The Return of Phil Stubbs

By Yolanda Hanna Photographs Courtesy Of AYU Photography

– Phil Stubbs

he taught himself how to play the guitar – a skill he carried with him throughout his career with the Royal Bahamas Police Force as one of the first Bahamian police officers to introduce drug-sniffing dogs to The Bahamas; the Humane Society as a dog trainer; and the Princess Casino in Freeport as a slot machine technician and casino dealer.

During his early years on Grand Bahama, he began developing his music career. Stubbs performed with his drum machine and guitar at small venues around the island on the weekends. During a performance at a tiny bar called Poitier’s Place in West End, he developed a following and created the lyrics to “West End Move.”

The customers at Poitier’s Place enjoyed Stubbs’ singing and playing so much that they sometimes refused to let him take a break. One night, his creative juices began to flow, and he started playing a new rhythm on his drum machine. The sound ignited the crowd and lured a man and woman from West End to the centre of the floor where they demonstrated a magnificent display of “West End” dance moves that inspired Stubbs to pen the lyrics to the song on the spot.

Persons who witnessed the grand performance at Poitier’s encouraged Stubbs to record the song. He worked on the lyrics, recorded it, and “West End Move” became the first song by Phil Stubbs to be played on the radio.

The Voice Of A Legend

Stubbs is a wordsmith who has perfected the art of painting Bahamian life with his colourful lyrics.

I had the esteemed honour to sit down with Phil Stubbs before his concert in March to talk about his life and his love for the music he embodies.

At the time, the elusive storyteller was completely surprised by the outpouring of support he received from the public excited about his return after a 20-year absence.

“It is humbling to see that so many people are cheering me on after all these years, I am surprised at the reception I have received from young Bahamians. They know my music!”

Stubbs said he wrote many of his songs with children and older Bahamians in mind because he wanted to create music they could relate to and become a familiar voice to generations.

On March 31st, The Farm Entertainment presented “Oh Cat Island” featuring Phil Stubbs before a sold-out audience in Nassau. Bahamians showed up in droves to express their love and appreciation to the man who symbolizes what it means to be “proud to be a Bahamian.” UA