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)

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) 

Semifinalists and in this year’s Scotiabank Junior Monarch competitions drew for their positions to determine their order of appearance when they face the judges on Sunday, July 7 at the National Botanical Gardens.

At 6 p.m. on that day, 13 competitors in the calypso category and 13 in the soca category will vie for to be named a finalist. 

The two draws, calypso and soca, for the Semifinals were held today, Tuesday, June 18 at the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Media Launch & Draw at the bank’s Warrens, St Michael branch. There were two position exchanges, one in each category. Three contestants had representatives pull on their behalf.

Contestants in the Calypso category pose with Managing Director, Scotiabank Barbados Suzette Armoogam – Shah (centre) and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts (left).

Event producer Kevin Moore Music Officer at the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) told the gathering that there were interesting stories coming out of this year’s competition.

“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,” he explained.

Event Producer NCF Music Officer Kevin Moore speaking about the Junior Monarch Competition

The NCF officer praised Scotiabank for their continued support. Present at the launch were Managing Director, Scotiabank BarbadosSuzette Armoogam – Shah; Chief Financial Officer, Scotiabank Barbados Kiyomi Daniel; and Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts.

Moore added: “Throughout the course of this developmental programme, each participant will receive invaluable training and coaching in areas such as preparation for stage, vocal techniques, basic music business and financial planning. These sessions are executed in conjunction with Scotiabank, our long-standing sponsor and major supporter of the arts.”

The Junior Monarch competitors benefit from seasoned and established artistes such as The Most Honourable Stetson RPB Wiltshire, TC, Ian Webster, Mac Fingall, Lisa Howell and Rochelle Griffith. They share their knowledge and advise to facilitate artistes’ development and through the mentorship process, along Grateful Co as a former Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch.

Seven finalists will be chosen to face the reigning monarchs. Should the monarchs not compete, eight finalists will be chosen. The two reigning monarchs are Calypso Monarch Sakara and Soca Monarch Tae. The junior queens must notify the NCF, or their intent to defend or not defend before the staging of the Semifinals.

Positions for Semifinalists in the Scotiabank Junior Monarch 

The Scotiabank Junior Monarch Tent 2 will be staged this Saturday, June 22 at the Queen’ s Park Steel Shed at 6 p.m. Admission for is $10 for children and adults.

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. (PR)