Tipsy Music Festival (TMF) is thrilled to announce a spectacular “Legends of Bajan Soca” performance in celebration of 50 years of Crop Over. This special one-hour showcase will take place on Day 2 of TMF 2024, featuring legendary Bajan soca icons such as Red Plastic Bag, The Mighty Gabby, Alison Hinds, Rupee, Lil Rick, and Edwin Yearwood.
This year’s TMF promises to be unforgettable as these iconic artists come together to honour the rich cultural heritage and musical legacy of Barbados. Their performances have left an indelible mark on the soca industry, inspiring generations and bringing joy to fans worldwide.
“We are incredibly excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Crop Over with such an amazing lineup of Bajan soca legends,” said the event organizers. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see these artists perform on the same stage. There are so many legendary Bajan artistes who have had such a profound impact on the Caribbean music scene so we know this special showcase will be a highlight of the festival.”
The “Legends of Bajan Soca” showcase will not only celebrate the past but also inspire the future of Caribbean music, as these artists take the stage to deliver high-energy performances that capture the essence of Soca and the spirit of Barbados.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! TMF 2024 will feature an incredible lineup of headliners including Tems, Machel Montano, and Shenseea. Tems, making her Caribbean debut, will bring her soul-stirring vocals and global hits to the TMF stage. Montano, the King of Soca, will deliver his electrifying performance and infectious beats, while Shenseea, fresh off the success of her latest hits, will add her signature style and vibrant energy to the lineup.
“This year’s Tipsy Music Festival is shaping up to be the event of the summer,” added the organizers. “With the ‘Legends of Bajan Soca’ performance, Tems’ debut in the Caribbean, Machel Montano’s dynamic show, and Shenseea’s captivating presence, it’s a dream lineup for music fans.”
Don’t miss out on the musical magic happening this July 20-21 in Barbados! For further updates on the festival lineup and additional exciting announcements, visit www.tipsymusicfestival.com or follow Tipsy Music Festival on social media platforms. (PR)
Tuesday 27th 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.
David Commissiong
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.
Adrian Clarke
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)
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.
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.
Romel Richards – Violin Repair
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)