Entertainment

Passing of Music Legend Richard Stoute

Tributes pour in for a son of the soil, Richard ‘Dick’ Stoute, entertainer, musician, community activist, developer and shaper of the young and veteran entertainers in Barbados.

Advo magazine shares this tribute from Ryan Walters representative for St Michael North West.

Richard Stoute embodied what all of us should aspire to be: humble & humane.

He was a community-oriented man who did not need national accolades, promp or pageantry in order to make a lasting and unforgettable contribution to the country’s landscape.

He taught us that you don’t have to carry a distinctive surname or come from a particular neighbourbood in order to make an indelible mark.

Dick Stoute came from humble beginnings, growing up in Black Rock, St Michael, the community he loved. It was this urban community which produced this unsung hero who helped shaped the lives and careers of many. Through Teen Talent, he provided an avenue for the dreams of young men & women to come true.

For more than four decades, Richard persevered, against the odds, to ensure that the Teen Talent contest was kept alive.

I have fond memories of my interactions with Richard. He always met me with a broad smile and words of encouragement. When I visited him just a few weeks ago, although not his usual self, he was well groomed, something that he always pride himself in, and full of positivity.

The community & people of Black Rock shall miss our son-of-the-soil. St Michael North West has lost a truly grassroots man who did great credit to his nation. The country has lost a national treasure, a cultural icon and the ‘godfather of Bajan entertainment’.

We, the people of St Michael North West, shall never forget you, Richard. Rest easy! Condolences to his son Kevin and all of his family & friends.

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)