Fred Sambula
Fred plays the lead/rhythm guitar and performs with
Bona Fide in his spare time. He is most often busy working for the Cayman Islands National Meteorological Service in his role as Director General, but thoroughly enjoys playing music to free his mind and soul. He has always been an active musician in the Cayman Islands as well as a member of the Cayman Music and Entertainment Association ("CMEA") where he has also served as a past Director.
He began his entertainment career in Grand Cayman in 1981, first as a lead/rhythmn guitarist and arranger for the Settlers, one of the leading bands in Cayman at that time. During that time, he performed with the Settlers at many local venues as well as overseas even backing artists such as the late Mighty Arrow just after release of the world famour single "Hot, hot, hot". The Settlers were a favourite opening act for many service club concerts.
In the mid 1980's Fred formed his own band the Cayman Edition which quickly became one of Cayman's leading entertaing and backing band, often used for functions in Grand Cayman as well as Cayman Brac. Under his leadership, Cayman Edition became the number one band emplyed by service clubs such as the Lion's and Rotary and opened for many international artists such as the late Ray Charles, Ben E King, Willie Nelson, the late Charley Pride & Connoway Twitty, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, the Mighy Sparrow and Fab 5 (to name a few).
Additionally, Fred and the Cayman Edition performed many times overseas in addition to being the backing band for a host of local artists such as Pappy Connolly, Edlin Myles, Coolie the Cool, Gerald & Eldron Rankin as well as many international artists such as Percy Sledge, Big Al Downing, Ritchie Haven, Boris Gardner, Loving Dear, Bennie Man, Roy Rayon, Tumbu, Ivor George, The Baron and the late Cynthia Schloss.
His promotions within the Civil Service resulted in greatly reducing his time for full band leadership and performance, however he has remained active in the local music scene and is often invited by local bands to play a gig or jam. He is presently a member of the band Bona Fide and is frequently found wherever they are. He also continues his membership of the CMEA and offers his services whenever time permits with his busy schedule.
Fred has featured as a guitarist on many recordings for artists such as Melvin Augstine, Morvin Brooks and many other local recordings for Pirates Week.
Fred lives in George Town, Grand Cayman with his wife and two children and continues to offer his musical talent and training to the community. He can be found playing his guitar at many local public functions and on Sundays at Christ the Redeemer Church in West Bay, where he has taken up the position of Deputy Choir Director.
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