Known for his sometimes cutting insightful and always engaging wit, multi hyphenate artist Nala, launched two art comic books and opened an exhibition of associated work featuring paintings and drawings at the Queen’s Park Gallery on Saturday, April 27 and ends this Saturday, May 11. 

The project was supported by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) through the Business Development and the Cultural Development departments.

Nala’s work spans a range of avenues be it stand-up comedy, social media posts, paintings or drawings. His De Hard Ride exhibition showcases, on the page and on the walls, many of his recurring themes and observations. Dynamic and colourful large canvas pieces, often inscribed with text, and black ink prints tackle issues of class and the human animal. 

The eponymous De Hard Ride book, partially funded through the NCF’s Cultural Industries Development Fund, features a fictional cast of characters inspired by users of public transportation. In De Hard Ride, Chronicles by Nala, readers will meet, Grunt, I-Mite, Grans and many others. 

The second publication being launched is the pocket sized, The Philosophy & Opinions of The $2 Philosopher, a sometimes comedic but always thought provoking compendium of proverbs from The $2 Philosopher. 

Both are published by Story Shyft and will be available for sale at the opening, and during the exhibition, as well as at Black Rock Booksand The Barbados Museum & Historical Society’s gift shop.

The book has received favourably reviews: 

• “One of those books you should grab one of and one to share with friends.” – Beyond Caribbean Publishers.
• “His sense of the ridiculous and its role . . . is reminiscent of (Terry) Pratchett at his finest, and I do not say this lightly.” – Education Officer at Barbados Museum & Historical Society Kaye Hall.
• “I enjoyed all of his witticisms and philosophies but this particular one had me in my feels…” Dreams are often hardest to believe in when they begin to come true”. – award winning author Shakirah M. Bourne.

Nala is an actor, writer, teacher, and visual artist. He was born in England to Barbadian and Tobagonian parents. He grew up and lives in Barbados. Story Shyft is a literary based interactive media and experience design company, they shyft stories beyond the book with audiobooks, animation, games, and comics.

The Exhibition viewing continues until May 11^th, 2024, opening 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. For more information please contact The Queen’s Park Gallery Curator Oneka Small at 4293117. For more information on the publications, you may contact Ayesha Gibson-Gill of Story Shyft at reachus@storyshyft.com or via whatsapp 2449498.  (PR)

A wide cross-section of Bajans took to the stage this weekend to perform in the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Drama in the Communities Showcase.

The showcase, held on National Heroes Day, Sunday, April 28, at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre, celebrated the achievements of participants from all walks of life who stayed the course of a 10-week training in Drama and Storytelling.  

In February, the NCF welcomed over 160 community participants in the second leg of the ICH Drama in the Communities training programme. 

Children from as young as six-years-old to elders in their 60s shared their skills acquired as beginners in Drama. Under the theme: “I’Z A BAJAN!” groups created pieces that explored Barbadian culture in a fun and exciting way to showcase their knowledge gained in the programme.

The groups were led by talented tutors in Drama: Tiffani Amber Williams, Asiah Shepherd, Carolyn Brathwaite, Telia Williams, and Alicia Edwards; while Kenneth “Jack” Lewis, Yolanda Holder, and Akeem Chandler-Perscod shared their expertise in Storytelling. 

On Sunday, the theatre was filled with family and friends, who supported the participants as they showcased pieces based on improvisation exploring themes and familiar characters such as superstition, folk songs, local rum shops, Ninja Man, and Grand Kadooment. Based on the reactions, the showcase was well received by the audience. 

The NCF’s Chief Cultural Officer Andrea Wells said it was an enjoyable and engaging evening spent in celebrating theatre skills.

“Barbadians of all ages participated in the developmental ICH programme. Lots of humour and insights on uniquely Barbadian perspectives on a range of topics from village romance to Kadooment!” Wells said.

The Cultural Officer for Theatre Arts, Janelle Mitchell said that she was extremely proud of the participants and tutors. 

She added that “the full-house, the congratulatory notes from parents, and the participants’ enthusiasm augured well for the programme as they look to the next phase. We look forward to the continual development of skills via the ICH Drama programme.” 

Those interested in signing up for ICH training in Drama & Storytelling, can do so by emailing theatre arts officer Mitchell at janelle-mitchelle@ncf.bb or call 430-6644. (PR)

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has partnered with an award-winning author to deliver a first for the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA).

The NCF, through its Literary Arts Desk, has published Rifling about Survival among the Bearded Fig Trees of Ichirouganaim; a collection of award-winning poems written by Dr. Elizabeth Best which is available for download on Kindle.

The eBook has been released in the American market as part of the NIFCA competition. This major project is key for the Foundation and Dr Best as NIFCA continues to celebrate its 50^th anniversary.

Dr. Best, who was the recipient of the NIFCA 2022 Unpublished Manuscript Award, received invaluable assistance from the NCF which included professional editing of her work, graphics design, and layout of the completed text in eBook format. 

The local author was also assisted by an industry professional, who provided critical assistance and guidance as it relates to selling literature on the Amazon platform.

The collection of poems, which tracks the history of the Caribbean, is told from the perspective of a Barbadian woman. This is not the first time that the NCF has published her work, as she is a multi-award winning poet. 

Cultural Officer in the Literary Arts Karra Price said the NCF was pleased to partner with Dr Best on such a historic venture. 

“Assisting artists with their professional development is part of the remit of the Foundation. In addition to providing training opportunities, and sponsorship for budding literary artists, the NCF is focused on creating business opportunities for artists, as well as developing the orange economy in Barbados.” 

Price has encouraged Barbadians to support this initiative by purchasing a digital copy of the book on Kindle, adding that it is competitively priced. (PR)