ABOUT JUANZ
Juanita Clarke affectionately known as Juanz, is an energetic and versatile Barbadian session drummer and percussionist, who has had an exceptional love and passion for rhythm and drums from age 11 after being introduced to playing on a table with a pencil.
This well-versed musician who is one of Barbados’ few female drummers, moves easily between several genres such as reggae, soca, latin, pop and jazz to name a few and such ability has allowed her the pleasure of performing with international artists and bands across Barbados. Such include Caribbean Queen Alison Hinds, visual artist Sheena Rose, Soca Monarch Mikey Mercer, renowned steel pan player Len “Boogsie” Sharp, reggae star Buggy Nhakente of Fully Loaded, Splash Band, 2021 award winning Reggae Artist Of The Year - High Synergy Band, the Jelani Combo, Vibestry (the only all female band in Barbados) and Escape 66, her own multi-genre ensemble, to name a few.
Juanz has made history on a number of occasions starting in 2013, where she became De Big Show Tent’s first female drummer (a position she still holds to this day) and in 2020, became Barbados’ first One Beat Program fellow (an annual music exchange program for musicians from over 40 countries around the world).
With a strong belief in learning and sharing while creating memorable experiences, Juanz was led to an Associate Degree in Music with a Distinction from the Barbados Community College to teaching drums and percussion to the next generation of musicians and musicians at heart through private lessons. Juanz also uses her gift to provide music therapy for adults and children with special needs at The School House For The Special Needs and she integrates music and literacy concepts to help students who struggle with reading at Smart Arts Room.
A mantra of Always Forward, believing in positive energy, love for music and rhythm while being an inspiration to all, add to the driving forces behind this GineOn People’s Choice Award winning 2019 Musician Of The Year. Juanz endeavours to continuously defy the odds on such a male dominated instrument, travel the world performing and indulging in cultures, while sharing and gaining more knowledge on her musical journey.
PRESS
Easy Magazine
February 4th, 2018
Drummer Juanita Clarke has proven time and time again that she is good enoughto hang with the best of the boys. While female drummers aren't rare, they are the exception, and "Juanz", as she is affectionately known, has had to make her presence felt rather loudly to be given a spot on stage.
- Davandra Babb
..the performances of musicians Mylon Clarke, Rhea Drakes, Juanita Clarke and Jared Greaves in the first half had the attendees buzzing during intermission.
Their energetic sharing, which was infused with original compositions, jazz standards and Caribbean sounds, satisfied many a hungry music lover.
- GBM
..Juanita Clarke was a joy to watch on drums.
Saxophonist Mylon Clarke, pianist Rhea Drakes, drummer Juanita Clarke and bass guitarist Jared Greaves were awesome as they weaved their magic and cast a spell that ended only when they played the final note...
They were playful, spoke to each musically and the energy that Juanita alone exuded was enough to wake the tired and fuel the entire venue.
-GBM