What’s Christmas without some Boney M?

It’s a song instantly recognisable around the world… with Liz Mitchell’s clear vocals singing about Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ, born on Christmas day.

Mary’s Boy Child.

Who knows how many times that song by Boney M has been played since it was released in 1978.

Yup, 1978. Doesn’t seem that long ago, does it?

Love it or hate it, there is a strong chance it’ll be played every year at Christmas time somewhere in the world until perhaps the very end of the world.

It’s a catchy tune for sure, although the younger generation may disagree.

ALSO READ: A lighter look at the Christmas story … with Joseph

It has various ironies, if you’ll humour the author.

The group was founded by a West German Frank Farian (real name Franz Reuther), the name of the group inspired, almost on a whim, by an Australian detective show, Boney.

Group member comprised Liz Mitchell and Marcia Barrett from Jamaica, Bobby Farrell from Aruba and Maizie Williams from Montserrat.

Whatever the case, the song declares the truth about Christ’s birth and His purpose on Earth.

Mitchell and Barrett did most of the singing, with Williams’s voice deemed not suitable enough.

Farrell never actually sang – Farian was the male voice – but this was not a secret back then in the disco era, and his dancing skills were vital to stage success.

The group broke up in the mid ’80s.

The various members went their separate ways but continued to tour and perform with others over the years.

Sadly, Farrell died in 2010.

While songs like Rasputin, Daddy Cool and Brown Girl in the Ring made them famous (among others) it’s probably Mary’s Boy Child that will live on longest.

That’s because the words are about a Saviour who is eternal, as is God’s message of hope and peace to all mankind.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033