Entertainment

Juniors all set for Saturday’s showdown at Botanical

The stage is set and the finalists are gearing up to deliver their most spectacular performances yet as the 2024 Scotiabank Junior Monarch reaches its thrilling finale.

This year’s competition has been a rollercoaster of talent, passion and fierce showmanship which will boil over this Saturday, July 20 at the National Botanical Gardens Ampitheatre. The atmosphere is expected to be charged with excitement and anticipation as the fledging artistes vie for supremacy in the Calypso and Soca categories.

From the very beginning of the Crop Over season, the young entertainers have captivated audiences. First at the two Junior Monarch tents held at the Queen’s Park Steel Shed on June 15 and 22, they wowed the packed audiences with their powerful lyrics, vibrant performances and a level of skill that demonstrated the calypso tradition in Barbados has a bright future.

The semifinals, on Sunday, July 7 at the Graduation Tent at UWI, were nothing short of sensational. In spite of inclement weather that threatened the event, the 26 emerging stars brought the heat as they battled on stage. Each brought their unique flair and energy leaving the judges at the end of the night with the daunting task of selecting the best of the best from a pool of extraordinary talent. The decision though incredibly tough, had to be made and a select few earned their spot in the highly anticipated final.

Reigning calypso monarch Sakarah Sakarah Thomas is hoping to retain her title but she has formidable opposition in Relissa N’kyla Mitcham, Haylei Hailstorm Wise, Trinity Clarke, Eden Potent Murrell, Kadarius King K Allen, Khalijah Khaleesi Kellman and Kenaz Bit Bit Walker. The reserve is Sabiah Gaskin.

With the current soca monarch, Shontae Tae Alleyne-Clarke, choosing not to defend her title, the question arises: who will ascend to this throne? Will it be Israel John Boss Savoury, Jade Leilani Roach, Ranesha Stewart, Kari-Anne Kari Holford-Sam, Jazarie Zarie B Belgrave, Kymani Mr. Showman Devonish, Jayden Inniss, or Sephon Lil Stathis Sealy. The reserve is Joshua Joshua B Blackman.

The National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) Cultural Officer for Musical Education, Kevin Moore, anticipates an intensely competitive final. Reflecting on the contestants’ journey, he believes the months of preparation have fully readied them for the big night.

Their preparation involved receiving invaluable mentorship from seasoned artists in key areas such as performance, vocals, delivery and presentation, as well as their ongoing development throughout the season and the current final stages of rehearsal. Moore praised the contestants for maintaining an exceptional level of artistry.

“I expect all the contestants to bring their A-game. The band will be in fine form and I expect it to be a keenly contested show,” Moore remarked.

Moore explained that the location of the event in the National Botanical Gardens Ampitheatre is advantageous, as it allows the competition to take place in a similar setting even though it was outdoors.

In addition, the seating area for the general public and the stage will both be covered by a huge tent. And while Moore thanked patrons for their continued support of the juniors, he urged them to secure their tickets early before they are sold out.

Admission for the Finals is $10 for children and $25 for adult.

Tickets are available online on TicketPal.com and at the National Cultural Foundation, Lucky Horseshoe Warrens and Worthing, Abbeville Rockley, NU Look and CS Pharmacy Bridgetown, Emerald City Six Roads, Carlton Supermarket Black Rock, A&B Music Supplies Wildey, SmartStore Limegrove and Welches and Ah Touch of Class Lanterns Mall. It’s the Junior Monarch Finals is next Saturday, July 20, at 7 p.m. at the National Botanical Gardens Ampitheatre. (PR)

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)