Entertainment

Ross is Boss at Carters

Carter’s Shining Stars all sparkled on opening night at the Daphne Joseph Theatre on Friday night. Before a full house which had large contingents from other tents over 20 performers created a good calypso galaxy. Veteran Admiral Nelson assisted by upcoming master of ceremonies Kiomal kept the four hour show together.

It is not easy to hand pick who should be given kudos for performing excellently as all the performers delivered their songs on first night like a boss. Don Ross with his song ‘Lend a helping hand’ will most likely emerged as the boss of the night on most people’s scorecard. He so impressed the audience that he received two encores and still there were many who wanted more. Don Ross looks and sounds like a man who is going to the next level in this calypso season. Dressed in a white jacket and black pants, Mr. Reason provided lots of reasons why his Brass-tacks song will be on the lips of many people. He focused on the popular radio call-in program which quickly gained the attention of the crowd and by the second chorus everyone was singing the hook line.

With the high standard of calypso on show at the Carters Shining Stars tent one may assume that they all obeyed the passionate calls of Jude to Rise Calypso. No newcomer to the stage Jude put in a note worthy performance and he should improve along the way. The ever-improving Cameraman is focusing on crime in Barbados, and he is asking a haunting question ‘Who get kill last night?

With a song called ‘Dis is me’ calypsonian Devon Moore entertained and evoked laughter with his not-in-the-box energized performance.

There is nothing bitty about Bit Bit and a name change to go along with his growth and development must be seriously considered now rather than later. Bit Bit has graduated from the kindergarten stage and his name should have evolved as well. With two performances for the night this young man punched above his weight, and I am sure will KO more seasoned artists. He left a contagious and serious message with his hook line “don’t let drugs put you in hot stew no, no don’t let drugs destroy you.’ His second song is an up-tempo one which was well received in the tent. It was easy to make sense of Queen T song ‘Make it make sense’. She has a sweet voice, and her rendition was crystal clear.

Trinity Clarke continues to transform into a star. She has not seen many stars pitched but her name up in the stars will surely happen. Her song ‘I Love Soca’ is no masterpiece but she masterfully performed it got an encore andpeople out their seat and dancing.

Lady J, who had been writing, singing, and producing songs before Trinity was born started the second session. The continuum of the art form clearly indicated. Lady J used a soundtrack rather than the backing band and without the band Lady J was alone on stage but like her song said she was the main ‘Attraction’. Lady J is much underrated and unrecognized, yet she has scores of excellent materials not only in calypso but other genres of music.

Admiral Nelson gave everyone a treat when he spotted Malik in the back of the room and invited him on stage. Malik a star from yesteryear carefully made his way to the stage to loud applause. After a warm greeting from Admiral, Malik performed one of his hits, one that could not play on the radio but one that rocked the tent night and night. If anyone is not sure that now is the time for changing the political system, they must listen to Bamba. He is very convincing and compelling, his song gives lots of reason why the current system is outdated and failing. Bamba with a song like this and in a ‘fighting’ mode will not be easy to keep in the tent. The ‘big yard’ could see Bamba yet again.

A touch of Guyana graced the stage when Guyanese born Imara came to deliver her message that ‘She now come’. She was pleasing on the eye wearing a costume depicting the Guyana and Barbados national colors. Imara who is a resident of Barbados is in her second year after doing very well last year with a song written by her writer Colin Spencer. The combination of Imara and Colin Spencer can become ominous for the shareholders.

De Announcer is never a cut from the same cloth, he is always topical, and his unpredictability is a trademark. Donville is the center of his witty and cleverly written song. The skillful blend of lyrics from popular songs added to the unique flair of the song.

The tent manager and the engine behind Carter’s Shining Star, Julie, fittingly closed the show with a catchy and up-tempo song. Few people could resist moving to the African Drums in this piece.

The stars of this tent should be pleased at their performances and the reception they received. This tent is worth a visit. (Article by Christopher Williams)

Entertainment

Let us celebrate Jackie Opel

Tuesday 27^th August was a significant day in the history of local music. It marked the birthday of Dalton Bishop better known as Jackie Opel. The musical icon would have turned 84. Jackie Opel was an outstanding singer, composer, and creator of the Spouge music genre who was born on August 27, 1938, in the inner-city area of Chapman Lane.

*Shantal Munroe Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office*

In 1962 Jackie migrated to Jamaica where he lived for six years. He was influential in the formative careers of some of Jamaica’s iconic entertainers. From Bob Marley to Jimmy Cliff, Ken Hopeton, Alton Ellis, and the early days of the band The Wailers.

On his return to Barbados Jackie Opel was gearing up to take his career and his newly created spouge music to a higher level. Plans were afoot to produce a concert, but fate was not kind, and he died in a car accident on Bay Street on March 9, 1970.

Special Free Concert Yesterday

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) hosted a special concert, last night, in Freedom Park to honour Jackie Opel.

A cast of some of the island’s top singers graced the stage to perform a wide range of spouge songs. The modest audience can count themselves lucky to have attended an event that will be a benchmark in local music history.

Artists thrilled those in attendance

Performers included the following, Wendy Alleyne, Shadia Marshall, Keisha Christian, Mickey Dee, Mike Grosvenor, Colin Spencer, Desmond Weekes, Jamal Slocombe, Simon Pipe, D J Simmons, Bit Bit, Ishiaka, Romario Greaves, Alix Cage, Adrian Clarke and Edwin Yearwood.

Senator the Hon. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office delivered the opening remarks, and Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong delivered the feature address. It was generally felt by those in attendance that a Jackie Opel Birthday Concert should be held annually. (Article and photos by Christopher Williams)

Entertainment

VYBZ KARTEL LOOKING TO RUN FOR OFFICE IN JAMAICA

Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, acquitted of murder, seeks to transition into politics by running for Parliament in Jamaica.

Kartel has pinpointed South St. Catherine, currently represented by Fitz Jackson, as his desired constituency, expressing his intention during a TikTok live alongside attorney Isat Buchanan.

This move is motivated by Kartel’s desire to combat social injustices in Jamaica.

Entertainment

Musicians benefit from expert luthiers’ training

The National Cultural Foundation recently concluded the island’s first Luthier Training Workshop.

Over the two-week period, nine local musicians received hands-on training in beginner restoration and repair of violins and bows. Each participant underwent intense instruction in the areas of instrument and bow assessment, proper usage of tools and materials, varied technical approaches, measurement, instrument care specific to our climate and understanding client requests, among others.

The workshop, an initiative of the National Cultural Foundation and The Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training was produced in conjunction with Luthiers San Frontieres of the United States.

It is strategically linked to the ongoing Strings Project, where students from each of Barbados’ 68 primary schools will benefit from music education with practical application through violin.

*Completed repairs at the end of workshop.*

Experienced luthiers, Sarah Peck of the United States of America, and Natasha Sealey-Worrell of Trinidad and Tobago conducted the sessions at the Queens Park Steel Shed, Queen’s Park, The City. Trained in violin restoration and repair were: John Matthews, Andria Rouse, Roger Jordan, Sergio Smith, Romel Richards and Anthony Hood. While Shalon Parris, Graham Hutchinson and Dwain Gill were taught bow restoration and repair.

Coordinator of the workshop and NCF’s Cultural Officer for Music Organisation, Aisha Butcher, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the workshop.

“The desired objectives were met and for that I am extremely happy. For some participants, it was a new learning experience and for others it was an unlearning and relearning exercise as some were self-taught in a similar area. Whatever the level, they all were open minded to the very intricate process and made the most of the two weeks”.

At the end of the workshop, the instructors were impressed with the work completed, lauding the participants’ achievements given the relatively short timeframe.

Joy Knight, Strings Project Coordinator and Director of the Barbados National Youth Symphony Orchestra shared her view on the value of this training.

“Barbados doesn’t have any trained personnel who can repair the body of the violin nor the instrument’s bow. This workshop would ensure that we can care and maintain our string instruments. In addition, as we restart the string program in the schools, we will be increasing the number of violins, violas, cellos and double basses. Therefore, we will need repair persons who can handle the volume. We have always had repair persons here for winds and brass but never trained string luthiers. It will also create jobs for these newly trained luthiers”.

On the final day, certificates of completion were awarded to the participants along with a donation of startup tools. Each participant will also have access to other tools and materials at no cost to them, through a rental/donation agreement at the National Cultural Foundation thus equipping them with the necessities to continue honing the skill on their own. (PR)