Fifteen years after he was born in Frederiksted, Wayne “Bully” Petersen picked up his first ukulele. It was a life-shaping gesture. By the time he passed away on Wednesday, Petersen had become a bandleader, musician, author, and promoter of Crucian culture.
Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr. and Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett led those paying tribute to Petersen in condolence statements issued since then. The governor called Petersen “a guardian of our Crucian heritage, a passionate storyteller, and an unwavering preserver of the traditions that define us as a people.”
Bryan also called Petersen “an outstanding human being.”
Many of those who enjoy V.I. folk music has heard the sounds of Bully and the Musical Kafoonaz. In an article appearing in the Source, Petersen explained the word “kafoon” meant to knock somebody down.
And since their inception in 1991 Petersen said that’s what the Kafoonaz had done — knock people down with their quelbe music. Interwoven through the years were the publication of three books — two written along with Denise Bennerson.
“Beyond his immense musical talent, ‘Bully’ was an outstanding human being with a great heart. He carried his love for our people in everything he did, always working to uplift, educate, and inspire. Through his music and his commitment to preserving our way of life, he has left a legacy that will resonate for generations to come,’ the governor said.
Plaskett remembered the bandleader’s joyous performances. “He had a deep love for quelbe music and one could always see the joy he found in it during any of his performances with his band,” Plaskett said.
The delegate also commended Petersen’s community-mindedness, recounting his work with Our Town Frederiksted and young tenants of local housing communities.
“Mr. Petersen spent much time in the Harrigan and Marley projects mentoring our youth through the Junior Kafooners group,” she said.
Plans for a memorial service have yet to be announced.
