Culture

ALL STARS FACED THE JUDGES

The City of Bridgetown (COB) All Stars Calypso tent was the first to be judged for this year’s Crop Over Pick of the Crop competition. The show was held on Sunday at the Gary Sobers Gymnasium. The large a tough one. With the name All Stars, and it is easy to understand why the name was chosen, it is indeed a tent with lots of star performers.

Veteran calypsonian De Devil started the show and if anyone expected things to go down to hell, they were wrong as the show was lifted higher and higher by each performer. Despite battling a slight illness De Devil looked easy and comfortable as he did his song ‘Lit bit of dis, lit bit of dat’.

The first encore for the night was Franswa with a cleverly written song ‘Not only in Bim’. Not a household name in calypso circles but his flawless rendition surely will make the judges take note.

Sammy G with “Tek a shot” Charisma with “Hear” and Yahandje with “Heartless and Broken” each graced the stage and delivered their songs convincingly. The message to engage and listen to the young people in our society before it is too late resonated when Yahandje poured herself into her song.

Richard Antonio had a few people waving pride flags as he performed a thought-provoking song “Pride and Industry.” The song encouraged to pay attention to the LGBTQI Pride movement. A loud protest shout of ‘not ’bout here!’ could have been mistaken as part of the act, but it was not.

Darin Holder’s “Living life in reverse” a highly creative and forward-thinking concept for a song from a relative newcomer to the calypso stage, the multi-talented Holder made our minds think about the benefits of living life from an old age and journeying into our youthful year. It is a brain teaser that would cause most people to lend Darin an ear. If the judges like it Darin Holder may not be reversing but rather speeding forward to the finals.

The 10 points man of yesteryear Colin Spencer was smooth as silk in voice but coarse as sandpaper with his lyrics. His much-misunderstood calypso “Because of me” is a good exhibition of the craft of writing classic calypsos.

The top comedian Eric Lewis should be taken very seriously this year. After having a “Conversation with Mr. Satire” his message is no laughing matter he uses satire to expose a range of social and political realities that are hiding in plain view in Barbados. Serious judges will give this song deep consideration and send it to higher court.

Sammy Dello , gives testimony to a new out look of life. In his song “Chasing” he suggests that we spend too much time pursuing the wrong things. Looking fit and energetic, Sammy Dello is chasing down family, friends, and more wholesome things in life.

COB All Stars under the leadership of Eleanor Rice is a well-organized tent. The backing band is solid, and the back-up singers are invaluable to each song. All calypso tents need MC’s like Jennifer Walker and The Queen do a fantastic job. Not a minute is lost as the two of them manoeuvre between acts all the while interacting with the chatty audience.

Barbados’s Extempo King Shawnie performed a humorous and entertaining song “Its yuh voice”. Shawnie always grabs your attention as you are waiting for his extempo deliveries which are full of amusement. Caribbean Queen used her strong voice and clear diction to cry out for the rights of women to decide what to do with their pregnancy. Movingacross the stage with ease she advised all including the Catholic church to allow women to have a voice in the matter of abortion. This subject will surely evoke discussion.

Another encore performer was Niqa. Singing a song called “Chosen Few”, Niqa fell into the character of the song and had the entire Gymnasium in the palm of her hands, her chorus line is infectious, and she had not only her back-up girls singing but she had the audience. Niga’s performance hopefully earned her a place in the judges chosen few.

Kidsite kept his standard of calypso high with “If they had their way” . Looking large and totally in charge in a white outfit, the former multiple calypso king suggested that if the authorities had their way things would be worse than they currently are. Jude Clarke addressed the topic of AI in a song called “Artificial Intelligence”.

Next up was Donella doing the most emotive song for the night “Who next”. We all know that the lady is a class act and that she never disappoints. The topic of guns and murders in Barbados touches the heart of everyone especially the mothers of victims of crime. The intensity of Donella as a mother is witnessed in the way she renders the song; one can hear the tears in her voice. Her performance was a winning one.

One of the big calypsos for Crop Over 2023 is the hot and spicy “Cat piss and peppa” performed by Teri. This hard-hitting political commentary is waking up the tent each time. Teri knows how to work the song and she whipped up the audience, had them dancing and singing along. There are not many calypsos this year that contain the ‘peppa’ of this song.

John Yarde preached the “Gospel according to John” and his ‘congregation’ was converted and convinced. The man of the clothe demonstrated why he can wear two caps and be a man of calypso.

All Stars’ judging night was already solid as a rock by the time the last performer Ishaika came to sing “piece of de rock”. Closing a show of this calibre can not be easy, one would have to be an ace performer. Ishaika’s imagery in the song and on stage were riveting and seemed to surprise the audience who had heard 18 top class calypsos for the night. “Piece of de rock” may be good enough to get Ishaika piece of the real estate at the calypso finals. (Christopher Williams)

Culture

Juniors vying for a spot in the Finals

The Graduation Tent at the University of the West Indies will come alive, on Sunday July 7th at 6 pm, with a stellar showdown and exciting display of calypso and soca as the semifinalists of Scotiabank Junior Monarch competition take to the stage on the grounds of The UWI Cave Hill Campus.

Twenty-six young, talented calypsonians and soca artistes from across Barbados are set to light up the stage for a coveted spot in the July 20th finals.

The air is thick with anticipation as these rising stars, ages 9 – 18, prepare to showcase their musical prowess and creativity in what promises to be an unforgettable event.

Co-producer of the event, the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) Cultural Officer – Music Education, Kevin Moore, anticipates a brilliant display of talents stating that the youngsters worked hard through the rehearsals and mentorship sessions and tent nights.

“The stories out of this year’s competition are interesting. We have five newcomers and 12 schools represented. We also have four self-penned pieces, which showcases the development of not only the singing and performance skills within this programme, but also the writing exponents as well.

“Further to that point, we have songs being written and arranged by former Scotiabank Junior Monarchs and Competitors, namely Kymorhi Overcomer Trotman and Dondria A-lee-yah Forde. . . . Ladies and gentlemen, the 26 Scotiabank Junior Monarch contestants are ready, the band is ready, the team is ready,” Moore said.

If the two thrilling nights of the Junior Monarch tent at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed in June were any indication, the semi-final will indeed be an epic showdown. Expect fierce competition, electrifying performances and a vibrant celebration of Barbadian culture as these young artists bring their A-game.

King K

In the calypso category, this year’s semi-finalists bring a rich tapestry of themes and lyrical artistry. Alyssa Queen A Cumberbatch with A Prayer for the Youth delivers a heartfelt plea for the well-being of the younger generation; Charity Murrell’s Waste tackles the pressing issue of waste and its impact on our environment; Deyonte Yonte Brathwaite reminisces about the joys and challenges of school life in his performance of School Days; Eden Potent Murrell will sing HOPE which delivers an inspiring message of hope and resilience; Haylei Hailstorm Wise celebrates the beauty and culture of Barbados in Beautiful Nation, while Kadarius King K Allen’s Boys Don’t Cry addresses the societal pressures on boys to suppress their emotions.

Charity

Kenaz Bit Bit Walker’s Put On A Show is expected to be an energetic performance about the excitement of live entertainment; Khalijah Khaleesi Kellman’s Girl Unseen highlights the struggles and strengths of overlooked girls; Rashonna Shonna B Browne sings about the importance of preserving our natural environment in Green; Relissa N’Kyla Mitcham’s Runaway tells the often untold story of why many young people, particularly girls, go missing; Rimiya Majestic Miya Wilson in her rendition of We Need You calls for unity and collective action; Sabiah Gaskin’s Real Heroes pays tribute to the unsung heroes in our lives and Trinity Clarke in No Joke brings a serious message about the challenges faced by young people.

In the Soca category, the contestants promise high-energy performances which wowed the packs crowds and got them moving during tent nights. For instance, Israel John Boss Savoury’s Heart Beat combines infectious rhythms with heartfelt lyrics; Jade Leilani Roach’s Home is a warm homage to her roots, whereas, Jayden Inniss’ Welcome Home is a welcoming track that is sure to resonate with patrons.

What’s Wrong with You? by Jazarie Zarie B Belgrave is a playful yet pointed song and asks several important questions; Joshua Joshua B Blackman aims to bring the house down with his electrifying performance of Taking It Down; Kari-Anne Kari Holford-Sam’s Sweet Pan blends sweet melodies of the steel pan with vibrant soca beats; Kyle Twin Boy Bishop’s Obey is a call to action and respect; Joshua Josh Ox Oxley’s Pandemonium captures the chaos and excitement of a lively soca fete and celebrates the steel pan; Kymani Mr. Showman Devonish is sure to take the stage by storm with his dynamic performance of Ready; Ranesha Stewart’s Road Call celebrates the festive spirit of revelry on the road; Rojani Shurland-Agard’s Company is about the joy of good company and celebration; Sephon Lil Stathis Sealy brings the energy with Bring It and Talisia Mottley’s Put Down The Gun delivers a powerful message against violence. (PR)

Culture

New Location for Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes

Carol Roberts, CEO of the NCF, has just announced that the Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and 50th Anniversary Tent will have a new location!

This Saturday, the marquee event for Crop Over 2024 is coming to Bridgetown with activities happening in the 3 main squares – Golden Square Freedom Park, Independence Square and National Heroes Square, from as early as 9AM.

The highly anticipated procession will begin from the Pelican Lifestyle Centre at 3PM and head towards National Heroes Square, where the official ceremony will take place at 4PM.

The 50th Anniversary Tent, which will feature exciting live performances of well loved soca and calypso songs, will take place in Independence Square from 6PM.

The Digicel Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and 50th Anniversary Tent offers fun for the entire family. Enjoy a variety of cultural activities, performances, and demonstrations, as well as numerous vendors offering food, drinks, and local artisan products throughout the city. Admission is free for all. NCF

Culture

First Bridgetown Craft Market potpourri today

The City will come alive in an explosion of colour, culture, food, craft, art and all things Bajan, when the first of two Bridgetown Craft Markets gets started today at 10 am.

Celebrating the theme of The Shop Crop Over Experience, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has paired the Bridgetown Craft Market with its Sweet Limes initiative to add even more flavour to an already highly popular attraction.

At the Golden Square Freedom Park from 10 a.m., there will be the hub for authentic Barbadian craft, wellness products, jewellery, cosmetics, local memorabilia, leather goods, clothing, soft furnishings and, of course, the hottest DJ music and entertainment.

The live entertainment includes: Foundation Steel Pan

Folk Troops, St. Mary’s School Landship, St. Cyprians Boys Choir, Deacon’s Primary Landship, Dancing Africa, Limbo and fire eating, Mark Forde on Steel Pan, artistes from the Pink Pen Project and more.

Senior Business Development Officer at the NCF, André Hoyte, explained that vehicular traffic will not be disrupted for the Bridgetown Craft Market, which starts in the morning and continue to late in the evening.

He notes the range of activities and entertainment are meant to be a boost to creatives and encouragement for Barbadians and visitors to make Bridgetown the go-to place for high quality local products and fare.

With the country already abuzz with excitement from the International Cricket Council’s Men’s T-20 World Championship matches being hosted here, Hoyte expects the vibe to be even more hyped over the coming days as the Cricket Final is staged tomorrow June 29.

“It’s exciting that T-20 cricket is also happening in Barbados. Of course, our first market happens on the Friday before the Finals. So, we know that people are going to be in The City in their numbers looking for things to do, food to eat, gifts to take back, and entertainment to enjoy,” Hoyte stated.

He also praised the efforts of the Barbados Chamber of Commerce & Industry for its cooperation with the NCF on these Bridgetown-based events.

Restaurants and stores in Bridgetown will be opening late as top DJs play some of the big hits of the season, at select locations including Abeds, DutyFree Barbados, Royal Shop, Sole Addiction, while Soca artistes will add more thrills to the potpourri of attractions from various locations.

Fully costumed festival characters will stroll the streets and boardwalks of Historic Bridgetown, showcasing the cultural experiences and history of the island in dramatic form.

The senior NCF official highlighted the sponsorship which Toyota Nassco Limited, KFC, Payce Digital – Digital Payment Partner of the Festival, has provided this year to help make the Bridgetown Craft Markets a success and an integral part of the Crop Over Festival Calendar.

The day culminates with the final Crop Over Sweet Lime at Golden Square with a line-up that includes: Lil Rick, Mikey, Mr. Blood, RPB, Fadda Fox, Barry Chandler, Coppa Dan, Adrian Clarke, Timmy and many more. (PR)