Culture

NIFCA Music In The Square Back With Bang

The much-anticipated National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) Music in the Square series is back, and throughout the month of Independence will pay tribute to three of the island’s musical greats.

James Millington, Jackie Opel and Sir Emile Straker will be celebrated when some of the island’s finest musicians come together for three free concerts dubbed Icons Night. The concerts will take place each Friday (November 3rd, 10th and 17th) beginning at 6 p.m. at Golden Park Freedom Park, The City.

As NIFCA celebrates its 50th anniversary under the theme, 50 Years of Excellence Remembered, Icons Night will be used as a vehicle to salute the dedication, service and contributions of these persons on the music landscape.

Cultural Officer of Music Education for the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), Kevin Moore, stressed that these three stalwarts were selected because whether directly or indirectly the impact they had on Barbadian musicianship, music education and Barbadian music performance was significant and far reaching.

In the case of Millington’s legacy, he was revered around the Caribbean for his eminence as an educator and was known for his development of the Combermere School music programme where he would have founded string and symphony groups.

During his time at Combermere, Millington directly influenced the likes of Dr. Duncan Fletcher and Victor Pilgrim whose guidance would in turn have impacted prominent musicians including Arturo Tappin, Pernell Farley, Mark Husbands and Chris Allman. Millington was also the father of renowned musician Janice Millington and the grandfather of Miles Robertson, the former musical director of Multiple Grammy winner Adele.

Night 1 of NIFCA Music in the Square kicks off this Friday with James Millington Night entitled From the Classics to Jazz. It will feature the David Weatherhead saxophone quartet, Bajan Brass, Combermere Steel Orchestra, the Barbados National Youth Symphony Orchestra, Kweku Jelani, Paula Hinds, Shawn Layne and more.

On Night 2 will be Jackie Opel Night and held under the theme “Spouge and Reggae”. Some of Barbados’ biggest names in reggae, including Daniel Medford, Rhesa Garnes, Peach Bless and Biggie Irie will share the stage with aspiring young talent such as Jessica Hunte, Asanta, Mighty Bit Bit, the St Leonard’s Boys’ Steel Orchestra, Baje to the World winner Kyrique Alleyne and many more.

*St Luke’s Academy made their NIFCA debut at last year’s Music in the Square.*

Moore stressed that while Barbados claims Opel, especially for his development of the indigenous Spouge genre, the Cry Me A River singer was highly respected in Jamaica’s music industry. In fact, top reggae stars on that island, including The Wailers’ Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, for example, have credited him as one of their major influences in their early music.

While Sir Emile’s impact on not just Barbados and Caribbean music, but internationally, will be celebrated on Night 3 when focus will be paid on his work in calypso and folk music.

Sir Emile’s group, The Merry Men, was at the vanguard of the promotion of Barbados music spanning from the 1960s and lasting for well over 40 years. They were the first Barbadians to be featured at The Super Bowl half-time show in 1979 performing calypso/folk music.

The Mighty Gabby will be leading a host of excellent talent in Sir Emile’s tribute with lineup that includes, St Leonard’s Boys’ Choir, the Ignatius Byer Primary School Choir, Arts in the North, Mylon Clarke, Alex Cage, the winner of the NIFCA arrangement challenge and others.

NIFCA Music in the Square was built last year where the young talent of Barbados was showcased at after work limes on Fridays in the month. (PR/GIS)

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)