Entertainment

Kyrique Wins!

With the conclusion of season three, the talent seeking show Baje to the World, there can be no uncertainty that there is a wealth of singing talent in Barbados. Ten finalists faced off at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium on Sunday 14 May. These 10 performers would have already tested their skills against other talents during preliminary shows. Reaching the final show was a great achievement.

All the performers came with their A-game and left no stone unturned in their attempt to win the hearts of the audience and the nod of the judges. Kyrique Alleyne was the eventual winner with Mr. Showman and ShAquan Smith placing second and third respectively.

By the end of the first half eleven-year-old Skydrive had clearly positioned herself as the one to beat with a masterful performance of My Heart Will Go On. The audience knew that the second half would be intense and whoever did their best would be the winner.

The second half did not disappoint. The presentations of all the artists were of a very high standard and professionally executed, which defies the fact that they are young amateurs. The judge’s task would not have been an easy one but with all things considered they crowned Kyrique Alleyne as the winner. This decision found favour with the audience.

Kyrique performances of Tarrus Riley’ Just the Way You Are ‘and ‘Number One Fan’ by Anton Jones would have been hard to beat. Alleyne can sing, he has wonderful stagecraft and can work an audience. The winner is now $20, 000 richer and earned himself a Caribbean tour with Soca Queen Destra Garcia and a fully funded platinum production deal.

Meanwhile, second place went to Kymani Devonish – Mr Showman – who earned $10, 000, a staycation and a record production deal with Red Head Productions. Shaquan Smith won third place and walked away with $5, 000 in cash and other prizes. Smith had a little mishap in his first song, but he maintained his form and brought the church-like feeling to the gym with his spirited rendition of Tamela Mann’s Take Me to the King.

Baje to the World Season 3 Final show was a success. The contestants were all deserving of being in the finals and each of them performed outstandingly well. (Christopher Williams)

Entertainment

National Disability Unit’s First Movie Night Is March 8

As part of activities to celebrate the Month of the Disabled 2025, the National Disabilities Unit (NDU) will host its first Movie Night for the year, this Saturday, March 8, at its grounds at ‘Maxwelton’, Lower Collymore Rock, St. Michael.

Two movies, “Jungle Cruise” and “Inside Out 2”, will be featured under the stars, with the first expected to begin at 6:30 p.m.

Admission is free and persons are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets. The movie night will end at 9:00 p.m.

One Community: United in Action for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future is the theme for the month. The aim is to encourage communities to actively include people with disabilities in all aspects of life and to actively ensure that they are fully integrated and considered in all aspects of building a sustainable society.

Entertainment

B’DOS INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL BEGINS JANUARY 29TH

The 9th Barbados Independent Film Festival (BIFF) promises an unforgettable experience, showcasing 60 films from 20 countries over five days. Festival Director De Carla Applewhaite announced the theme, “Global Cinema,” during Monday’s media launch, highlighting the festival’s growth and its dedication to promoting Barbadian and international talent.

Applewhaite said, “”The Barbados Independent Film Festival this year has received over 350 entries. Ten from Barbados, 11 from Turkey, one from Estonia, ten from Canada, four from Trinidad and Tobago, Nigeria, Suriname, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, France, Russian Federation, Islamic Republic of Iran, Palestine, Hong Kong, Sierra Leone, Egypt, Bermuda and Curacao [have entered]. This year’s theme has defined itself as ‘Global Cinema’ as we feature work from literally around the world.”

She noted that this year’s festival was the largest yet since its inception, with 60 films scheduled to be shown over the course of five days from January 29th till February 2nd.
The festival will open on January 29 with a red carpet event at the Barbados Museum and wrap up on February 2 with the short-film showcase, Shorts On The Beach, at Southern Palms Hotel.
The festival will also spotlight The Roads We Travel, a short film by Barbados-born filmmaker Mary Cecilia Walker