Culture

NIFCA Challenges highlights musical creativity

The newly introduced National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) Arrangers and Music Performers challenges have been lauded as a vehicle for the continuity of Barbados’ strength of the musical landscape locally and abroad.

The challenges, which seek to introduce new and competent arrangers to Barbadians as well as more fledging solo instrumentalists, are quickly gaining interest.

Thus far, out of a total of nine entries in the Arrangers Challenge, Marlon Legall and the Marlon Legall Voice Project copped the top prize in the NIFCA Music Arranger’s Challenge with a moving arrangement to the Mighty Gabby’s classic, Emmerton.

Gary Goodridge placed second for his arrangement of Da Coa Coa Tea and Mylon Clarke, who placed third, also arranged Da Coa Coa Tea. Other participants were: Christopher Sayers, Daniel Boxill, Erin Hazlewood, James Clarke, Judah Goddard and Lizzy & Manny.

National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Cultural Officer of Music Organisation, Aisha Butcher, was pleased with the public response to the initiatives. Butcher, who was the brainchild of the challenges, explained that they came about as a result of the need to widen the pool of potential arrangers and solo instrumentalists.

What she realised was that while the talent was there, a lot of the musicians did not have a specific opportunity to showcase it or have the confidence to let it be heard. Knowing this was a deficit, an exciting challenge was devised to put them at the forefront. In keeping with the objective of celebrating Barbados, the music had to have a Barbadian element.

“It’s not just about the challenge it is about filling a deficit in Barbados, where we are not seeing a lot of arrangers and we hear some of the same names that we know, because we are on the ground, we know the talent is out there.

“Coming out of this, the aim is to have more workshops, more opportunities to hear their work being displayed on national stages. Just get their names out there so that we have more arrangers with varying styles to choose from.

“It also augurs well for the Barbados Community College music program as well as the University of the West Indies because they have specific classes geared towards these areas. When it comes to arranging you don’t just arrange for class anymore, you could let it translate into real life,” the Cultural Officer said.

On the other hand, the NIFCA Music Performer’s Challenge is made up of four challenges where contestants are given five days to learn and replicate a specific part of the weekly challenge song by a well-known and celebrated musician.

The first challenge was won by Keelan Richards who played educator and songwriter Andre Woodvine’s solo in the John King and Alison Hinds duet Hold You in a Song.

Challenge #2 went to Daniel Harvey for his interpretation of a segment of world-renowned Saxophonist Arturo Tappin’s hit, Breaking Up and Kaylee Allman’s delivery of Romaro Greaves’ solo in Farmer Nappy’s Big People Party took the top spot in Challenge #3. For Challenge #4, which was announced on Sunday, participants will have to reproduce the published clip of Nicholas Brancker’s Nicalypso.

In addition to $500 prize money, each winner wins an invaluable one-on-one mentorship session with the original soloist.

Butcher stressed that while the NIFCA Performing Arts competition is still popular, this year they wanted to look more at the technical stuff and also zero in on solo instrumentalists. Hence, an opportunity for them to continue working on their craft and also expose them to local high-quality musicians through the NIFCA Music Performers Challenge was thought as necessary.

“When it comes to the Performers Challenge, we are pleased with their technical level and ability to be able to execute in a short timeframe as well. And not only just getting the pitches correct, but the lengths, phrasing, and encapsulating the tone, and the feel of the solo and being able to put that out.

These are songs that for some of them, they don’t regularly listen to, so to be able to pick up all of these nuances is very telling of where we are in terms of technical ability. And only one person can enter one challenge, so it is not this repeated person winning, so we are seeing different faces popping up with the same technical ability. We are pleased to know that that is what’s happening on the outside and want to give them opportunities to go further with their training and development,” Butcher added. (PR)

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)