DECEMBER 29, 1954 Samuel ‘Moqush’ Hill was born to Elenora ‘Neckle’ Phillip-Charles (of Point) and ‘Man’ Hill (of Cassie Parsa eventually Villa).Samuel attended Point School and, from a tender age, he became addicted to music and The Arts. In fact, the story is told that his mom, a founding member and singer of the earliest known Housecoat Band of Antigua, would keep Samuel inside without clothes, which would be hidden away, as young as 8-9 years. This action by his mom, did little to deter Samuel from donning a shirt, frock, whatever was available to head out the door or window, to play whatever instrument his hand found or converted. with the passing of the Point Iron band.He would remain a lifelong member of the Point (& Villa) Iron Band serving in every management capacity.
He was also responsible for training scores (male and female) in the artform. His home remains the primary storage of the Band’s equipment and accessories.Moqush (more on the nickname origin another time) grew an endless love affair with percussion and became a master in the art of the Timbale, known more commonly as the tin pan. His musical prowess led to decades of involvement in all areas of the music industry. He was the forever steady keeper of the ‘riddim’ in many bands before the introduction of the electronic ‘riddim box’.
He remained a staple of the percussion in bands for national events and competitions.He has featured in the percussive section for almost every steel band from his early teens to present. According to him, the only steel band of his time he has not played with is the Original Steel Orchestra.He is also a renowned African drummer and has served as accompaniment to many cultural dance groups and troupes over decades, to include the National Dance Theatre over the course of its existence.Moqush is a core member of the founders of the iconic and forever remembered mas troupe Africans from the West. The early seeds of the first band sprung from his mother’s house, in the Booby/Boos Alley Area right across from Ms Scotland (now Carmella’s Place).