Panama’s Lady of Jazz

By Ken Grady

INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed vocalist, Idania Dowman comes from a popular musical family. She represents the continuation of the legacy of her late father, Byron Dowman, commonly known as Lord Byron, and her mother, Erenia Dowman Mendez.

Her father was a singer, and then lead vocalist in the chorus of the orchestra Nueva Alegria de Panama. Her parents helped her grow and develop her musical sense, supporting her and always giving encouragement.

Idania’s dynamic spirit and creativity has allowed her to continue the family legacy by adhering to the principle that, “The human being was created to have an attitude…to be successful as an entertainer, one has to be outgoing, and communicate with their audience, one by one”. She advises young musicians to, “…glorify the human condition, using music as something that can influence people…”. Idania certainly brings all that to each performance.

At age 7, Idania was a member of the youth choir of the Church of St. Vincent de Paul, where she was first voice. There, she continued to develop her musical skills and, at age 16, she entered the Archdiocesan Choir, the largest Catholic Church in Panama, where her expertise in music grew in both voice and guitar.

She was already performing at weddings, private parties, cultural activities, and festivals, and that presented opportunities for work as a concert singer. She performed with Basil, Alejandro Lagrotta, Edgar King, Irma T. and others. At that point in her life she was entering a totally different world.

Doors began to open for her as she participated in the Festival of Tamborera Ricardo Fabrega, which was organized by the great Panamanian Carlos De La Togna, and the Bolero Festival, under the direction of Fabio Martinez. Next came radio, TV, and participation as guest artist at the Afro Antillean Fair which is held at carnival in Panama.

In 1992, Idania was given the role of vocalist for the group Jazz Effects, replacing the divine Barbara Wilson. She was also named Lady of Jazz by her peers at the second annual Panama Jazz Festival.

Although Idania continues to tour, she also performs locally with greats like Carlos Garnett and Danilo Perez. Currently, she continues as vocalist for the group Jazz Effects which appears regularly at Restaurante Las Bovedas, along with Reggie Boyce, leader(tr), Antonio Otero(p), Antonio Jamerson(bs), and Edwin Casis (dr).

Ms. Dowman has many other honors including, representing Panama in The Ethnic Cultural Festival in Costa Rica in 2009, where she performed with Calypso artists from Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago. The list of her accomplishments is long.

She gives thanks and praise for the opportunity to work, grow and share her artistry.

You can catch up with Idania Dowman on her Facebook page.