute to his life's experiences.

His stage name, and "out of this world" lyrics provided an air of mystery for those who didn't know him up close and personal.

McFarlene leaves one wanting to know more about the man behind the music. 'He coming! He coming!' I was sitting at home, and it was just getting dark when i heard the words, feet so real, I ran outside in fear, I was so scrared I ran out of the house into the streets. The words seemed so real.

The island of Exuma is known for its beautiful, wild and lush scenery. And yet the name is also synonymous with another peaceful, beautiful soul. Exuma the greatest Bahamian folklore entertainers,Tony Mckay.

McFarlene Gregory Mackey has performed all over the world including the Jazz Festival in New Orleans, New York, and Washington.

Beginning his entetainment career during his early twenties. Mc Kay has been exposed to mant types of music and his met many famous American performers including Bill Cosby, Louis Gossette Jr, Babara Streisand, and many others.

During his many years of fame, he has also taken time out to marry twice, and he is the father of four.

It was rough being a father and entertainer, he said, during my career I was never anywhere for a long period of time, and my children were robbed somewhat.

In 1970, Mc Kay did his first song with Mercury Records. His most known hits were, Exuma The Obeah Man, which went worldwide, Do Wah Nanny which was the largest selling album in Venezuela ever, Rude Boy, Brown Girl in The Ring, Crawfish Girl, and numerous others.

He had never intended to enter the music industry, after moving to New York City, he began his studies in architechture, he ran out of money.

As a child he and his friends on Cannann Lane always performed on the streets.

He said before cutting his first record he performed in cafes and clubs where he was discovered.

zmckay , a

Tony is an artist who has added paintng to his music as another means of creative expression.

22 Canann Lane Lane

Tony started painting in 1965 while living in Greenwich Village , New York. At the time the Village was alive with artistic expression.

recieved his MBE award from the queen in 1988 for his contribution to Bahamian music and culture.

Thousands of Bahamians lined the streets to giv ea final salute to a fallen national cultural hero.

singer, musician,songwriter,poet and painter.

exported the indigenous culture of our Bahamaland to the world.

"I could not call myself Cat Iland, so I chose "The Obeah Man"

He said it was important to keep your identity and your roots

Some information source extracted from Nassau Guardian archive

Posted: Monday January 19, 2004