Entertainment

Icons of Bajan Soca for Tipsy Music Festival

in Honour of 50 Years of Crop Over

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)

Entertainment

Sagicor Life Inc. Lighting Ceremony This Friday

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment will host the Sagicor Life Inc. Lighting Ceremony this Friday, November 1, marking the start of the annual community Independence celebrations.

This year’s ceremony will be held under the theme Celebrating Our Communities: Re-engaging, Re-igniting, Re-imagining, and will take place on Friday, November 1, at 5:30 p.m., at National Heroes Square, The City.

Following the Lighting Ceremony, the celebrations will continue with a Bajan Brew at 7:00 p.m., offering an evening filled with spouge, drama, song, and steel pan performances.

The event is free and open to all, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Barbados as we celebrate Independence.

Patrons are encouraged to arrive early and make any necessary transportation arrangements due to expected road closures in the vicinity of Wharf Road and Trafalgar Street. (PR/GIS)

Entertainment

A SEA OF YELLOW AT RISE & RUM BREAKFAST PARTY

Patrons enjoyed a day filled with food, fun, and sun at Rise and Rum, the penultimate event of this year’s Barbados Food and Rum Festival.

Food lovers had an abundance of delicious dishes to savour on Saturday—from roasted breadfruit and seafood boils to various fish delicacies and scrumptious desserts, offering a wide array of options to enjoy.
Of course, there was no shortage of entertain, and local bands Square One and Krosfyah once again teamed up to keep the crowds grooving as they enjoyed their savour foodie treats in fine style.

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)