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

Barbados Participates In International Conference On Cultural Heritage

A three-member Barbadian delegation is in Nairobi, Kenya, attending the International Conference on Cultural Heritage in Africa: A Dialogue on the Concept of Authenticity, which aims to foster an exchange of research, experience, knowledge, and observations.

The members of the delegation are Steve Devonish, Chair of the Barbados World Heritage Committee and Site Manager for Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison; Alissandra Cummins, Deputy Chair of the Barbados World Heritage Committee; and Dr. Sheron Johnson, Focal Point for Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison.

The four-day conference is a significant event dedicated to repositioning and redefining the concepts of authenticity and integrity in the context of African heritage. It is organised by UNESCO, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Kenya and the African World Heritage Fund, and has brought together heritage experts, government officials, local communities, non-governmental organisations, and academics from across Africa and the world.

Barbados, as the only Caribbean country to present at the conference, has been welcomed wholeheartedly by the Director of the World Heritage Centre, Lazare Eloundou Assomo, organisers of the conference, and other African countries.

The delegation, at the request of the Director, spoke to the outcomes of the conference having implications for small island developing states such as Barbados, as much of our heritage has linkage with Africa.

The meeting also seeks to address the gap between global heritage frameworks and African realities, particularly how authenticity and integrity are defined and applied. Its importance lies in the current application of authenticity, which has a European slate and negates African ecological realities, communities and landscapes.

Africa is home to an extraordinary wealth of cultural and natural heritage, yet it remains underrepresented on the World Heritage List. Currently, African sites make up only 12.26 per cent of the 1,223 World Heritage properties globally, despite the continent’s significance as the cradle of humanity. Additionally, it has the highest number of endangered heritage sites worldwide.

While in Kenya, the delegation, led by Mr. Devonish, paid a visit to the High Commission for Barbados in Kenya and engaged in fruitful discussions with the High Commissioner William McDonald on ways to further deepen the relation between Barbados and African States on matters of heritage, support for Barbados’ future plans at the World Heritage Centre, and ways the Division of Culture can support the Mission’s outreach to the Kenyan population. (PR/GIS)

Culture

Clarification Of Investment Target For We Gatherin’ 2025

As the We Gatherin’ initiative continues in full stride, we take this time to thank those members of corporate Barbados who have committed to helping us reach our target of $5,000,000 (five million) in support and investment, whether cash or in kind.

So far, we have secured $500,000 from businesses across the island, and we continue to encourage other private sector entities to contribute to this historical initiative, that not only brings our society closer together but that will provide much needed assistance to programs that will benefit our youth, helping to steer us through troubled times to a better, more peaceful and prosperous Barbados for all.

After the recently concluded church service at St. Anne’s Church in St. Joseph, Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight was keen to speak on the progress towards reaching this target.

“During my address, I inadvertently mentioned a figure of $5 million in private sector donations. That number reflects our aspirational goal, not the current reality. To clarify, we have presently secured $500,000 in contributions toward this initiative. We remain deeply grateful for the support received thus far and continue to encourage additional private sector partners to join us in this important national effort.”

We Gatherin’ 2025 continues with events and activities in St. Joseph for the month of April and moving on to St. John in May. (PR/GIS)

Culture

We Gatherin’ Activities Launched In Boston Over The Weekend

The spirit of Barbados was alive last Saturday, March 22, as the Consulate General of Barbados in New York, in partnership with the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), officially launched the ‘We Gatherin’ 2025 series in Boston.

According to Consul General Lorenzo Harewood, the event, held at the Sorrel and Lime place, was a spectacular showcase of Barbadian culture, bringing together scores of Barbadians and friends of Barbados for an unforgettable experience.

“Attendees were immersed in the rich sights, sounds, and flavours of the island, enjoying pulsating local music, mouthwatering Bajan cuisine, and a vibrant marketplace filled with stalls owned by Barbadian entrepreneurs,” he said.

He noted that from handcrafted souvenirs to locally made products, the event provided a platform for businesses to connect with the diaspora and promote authentic Barbadian goods.

The Consul General said that the energy in the room was electric as Barbadians, young and old, reunited with friends, made new connections, and celebrated their shared heritage.

A major highlight of the evening was the exciting giveaways, including exclusive discounted travel packages and the grand prize won by Carson Straughn – a trip for two to Barbados. The winners were thrilled at the chance to visit their homeland and immerse themselves in all that the island has to offer.

Mr. Harewood stated that the successful launch marked the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating ‘We Gatherin’ 2025’ series.

“With overwhelming support and enthusiasm from attendees, the celebrations are set to continue in Connecticut, and Philadelphia, and culminate in a grand finale in New York throughout April and May. Many attendees have pledged to follow the journey, eager to experience more of the warmth, culture, and togetherness that define the Barbadian spirit,” he remarked.

The Consul General added: “The partnership between the Consulate and BTMI underscores a shared commitment to strengthening connections between Barbados and its diaspora while promoting the island as a premier destination for both leisure and business.

“As the excitement builds, Barbadians across generations are encouraged to join the movement, return home, and take part in the national festivals and activities happening throughout 2025.”

During the event, a brief intermission provided an opportunity to recognise outstanding professional achievements. Mr. Harewood took to the stage to present the prestigious Professional Achievement Award to Professor Cardinal Warde, a distinguished faculty member at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Professor Warde is widely regarded as a leading expert in optical information processing and display technologies. His extensive contributions to the field include over 150 technical papers, co-editorship of a book, and co-authorship of three book chapters on optical materials and devices.

Beyond academia, his innovative work is reflected in 12 patents related to spatial light modulators, displays, and optical information processing systems, solidifying his influence in advancing cutting-edge optical technologies. (PR/GIS)