From 2006, when 29-year-old Janine White first entered the National Independence Festival Of Creative Arts (NIFCA), the spoken word artist has been leaving audiences all across Barbados begging for more.

Her comical poems, which always come with an underlying serious message, are what leave the audiences captivated and in stitches. And for Janine, all this  comes naturally.

“I have never actually studied drama. This is all a hobby and natural talent so far,” she explains.

It was during her days at the Barbados Community College that she realized this talent; and she was encouraged by friends to pursue it seriously.

Janine told Bajan Vibes that at that time her most famous poem was Dear Diary that spoke to all the happenings at school in those days.

“It was not necessarily an area I wanted to get into; but I was always the child who loved English, and would prefer a book and dictionary instead of a toy. I would always love comprehensions and compositions. So naturally then I was inclined to write stuff. So then the poetry and drama and plays just came naturally.

“I was always the very outgoing and bubbly person. So my friends at Community College would always tell me, ‘Let’s hear that poem that you wrote’. I would always read a really big poem that I had –– Dear Diary at the time. It was about everything that happened at school: fights, love affairs, relationships, what class was boring –– everything that happened.

“Through the reading of that poem was how I really started to get into performing arts,” Janine said.

But it was hearing the advertisements on radio and television for NIFCA that really prompted Janine to showcase her talent with the wider Bajan population.

“. . . And I just said I would give it a shot. That was my first year; but I was writing poetry and drama for a very long time. So, I just took some poems from the leaves of my notepads and just showcased them through NIFCA,” the down to earth artiste said.

And after entering NIFCA just four times, Janine already has four medals under her belt, including the coveted NIFCA Gold, and even won the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in 2012 for her piece This Body
Ain’t Mine.

“The first time I entered I got a bronze. The second time I entered was in 2011. I got a silver. My third year in NIFCA was in 2012, and I finally got a gold and the Prime Minister’s Scholarship.

“It was not a long time in NIFCA, but I did feel the progression. Then I took a break in 2013. No particular reason. I just thought I would regroup and enjoy my NIFCA Gold. But then I found I was being abused left and right by the Barbadian public . . . asking me why I was not in NIFCA. So I had to come back this year,” she said.

This year, Janine was awarded two silver awards for her pieces The Red Hibiscus and Isa Bajan, which were both very well received by NIFCA audiences. She also wrote and directed a piece for seven-year-old Tahirah Gibbons entitled A Tribute To Vi, which won a junior gold.

Janine White performing The Red Hibiscus.

Janine White performing Isa Bajan at NIFCA 2104.

Janine White with little Tahirah Gibbons for whom she wrote Tribute To Vi.

“It was a great experience working with Tahirah this year, and it was a lot of fun. She was a joy to work with. She was really committed to it. I would love to continue working with children next year.

“The piece was a tribute to my grandmother Viola Bovell, and was about remembering her selling and being a hawker in Queen’s Street, Speightstown. So the piece was written to commemorate her death.

“Tahirah was excellent in the piece; she got gold and was also nominated for many awards,” the writer said.

Janine is now looking to take her talents even further. She already got the chance to showcase her talents overseas with the touring Laugh It Off crew in July; and she admitted to Bajan Vibes that she was excited to tour some more.

“I had the opportunity to take my drama beyond the shores of Barbados last year. I was a part of Laugh It Off. I toured with them to Fort Lauderdale in July this year. That was a great experience. As a part of the script I did my NIFCA 2012 piece This Body Is Not Mine.

“And that was a wonderful experience working with that team and doing one of my very own pieces. I’m also with the team next year, and we have some wonderful places to visit. So it should be a wonderful experience again.”

Janine is even looking to further her studies in drama and take advantage of her Prime Minister’s Scholarship.

“There are so many things I would love to do! For sure, I want to develop my studies in performing arts. I would have been awarded the Prime Minister’s Scholarship in 2012; I’m yet to use that. So I’m looking to start those studies very soon,” she said excitedly.

NIFCA and being on stage have definitely been whirlwind progress for Janine –– and she has not looked back since. For her, being on stage is “home”.

“I would consider going into drama full-time. It’s really an amazing feeling being onstage. It’s a rush onstage –– everyone looking at you. I just let loose and go into character. For me it’s an escape from the real world and the humdrum of it all –– that time onstage or writing poetry,” Janine explained.

And for all those who missed her dynamic Isa Bajan, you have one more chance to see her this season at the NIFCA Gala on Sunday night at The Gym of the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey.

davandrababb@barbadostoday.bb

She’s young; she’s fabulous; she’s free; and she lives with no inhibitions.

Whom are we referring to? The beauty that is Leandra Goodridge –– make-up artist, entrepreneur and free spirit!

Leandra became a make-up artist in January, and it was this that led her to create her now popular brand Free Spirits Cosmetics.

“. . . I decided to expand my horizons.

“Every time women came to get their make-up done they would request taking the lipstick with them; and I would tell them, ‘But I only have that one lipstick; you can’t have my lipstick’. So I came up with the idea on a job, a month after being a make-up artist.

“I researched a couple of factories; and after going to two or three to see what they had to offer, I decided on one; and then had to deal with the process of customizing each case and putting my name on it, choosing different colours and textures . . . ,” Leandra explained.

And how did she come up with the name?

“It was simple. It’s a reflection of me,” she said with a bright smile. “The name Free Spirits represents me in a sense. My friends always say, ‘Leandra, you are so crazy’. I just believe I’m very spontaneous. I’m a free spirit at heart,” she added with a flick of the hair.

Chatting with Bajan Vibes at her beautiful home at The Rock, St Peter, Leandra said that so far life had been amazing and she was loving her new brand, which she calls her “baby”.

Looking good is key for Leandra.

“It has been a dream that I had –– not for all my lifetime –– but I’m grateful to God that He blessed me with the idea to come up with such an amazing line and brand. The lipsticks are of great quality.”

At present, Leandra has three different textures and 45 shades, all of which she named herself, she divulged proudly.

“I named some after some of my friends from Instagram, just to make them feel special. Some were named very spontaneously. I also tried to tie in my Bajan roots. I named some Bajan Night, Rum Punch, Pink Star –– after the restaurant in Baxters Road.”

The feedback has been nothing short of amazing.

“The response is crazy, to be honest,” Leandra confided. “I’m really grateful to all the Bajan ladies who supported me and my brand. What warmed my heart the most is having people I don’t know support me . . . . Everyone knows me as being Rihanna’s best friend, but to see people coming to me genuinely felt really good. Even people that I have never had a conversation with became my friends.

“[Free Spirits] helped me to meet new people. It has been a really good experience so far,” the proud make-up artist said.

Leandra recounted when she first held her very own lipsticks.

“When I first saw them and held them in my hand I actually cried, because it made me feel a whole set of emotions. I was missing my Daddy –– he recently passed away; it was three years ago, but it feels recent to me –– and his not being able to share the moment with me, not knowing that I actually accomplished it, because I was going through the
process for a while . . . .

“Having it in my hand made it all feel real. I really love them. I feel as though they are my babies.

“I started off with 2,500 lipsticks; I feel as though I have 2,500 kids. I just look at them all the time; make sure they are in the correct order, keeping them in my AC all the time. I just try to take very good care of my lipsticks,” she said fondly.

And the lipsticks are not just for the Bajan ladies –– although Leandra made sure they were “sorted out first”.

“After selling out in Barbados, I restocked; and then I did it internationally. Initially I only wanted to do an online brand, but then I felt it wasn’t fair because girls in Barbados love to dress up. I think we dress up more than any other Caribbean island. So I was like Bajan girls have to get this before anybody else. So I made sure that Barbados was sorted out first. Then I started to ship internationally . . . .

“Still living in Barbados, even though my business is registered in the US, limits me in shipping stuff. So my friend, she lives in DC, so I send stock to her and she does the shipping for me. It’s international shipping; so people have been messaging me from Dubai and Australia, that already have their lipsticks.

“The response has been really good online; but, in my opinion, it’s been way better in Barbados,” the former Coleridge & Parry student said.

Leandra loves everything about make-up and she isn’t shy in commenting when she sees others in her lipstick. She believes everyone woman should be made to feel beautiful.

Leandra Goodridge is all about her business.

“It just really warms my heart seeing girls wearing my lipsticks. Sometimes I would be out and I would see someone putting on a lipstick, and it would happen to be mine. And I’m like, ‘Wait, she wearing my lipstick. It’s a really good feeling.”

And since her business has taken off, doing make-up has had to take a back seat.

“I still do make-up, but it clashes with the business. I’ve got a girl I send my customers to when I can’t do the appointments. I taught her well; so I feel comfortable sending the clients to her. So it would be selfish to turn down a job when I know someone who can actually do it.

“I still do make-up, though just not as much. I think the demand for me to do make-up decreased after I started the line. I didn’t have time to check my make-up page. My email got messed up. I missed out on a lot of emails. People probably don’t think I do it any more,” the beautiful free spirit said.

Given the success of her brand, Leandra knows for certain now that she made the right decision, abandoning her studies at university to become an entrepreneur.

“I went to the University of the West Indies. I studied sociology and psychology, and I dropped out. I was like: what am I going to do? I like being in control of every situation. I felt as though I wasn’t focusing enough at school and I was just wasting my time and my mother’s time; so I left and became an entrepreneur,” she explained.

She enjoys the support of her family and a few close friends. She is especially thankful for her mother Linda Simmons, who is her main investor.

Now, Leandra is looking to all the future has to offer.

“I plan to do everything make-up. I started with lipsticks and lipglosses. I just recently added a new texture last week. Eventually I will have powders and foundations. When I get to that point, then I would have a store. My business is still a baby.

“. . . Everything is going to be the bomb. Everything is going to be good. I’m not the type of person who would sell you a pig in a bag. I will sell you things that are of good quality. It’s a process and I plan to go through the full nine yards,” Leandra told Bajan Vibes with a smile that could light up the National Stadium.

davandrababb@barbadostoday.bb

A Trinidad-based Barbadian female vocalist who won the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest in 2002 is now going global. Laurianne Morris, formerly Laurianne Caines, will soon be embarking on a regional and international tour, as a follow-up to the launch ofКher debut album Journey To Survival in Barbados last Sunday night and in the United States on Monday.

The local launch, which took place at Divi Southwinds in Christ Church, featured Laurianne performing some of the self-penned songs from her ten-track CD, which she started recording in 2009. Laurianne, who performs alternative and R&B, is also promoting the single Believe, which is one of the tracks from her album.

Laurianne Morris singing one of the several tracks from her debut album Journey To Survival.

Executive producer and founder of the Barbados Music Awards, Ronnie Morris, who manages this talented Barbadian, announced on Sunday night that he would be going to Las Vegas the following day to launch the CD on iTunes and other multimedia outlets.

“You need to listen to the album. The album is groundbreaking. The album is really good. Last night [Saturday], we had a conversation with one of the biggest music industry executives in the USA. The person works for Alicia Keys; he works with Regina Belle; he works with everybody you can think of. And he said he loves Believe, and it is going to be available on Walmart.com in two weeks, Amazon and iTunes.

“So when I say to you that the possibility is there [Laurianne could become as big as Beyonce or Rihanna], the possibility is there,” Morris declared, while addressing the ceremony that at which Laurianne’s Jamaican executive producer husband Christopher Morris, young son Michael Morris and Kititian mother Verna Nicholls were present.

Morris thanked fans, friends and music industry stakeholders for attending the launch, “because we always wait until someone wins a Grammy to hold a big show in town”.

In an interview with Barbados TODAY at the end of the show, Laurianne said she was pleased with how her singing career was going.

“I am very happy with how things are shaping up. I do a variety of music. I would not class myself as an R&B singer or a pop singer, but personally I love alternative music. I have an alternative on the album called Whatever.

“My single on the album [Journey To Survival] is Believe; it’s about confidence, it’s about liberation.

“Then the second track is Love To Me. I wrote that to my husband, I wrote that to my son and I wrote that to myself. It’s about learning to love yourself and appreciate who you are, and not what people perceive you to be,” added the personable young artiste.

She said the only selection she did not write on her own was Bad Mind, which was co-composed by Trinidadian Carla Gonsalves.

In tracing the journey to her debut album, she recalled migrating to Trinidad with her husband and meeting a producer called Class (son of Carla Gonsalves) from First Class Records.

A fan about to receive a signed promotional poster from Laurianne Morris.

“I was back and fourth [between Trinidad and Barbados] for four years consecutively, and it was just last year that everything started coming together . . . . It was mastered and mixed and we started taking promotional pictures in June.

“I was on a break, and I called Ronnie, and he was available, and it grew from there.”

Asked where she saw her career going, the young mother replied: “Well, I see myself going a long way, because it’s not only the glamour side; there is putting in the hard work. You cannot get anywhere in life without putting in the hard work. I am focused and I am dedicated.

“I believe in what I am doing, and I am putting in the hard work, and I am going to get far.”

After winning the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Contest 12 years ago, she sang on the hotel circuit for seven years. But her public singing has it roots in church, when at the age of nine she received several encores at an Easter programme at St Leonard’s Anglican Church, where she rendered Jesus Is Not Dead, He Is Risen.

“I got a standing ovation . . . . I sang the song three times that afternoon,” Laurianne recalled with a hearty laugh.

She told Barbados TODAY that while she was currently based in Trinidad, she would be shuttling between that twin island republic and Barbados РР and probably Las Vegas.

Also performing at last Sunday night’s album launch were Ronnie Morris himself, who did three solo selections, and then collaborated with Laurianne and Jahir Yearwood, a Gold Coast Records emerging artiste, who opened the show.

It was a night of great food, wine, rum and fantastic music.
Scores of locals and visitors packed the Concorde Experience last night for the Late Night Super Sonic event.
The highly popular event boasted five food stations, offering various culinary delights, from Italian to Asian to Caribbean, and a fully stocked premium bar.

When patrons were not imbibing at the bar, they were getting down to the music of big band Krosfyah, along with Leadpipe and Saddis.
Krosfyah showed their versatility by mixing reggae and pop music into their two hour set that featured some of their best jams, such as Sak Pase and Crank De Motor.

Popular deejays Kashi and Dave Smooth also provided music.

Celebrated international chefs Marcus Samuelson and Anne Burrell,also made an appearance and mingled with the crowd.

Today, Samuelson and Burrell will be the center of attention when they host their cooking shows at the Barbados Hilton hotel.

Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley (centre) with St Peter parish ambassadors Shakeea Boyce and Akeem Franklin.

St Peter Parish Ambassadors Shakeea Boyce and Akeem Franklin reigned supreme last night at the Spirit of the Nation show at the Wildey Gymnasium.

Boyce and Franklin started the night well ahead of the pack with 74.64 points and were able to maintain this lead throughout the night.

In the end, they walked away with title of Most Outstanding Parish Ambassadors for 2014.

When the results were announced just after 10 p.m., their supporters decked out in lime green – the parish color – erupted with cheers and screams.

Some of the loudest cheers could be heard from tourism consultant and Barbados Labour Party St Peter candidate Colin Jordan.

The duo from the north also copped prizes for Best Parish Project with G.R.O.W 166 and Best Parish Project Presentation.

St Michael’s ambassadors Sharifa Yard and Dario Bowen had to settle for second position.

Christ Church’s Ronshalee Proverbs and Dwayne Gillard were third. They also won Best Costume. Their attendant Angela Marshall won the Attendant of the Year award. Julie Burnett and Mario Springer of St Lucy took the fourth spot.

Best Formal Wear went to St Philip’s Rakiya Sherry and Trevor Sobers.

We know him as the amazing lyricist, poet, who brings life to any stage he graces. But who is Adrian Green offstage? He is a husband, father, teacher, student and painter.

Green, a man of few words — well, for the interview — said he was motivated by others.

He has been a regular at NIFCA for quite sometime, and should he ever choose not to participate any more, his deep thought-provoking poems would definitely be missed.

There is much to be learnt from Green through his poems.

Being one of his students many years ago at the Coleridge & Parry Secondary School, I can attest to this of the down to earth artist.

However, Green described this year’s NIFCA experience as one of the most difficult. He said for quite sometime he had been silent.

“The current issues in Barbados are so wide in scope, so raw and open, and so deeply rooted, they are difficult to discuss. Sometimes I don’t know what to say or how to say it plainly, simply, truthfully and sensitively РР and still be entertaining. This was my toughest year yet. For a while I was speechless,” the spoken word artist said.

His piece this year РР Too Small РР while comical, was a very serious one that touched on many of the issues currently facing our society.

But make no mistake, he has no plans of going anywhere because there’s still a lot for him to address.

He told Bajan Vibes that it doesn’t take him long to write a poem РР sometimes; and he is always coming up with new material.

“I write one with my left hand while writing another with my right. At least that is how it feels sometimes. It can take from a few hours to a few years, “Green explained.

He added that his poetry had taken him all over the world performing to many audiences.

“Poetry has taken me farther than I had imagined. I’ve performed in Africa, Europe, America and the Caribbean. Most importantly though, I have travelled deeply into my own being and gained much knowledge and understanding of myself through poetry,” he said.

davandrababb@barbadostoday.bb

The best of the best of Bajan talent was showcased at the National Independence Festival Of Creative Arts Gala at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex last Sunday night. But, as overheard from many on leaving the Wildey Gymnasium, the Gala was still missing that wow factor. Most of the NIFCA Finals nights were more exciting.

The award winners took to the stage, giving their best; but there was hardly a performance that left a buzz. I daresay the Gala was merely mundane. The running order even begged the question: were the best acts actually chosen to perform at the later stages of the NIFCA season?

Nevertheless, the Gala made for a relaxing Sunday evening, with a few bright spots –– for those who didn’t have the chance to attend any of the Finals.

Spoken word artist Adrian Green was undeniably one of the most anticipated and probably most well received acts of the night. From the time his name was announced the audience was in a frenzy, maybe because members knew this lyricist always delivers. And that he did!

From the first line in his poem –– “Some words men don’t like to hear, and words some women hope the don’t ever have to say . . . it too small . . .” –– the crowd erupted with laughter. Green then added: “Barbados too too small . . . ,” which sent the crowd into another fit of laughter.

After his performance, the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He received silver for for his Too Small piece.

Janine White, known too for her explosive spoken word performances, was also well received. She delivered The Red Hibiscus, one of her two poems (the other being Isa Bajan), both of which received silver.

Janine also received a certificate in directing for her piece Tribute To Vi, which was performed by her young protégé, seven-year-old Tahirah Gibbons.

When I grow up, I want to be a hawka! Tahirah Gibbons was fantastic in Tribute To Vi.

Tahirah, small in stature, but big of heart, delivered a splendid performance, having the audience repeating her now famous hookline “when I grow up, I want to be a hawka”. She received a junior gold for her piece, as well as other incentive prizes.

The gold award-winning Mosaic Steel Orchestra, under the direction of David “Ziggy” Walcott, was one the night’s big highlights. Performing the popular Barber Of Seville, the group had put their own spin to it, for which they had got the only NIFCA Gold music award this year. Director Ziggy also received a prize for best arrangement, as well as the James Millington Award Of Excellence.

The Mosiac Steel Orchestra received the only NIFCA Gold music award for 2014.

Gold also went to DJ Simmons for his theatre arts piece Last Saturday Night, which he performed on Sunday night.

Also delivering their gold award winning piece Animal Farm Circa 2014, choreographed by Aisha Comissiong, was Dancin’ Africa.

Justin Poleon and Megan Navarro too received NIFCA Gold –– at the very highest level –– for their dance piece Turned To Stone, and onstage again showed why.

Justin Poleon and Megan Navarro were excellent in their dance entitled Turned To Stone.

Silver awardee Raanan Hackett was also splendid in his rendition of Reach by Gloria Estefan and Diane Warren.

By the time penultimate performer Cherece Richards was into her song, the audience was already much lighter than when the show had begun. NIFCA Bronze medallist Cherece gave a chilling performance of Mary Mary’s Yesterday, one of her two songs (the other being United In The Caribbean) for which she was rewarded. She also received Most Promising Newcomer To NIFCA.

Praise Academy Of Dance were last on stage with their Celebration Of Praise. These young ones, among the more energetic onstage, clearly had a blast. Too bad most of the audience had already left or were making their way to the exit, and couldn’t appreciate the dance.

For the second year, Cy Hutchinson received the Governor General’s Award Of Excellence. Worth $7,500, it was presented by Governor General Sir Elliott Belgrave.

Other rewarded performers were the Haynesville Youth Group, Pehnyo Dance Company, Mequissa Baptiste, Element, Louise Woodvine Dance Academy, Patrice Gill And Friends, Sistaz, Blackman Gollop Primary School.

davandrababb@barbadostoday.bb

The organizers of Hennessy Artistry have seemingly perfected the art of blending.

During the sixth annual version on Saturday night at Kensington Oval, Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley told Barbados TODAY he believed the organizers had done extremely well in putting on the show year after year.

“The Hennessy Artistry production has continued to excite Barbadians and visitors alike,” he said. “I think that the crowd so far tonight shows that the brand is really taking off in Barbados. It is a calendar part of the cultural agenda in Barbados. Persons have actually demonstrated that this is a good show, and I think it is going to be fantastic, going forward.”

Lashley was of the view the show would be around for a long time because patrons were assured of quality.

“The food and the drinks add to the entire event. If you can get that right, along with the music and the comfort of being at an event such as this, I think that is something patrons would come back for.

“You don’t only hold an event and plan for now; you try to capture and retain your clientele. Give them a good show and they have a great time, certainly next year they would be your ambassadors for persons who may not have come to the event before,” Lashely added.

The minister, who was taking in the show with some friends, stressed that the Government needed to support events like that.

“These events help to stimulate activity in the economy, and we have been very keen on supporting them; and I think that is something that augurs well for Barbados, going forward.

“I think it is necessary and absolutely important that we as a Government support these events, and allow for them to grow, with the least number of impositions –– whether it be taxation, whether it be VAT, or otherwise.”

Lashley explained: “I say that because I believe that these events have a tremendous spin-off in the economy, and I believe that certainly going forward we have to find a way to allow for promoters of these events to feel a bit more welcome.

Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley sharing a joke with reggae artist Sizzla.

“. . . This event, of course, requires a number of persons to be employed . . . in relation to security, certainly the performances, lighting and sound, and beyond.

“Persons don’t come to these events without going into Bridgetown and other shopping areas and buying some outfit. So I know that these events add to the economic activity of the country and must be supported.”

It was the art of perfect blending last Saturday night at the sixth annual Hennessy Artistry show. It was an event that would have made any music legend and lover –– both in this life and the next –– nod in approval. There was something for everyone: from R&B to dancehall to reggae. You name it; they sang it.

Thousands of reggae lovers converged on the grounds at the cricket mecca Kensington Oval; and if the packed VIP and general areas were to be used as any gauge, it might be reasonable to ask: what recession? Their economic woes and cries set aside, patrons came out in their numbers to see R&B crooner Joe, and Jamaican artistes Konshens, Tarrus Riley, Sizzla and Etana, and Bajan Buggy Nkante. And, they would be in for big –– and pleasant –– surpriseThe crowds were also in for a big surprise closer to the end  of the show.

Etana, making her debut on a Barbadian stage, was the first out of the blocks, and she set the tone for what would be a fantastic night. With her enchanting vocals she went through her repertoire of songs, including her hits People Talk and I Am Not Afraid, to marked appreciation of the audience.

Etana

Jamaican MC Ms Kitty and Barbados’ own Peter Coppin kept the crowd that was now building up between acts well entertained. Ms Kitty was in her element, expressing her love for Barbados on this her first visit, and in her humour switching quite often between Standard English and Jamaican dialect –– which the crowd lapped up every bit of it.

Buggy Nkante was next on stage; and he did not disappoint. He is definitely a favourite. Buggy, who resides in Qatar, expressed his delight in being back home and performing for his fellow Bajans.

Buggy Nkante

He told Bajan Vibes after his performance that it was heart-warming to have Barbadians accept his music. He offered songs like A Man Is Just A Man, Long Live My Enemies, Better Days Gonna Come and See Them From Afar.

At about 12:10 a.m. R&B crooner Joe took the stage, his fans positioning themselves directly in front of him as best they could to take it all in. These fans, among the more mature in the crowd, sang his songs word for word. However, old or young, the Bajan patrons, who usually take longer to warm up to R&B acts, did enjoy Joe’s performance.

Joe, his smooth voice taking them back in time, belted out songs like More And More, All The Things Your Man Won’t Do, If I Was Your Man and I Wanna Know. And it all turned into a lovers’ paradise in front of the stage, expanding backward through the crowd, as the couples hugged, cuddled, slow-wined –– even kissed –– as was captured on the big screen during Joe’s performance.

Joe

Many a single person in the audience was carrying a green-eyed monster on the shoulder.

But come Joe’s exit, the people were now ready to party, and just about two words into Ms Kitty’s introduction they figured who was coming next –– and they went wild. Konshens was up next to woo the ladies.

As the handsome, red-headed, smooth-singing artiste touched the stage, the only thing the females, who had now gathered at the front, didn’t do was step over the barricade –– and that was not for a lack of trying.

Konshens

The Gal A Bubble singer kept his fans on their toes as he delivered hit after hit like –– Winner, Stop Sign, Ah So Mi Tan, Forward, Pretty Devil, Badman Settings, To Her With Love, Do Sumn and I’m Coming. His admirers followed his every command during his instruction songs like Boost Har Up and Pull Up To Mi Bumper.

The ladies must have forgotten they were dressed in heels and their finest, because when Konshens started singing, the hands of nearly all the females were on their knees, and they were pooching back. Konshens’ adoring fans were sorely sad to see him leave the stage.

But the love man was next, and he was hyped up as ever. Taurus Riley, with his silky smooth vocals, had the ladies swooning, or singing along enchantedly –– not surprisingly. He delivered hits like One Drop, Stay With You, My Day, She’s Royal, and others. Taurus also paid tribute to the incarcerated reggae legend Buju Banton, singing a medley of his songs.

The ladies could not get enough of Taurus, and they went into a further frenzy when he brought back Konshens onstage to perform their duet Good Girl.

Now well into Sunday morning, patrons were far from tired –– and quite ready for more. They knew who was left to come –– Sizzla –– and they couldn’t wait. From the sound of his voice with “I’m missing you . . .” the reggae lovers –– male and female –– went wild. But they were in for a surprise to boot. The organizers of Hennessy Artistry definitely went all out with this one. They had brought Bounty Killa on as a special performer.

Bounty Killa

And so he appeared with Sizzla. Bounty Killa was his ever impressive self, the crowd clearly satisfied with the pleasant surprise.

Sizzla would continue to thrill the audience with his 45-minute session. And judging from the many screams and “bup-bup-bups” and raised gun fingers throughout the crowd, it was evident every minute of Sizzla’s performance was being taken in.

Sizzla Kalonjie

The organizers of Hennessy Artistry truly got the mix right more than ever this year, giving patrons their money’s worth, as they left The Oval a bit after 4 a.m. quite satisfied.

davandrababb@barbadostoday.bb

When 36-year-old Tonia Deane decided to sign up for Barbados TODAY’s Scribe & Drive competition at the last minute, she never imagined she was going to be the winner of the brand new 2014 Honda City compliments Platinum Motors.

Deane told Barbados TODAY, shortly after collecting the keys to the new fully loaded vehicle, that she had never won anything in her life and that today’s win came as a complete shock to her.

Tonia Deane is all smiles with her husband Robert.

“I cannot remember when I subscribed exactly. I think it was sometime last month. I was just browsing and I saw it and I said, ‘Well let me just sign up’, and at the time I was really not expecting to win because I never won anything before,” Deane said while wiping her eyes.

With tears streaming down her face, she sat in her new vehicle with CEO and Editor-In-Chief Kaymar Jordan discussing her plans for the car.

Barbados TODAY and Platinum Motors chairman Peter Harris with Barbados TODAY’S CEO and Editor-In-Chief Kaymar Jordan.

“Of course, I plan to keep it. I actually wanted to buy a new car this year; now I have one.”

Deane, an employee of the University of the West Indies, up until today did not have a vehicle of her own and was using her husband’s car. She said her husband also drove a van; so they would now have to decide on what to do with the other vehicle.

“I’m not sure if he is going to sell it, but we haven’t made a decision on the other vehicle as yet,” the mother of one said.

Along with the blue Honda City, Deane will also receive $5,000 in petrol from Rubis, $5,000 worth of insurance, compliments of CGI, $5,000 worth of car care and accessories from Automotive Art, and a year’s free service from Platinum Motors. The Scribe & Drive grand prize winner said the car was definitely a welcome blessing for her and her husband.

“This will help me a lot, because sometimes being able to buy gas is difficult, and you know other things, road tax, insurance, maintenance have relatively high costs. So now that I don’t have these to deal with . . . my husband and I can definitely put [funds] towards something else,” Deane said with a big bright smile.

Ermine Tang, Kimberley Branch and Janice Harewood were the other lucky winners, all receiving handsets from LIME.

Four of the finalists Kimberly Branch, Tonia, Ermine Tang and Janice Harewood standing with sponsors.

Today, the Scribe & Drive competition, which afforded new subscribers to Barbados TODAY a chance to win the grand prize, was also hailed by company officials as a success.

Over 10,000 new subscribers signed up over the past three months.

He is handsome, extremely talented, and one of the biggest dancehall artists in Jamaica. In fact, make that in the world . . . , and no one can rock a red Mohawk or “red fade” like he does. Whom do I speak of? None other than the superstar that is Konshens –– given name Garfield Spence.

Konshens has performed all over the world –– from Ghana to London, to Nairobi . . . . But one place holds a special spot in his heart: Barbados! This is the island where he had one of his first big performances outside of Jamaica when he started his musical career back in 2008.

Speaking to Bajan Vibes at Divi Southwinds Beach Resort earlier this month, after arriving in the island for the Hennessy Artistry show, Konshens let it be known: “It is so good to be back in Barbados. You know, Barbados is special to me from long time!

“I think Reggae On The Hill was my first major show I did outside of Jamaica, and it was a great experience. The song Fair Weather Friend showed me that not just in Japan, or far parts of the world, but also in close areas there are songs people don’t listen to in Jamaica, and they are big songs in these small islands . . . .

“When we come here, the people show nuff love, and we show love too,” the Gyal A Bubble singer declared.

Konshens stressed he loved his fans just as much as they loved him.

Over the years, Konshens career has been steadily rising.

His fan base has grown extensively since he first hit the stage in Barbados in 2008 with his black cornrow hairstyle. His admirers now spread across the globe, resulting in his many world travels taking “the music to the people”. His journey thus far he describes as nothing short of amazing.

“It’s been going really good. It’s been a steady rise, a steady climb. I give thanks for all the blessings and all the fan support. The fan base has grown tremendously, and I give thanks for that.

“The catalogue has grown as well, and I have been doing a whole heap of work in and out of the studio –– non-stop work,” Konshens revealed.

Since his career took off, Konshens has done large-scale work with many new and seasoned artistes –– the experience thus far being “nothing short of phenomenal”.

“I have to big up all the artistes –– the big and small. The up-and-coming and the icons that I have done collaborations with. The foundations of these songs were just good music. It was never just me trying to do something with a big artiste or younger artiste. It was just all about good organic music; and I give thanks for that once again,” the entertainer emphasized.

And this non-stop work requires his being constantly away from his homeland Jamaica.

Konshens admitted to Bajan Vibes that he did not like all the flying, but countered: “I have to do what I have to do.”

He admitted not spending enough time in Jamaica.

Konshens (right) sharing a joke with Tarrus Riley after his performance at Hennessy Artistry.

“We live in the planes. The people around the world want the music; so we have to take it to them wherever they are; and the means of travel is the aeroplane. We are hardly home; and I don’t like flying. But, as an artiste, when you have the fans, they need to be serviced –– anywhere they are, and bring the music to them,” he explained.

And, throughout the years, Konshens has also nurtured many younger artistes, opening up avenues for them to make it onto the scene.

Darrio, with whom he sings Siddung (one of his hits), and Javada are just two of the many names that have come up under the SubKonshus family. Konshens enjoys working with the young up-and-coming artistes.

“I’m always working. I have friends that are artistes and I have friends that are talented people; and it’s always a good look to make a man be able to hunt his own bread.

“If I can provide the means for someone to hunt their own food, that’s great. People that are coming around are all talented. So it’s good,” he said.

Konshens currently has his own band –– Di Blueprint Band –– and they have been blowing up stages all over the world.

With many hot songs and dynamic performances under his belt, the down to earth Konshens still cannot point to just one that stands out. For him, they are all special.

“Everything that I have done stays with me. There is not one thing that comes to mind that I could say, ‘This is the highlight of my career’. I’m just happy to get up every day and be able to sing.

“Thank God for the media and the fans that we can really show some appreciation instantly. I just give thanks for everything that’s happening,” the dancehall artist said with a sense of pride.

Before wrapping up the Bajan Vibes interview, Konshens offered his Christmas and New Year’s wishes for his fans.

“My Christmas wish and New Year’s resolution are the same almost every year: peace and love, and prosperity.

“Ambition is the key. Just ease off of the crime and show love every time,” he said with a bright smile.

davandrababb@barbadostoday.bb

Despite the harsh economic times and a forecast for an even bleaker 2015, some Barbadians are letting none of this steal their holiday cheer. Some are still sticking to tradition, and going all out with Christmas decorations in and outside their homes.

Two Grazettes, St Michael women –– Tracy Grazette and Andel Cummins –– have been bringing life to their neighbourhood –– one for nigh a decade –– with their Christmas lights; and they have no intention of stopping. They both concur it is magical, and they will continue doing it.

Tracy Grazette (left) and Andel Cummins.

“I’ve been out here ten years now. And [Andel] for about five years. I had to encourage her to do it outside the house, and not keep it inside; to share the beauty,” said Grazette, who explained that she got a thrill from seeing the lights come on and the response they get from the public.

“There’s a lot of hard work in doing it, yes; but we both love the end result. And seeing the children and adults pass through, and hearing the oohs and ahhs and wows . . . !

“For me this year, it was mostly for my son. He’s turning two and I want to get him into the same lighting thing,” Grazette said.

Cummins confirmed that for hern too it was the end result.

“It’s like art to me. We wanted to create something that people could enjoy in the midst of all that is going on around them. If we can be a part of that, it’s great!”

As for the neighbours, they just love it, the two women attested.

The lighted Grazettes home of Andel Cummins.

The lighted Grazettes home of Tracy Grazette.

“The neighborhood has a general expectation; look forward to it. It’s becoming part of the community; and we just want to creat an opportunity where people can come and enjoy,” Cummins explained.

The illumination, which was officially turned on Sunday, has already begun to attract much traffic to the two homes,  Grazette reported.

“The lights took us about two weeks to put up, because we both have full-time jobs,” she said, adding that about ten other people had chipped in; “and we both helped each other.”

Grazette and Cummins are yet a little puzzled how so many people outside their neighbourhood have come to know about the lights, as they are not located on the main road.

“We are trying to figure it out, because we don’t tell people . . . . We see so many people coming through! And we don’t know how they know.”

As for the cost of it all, Grazette and Cummins say they plan for it –– Cummins having now found an alternative way of dealing with it.

“When we first started, each month I paid [the utilities bill] early, and also paid some extra. So when this time came it was a bit more manageable. But then the wonderful world of alternative energy came and I joined the ranks,” Cummins said. “So this is my first year of using alternative energy; and I’m looking forward to the end result.”

Grazette added: “It’s an occasion we look forward to; so we plan for it accordingly. It hasn’t been a burden as yet, and I don’t think it will become that . . . . Because I love it, and I budget for it!”

Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley believes Prime Minister Freundel Stuart erred when he referred the dismissal of close to 200 workers at the National Conservation Commission (NCC) to the Employment Rights Tribunal back in May.

In her estimation, the matter was never an issue for the nine-member body, but was always one for the Government and the trade unions.

She spoke today against the backdrop of the resignation of eight tribunal members, which has left the workers in a state of despair.

Mottley has therefore joined in calls for the immediate reinstatement of the sacked NCC employees, along with workers at the Transport Board as a matter of urgency.

She told reporters today after a media luncheon held at the Opposition’s office in Parliament building that in the spirit of the season, Government should do the right thing and rehire the workers as suggested yesterday by the National Union of Public Workers (NUPW).

Leader of the Opposition Mia Mottley

“I agree entirely with the NUPW’s position on that and I have said so from day one,” said Mottley, who also accused the Government of betraying the workers.

“Seven months ago we said that this was going to be a ‘never-never’ promise to the workers. The right and moral thing to do is to reinstate them, especially since many of them were separated in breach of the legitimate expectation that the Prime Minister gave the country when he said ‘last-in, first-out’ and all sole bread winners would be protected,” Mottley argued.

The Opposition leader stressed that the Government had a responsibility not to discriminate and should treat all workers fairly.

She also called on them to show the length of tenure of the people who were still employed at the statutory corporation and the ones who had gone home, while stating that she was aware of instances where people had been treated badly.

“Up to last night I met a man in the supermarket, he had seven years. He trained people who are still in there at the NCC. It’s not right, it’s not fair. And in the spirit of the season I would ask the Government to reconsider; to reinstate the NCC workers, particularly, and the others who are affected, and let us do the right thing, in the right way.”

The Barbados Labour Party leader further charged that there were relatives of Government members with “less years” who were still working at the Transport Board and the NCC.

She therefore questioned: “How can you give confidence to the workers that there was a transparent process when that is the case?”

Mottley also argued that their plight was never a tribunal issue but a Government and trade union matter.

“I think a tribunal is relevant more so for individual cases, but where you have a collective position, where you have mass layoffs, in breach of policy directives the Prime Minister gave in September 2013, [it is not necessary],” she argued.

The Opposition Leader recalled that “the Prime Minister came on television and told the country that his Government would pursue a policy of last-in, first-out [and] his Government would pursue a policy of sole bread winners being protected and that we would see that kind of caring approach to the issue of layoffs”.

However, “what we see, particularly at the NCC and Transport Board has been the total opposite. And then there are people at the NHC [National Housing Corporation] who have more than ten years but who are not being allowed to be treated as pensionable when the law says that they should [be].

“Now individual cases like that may be better handled by the tribunal, but the collective cases like the mass layoffs at the NCC and Transport Board, it was never a tribunal issue. It was a moral, political and industrial issue for the Government, the Executive, and the union to resolve in the way that Barbadians have known best for over 75 years,” Mottley stressed.

Contending that Government had approached the issue in the wrong way from inception, she said “they have started wrong treating it as an arithmetical exercise like they had a cutlass running wild . . . [ and] cutting here, cutting there, not being cognizant of the consequences to the country”.

As a result, she said the island was now faced with negative consequences, arguing that “when you take people who are accustomed clearing drains . . . [and] de-bushing, what you do is leave a country to run to bush.

“When you run to bush and drains clog up, what do you have? Mosquitoes in wet season and rats in dry season,” she added.  

The Sanitation Service Authority (SSA) is promising relief for the residents of White Hill, St Andrew, after weeks of delays in garbage collection caused by the collapsed main road.

Public relation specialist at the SSA Carl Padmore told Barbados TODAY that garbage collection would resume tomorrow and continue on Saturday.

“This is in response to the road being impassable to vehicular traffic. We had a site visit last Friday and spoke to some residents of the area and we are satisfied in our minds that these two days of collections will address the backlog of collections in that area,” he said.

“Naturally there would have been a backlog because the trucks couldn’t get in. We want these people to have a good Christmas and a good New Year like anyone else so this is our response to that immediate need. We continue to wish them well as they seek recovery from this situation.”

Padmore also confirmed that the SSA intended to service all parishes by Christmas, and was looking at all ways to better serve Barbadians in a timely fashion.

He went on to express alarm about an apparent increase in illegal dumping around the island, particularly at Eden Lodge.

“As we look at Barbados on a whole, we are seeing increased . . . illegal dumping. We have said over and over that we have a bulk waste collection crew, all you have to do is call us and we would come. But people are mixing household waste with bulk waste material and that is posing a problem,” Padmore said.

He continued, “People are coming in to Eden Lodge to dump.  Some of the residents are afraid to say who the persons are . . . In addition, it places pressure on the SSA because we now have to deploy services to this area when we could be sending them elsewhere. This morning alone, we sent four trucks and a bobcat and a crew of about 12 [to the area] and that was dealing with four spots in Eden Lodge,” Padmore lamented.

Big things are in the pipeline for the entertainment industry in Barbados for 2015.

In February, the island is set to host a Caribbean Music Summit – a first for the country – ahead of a never-seen-before concert slated for the Bushy Park Racing Circuit in St Philip in May.

Speaking to Barbados TODAY this evening, Executive Chairman of Bushy Park Circuit Inc. (BPCI) Mark Maloney confirmed that the concert, which would feature many big names, was being planned.

However, he would not respond to rumours that American superstars Jay-Z and Beyonce would be performing as headline acts.

Executive Chairman of Bushy Park Circuit Inc. (BPCI) Mark Maloney

“We are working on it in collaboration with our partners and the possible date for it will be in May. As we progress with details we will be able to share more information. But as for right now, it’s in the planning stages,” Maloney told Barbados TODAY.

“We are looking at some big names, but it would be premature of me to engage in conversation on who they are right now. Needless to say, they will be big and that will be tremendous for Barbados,” he added.

Stressing that there would be numerous spinoff benefits for the country, Maloney said “ we are trying to maximize the benefits of the venue. Because it’s actually an amphitheatre-type venue, which is perfect for concerts. Bushy Park is primarily a motor sport facility, but it’s a multipurpose facility too, and we think that it would be absolutely perfect for a concert.

“It’s a big investment and big returns for the country,” Maloney added.

Meantime, the February summit will feature over 500 global music executives, artistes and brand promoters from around the world who will meet over three days at Hilton Barbados Resort to discuss the future of the music business.

In a Press release yesterday, it was announced that Joe Belliotti, head of global music marketing at the Coca-Cola Company, and Chief Executive Officer of Music Dealers Eric Sheinkop would be keynote speakers. They will be a part of the summit to discuss the future of music, entertainment and brands in the 21st century from a global, pan-Caribbean and local level.

Belliotti is a legendary music producer/writer who has collaborated with artistes, including Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Dr Dre, Eminem, John Legend and Tyler Perry’s music team.

Belliotti said in the release he believed the summit was a great opportunity on all fronts.

“The Caribbean Music Summit provides a great opportunity to share insight into the global Coca-Cola music strategy, including how we work with artistes, labels, platforms and partners to build our brands,” he stated.

Belliotti has led many successful campaigns, including the recent 2014 FIFA World Cup campaign.

Sheinkop added: “As the music industry adapts to an era of unprecedented change, the collaboration of Coca-Cola with emerging talent has provided artists with meaningful resources to develop their careers, hone their craft and share their art with new fans across the world. This partnership adds tremendous value for the artiste and the brand simultaneously.”

The summit is aimed at bringing the world’s top music executives and delegates to Barbados to participate in the event, and also to educate and empower Barbadian music artists, while expanding the understanding and reach of Barbadian entertainment and culture to the world, and showcasing Barbados as a touristic, business and cultural destination. The summit is taking place with the full support and collaboration of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth.

Chief executive officer of the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., William Griffith, confirmed the summit and expressed his excitement at being a part of it.

“BTMI is happy to provide support, as the event promises to be an exciting one for local artistes who will get the chance to work with overseas entertainment business executives.”

Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley was quoted in the release as saying “the Caribbean Music Summit is a singular opportunity for the Barbadian artiste, music and cultural communities to connect with the entertainment industry’s top executives, many who are visiting the island for the first time, to learn, discuss industry issues, debut music and make deals”.

davandrababb@barbadostoday.bb

She has the voice of an angel РР and grand dreams!

Seventeen-year-old Ashawnya Bellamy already has an international performance under her belt, and is well on the way to doing bigger things in the entertainment industry. And, if all goes well, this easy-going beauty with a powerful voice should have a very successful career.

Over the Independence holidays, Ashawnya was invited by the Barbados Consul General in New York Dr Donna Hunte-Cox to perform at a pre-Independence extravaganza.

For the former Alexandra School student, this was an experience of a lifetime.

“I was accompanied by Jeff Broomes and my mum. It was such  an exciting feeling to be invited to sing in New York. My grandmother even came to support. I felt so honoured!

“It was my first winter that I could remember, and I stayed at the Consul General’s house. At the show I sang My two strong point songs РР Still I Rise and And I Am Telling You. It was the best experience I have had in life.

“The stage was huge. The lights were so bright! And the acoustics in the room were on point. That performance was the best I have had yet,” the young singer said with pride.

Ashawnya also got the opportunity to perform at a church. This, she said, made her New York trip even more remarkable.

“. . . I sang Hallelujah at the St Mark’s Baptist Church as members took Communion. It was great!” she said.

This performance definitely secured in Ashawnya’s mind that she wanted to stick with music and take it as far as she could. And she is determined to see her dreams come true.

Long before she got on that plane to New York, the young one knew she wanted to be onstage entertaining crowds.

“I started singing at age seven; but that was in the shower,” she said with a laugh, adding: “I originally began singing in the church at age 11 where I stood in front of a congregation for the first time. It was a frightening experience, but I received a standing ovation for the first time . . . . I was so proud of myself,” the Barbados Community College student said.

But her first big break came when she performed to a wider public for the first time at NIFCA.

“Paula from the New Dimensions Ministries Church in Barbarees Hill believed in me, and trained and helped me prepare for the wonderful rendition of Alabaster Box, the song that got me started on my singing journey. I received a bronze medal  for the rendition,” she said.

It was also that year that she joined the Alexandra Beacons, and they also won a bronze medal. Ashawnya offered special thanks to Shernell Clarke who was the director of the choir at the time.

“Special thanks goes out to Shernell Clarke, formerly Greaves, for warmly welcoming me into the select group, which was a smaller one from the big choir; and also for allowing me to have experiences on stages at various events such as Love Poetry And Song, BMAs, at hotels, and much more. During My years at Alexandra, I entered the annual inter-house singing competition in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, where I placed fifth , third, second and first respectively.

“I then performed at the 2013 Barbados Music Awards with the Beacons Select, where we opened the show and were background vocalists for Cissy Houston,” Ashawnya said proudly.

She also enjoys the wonderful support of her mother, who is her “everything”.

“My mum is my hero; she supports me in everything that I do; she is at every performance. I just love the support,” she said.

After her whirlwind at the Alexandra School, which she enjoyed, Ashawnya then moved on to the Parkinson Memorial Secondary School where she propelled her music career even farther.

“I got a warm welcome from Jeff Broomes, the principal; Sheldon Hope, the choir director; and Randy Eastmond, the band director. I was a member of the Revolution Band at Parkinson, and I had many experiences onstage; and I got to explore different genres, where before I only sang gospel.

“I then entered the interschool singing competition, and placed third with the song And I Am Telling You by Jennifer Hudson РР chosen by Sheldon Hope who saw the potential in me. I was then asked by Stephanie Chase who had recorded my performance to perform at her show Miss Humanity International, where I sang Yet Still I Rise by Yolanda Adams and And I Am Telling You . . . . This was yet another great performance,” she explained.

Ashawnya has also benefited from voice training lessons, which she thinks has helped her singing ability.

“Mrs Clarke then lead me to the NCF voice training programme, where I met Rochelle Griffith who voice-trained me. Thanks to her for believing in me,” she added.

Ashawnya too looks up to international singer Fantasia Barrino.

“Fantasia  inspires me because she just knows how to make you feel what she is singing and how her voice just commands an audience is just so inspirational,” she said.

Over the years, the charming singer said, her confidence had been boosted tremendously, and she was thankful for all the help she had received thus far.

In terms of her music career, Ashawnya said: “I plan to keep using this God-given gift to me, and see how far it takes me.”

This year we experienced so much in the entertainment world in Barbados –– from milestone celebrations to new announcements; good music all around and a good look for the future.

Despite the cries of harsh economic times, Bajans still had a fabulous year, enjoying remarkable parties, concerts and other functions –– from January through December.

In the final quarter of the year, one set of news that should have been music to any culture lover’s ears, was the announcement by Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley that by early next year the Cultural Industries Development Act would be implemented.

Lashley said Barbados was quickly becoming an entertainment hub, and that the act was long over due.

Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley

“We are moving into a completely new environment in Barbados. We are getting ready to proclaim the Cultural Industries Development Act to establish the Cultural Industries Development Authority, and I believe we are at a stage where we are ready to proclaim a legislation . . . .

“. . . In particular, of course, we have seen a lot of development in film, and I believe that you would see in Barbados some of our own Barbadian producers who have been trained at some of the most prestigious places in the world. That is good news because what that tells us as we proclaim the legislation, is that we have ready a number of persons who consider their art very seriously and who by means of what they create, whether it is film, music, dance, will actually be the pioneers that will actually cement the kind of forward prospects we can have,” Lashley explained.

This was indeed good news.

Another milestone this year in entertainment for Barbados was the staging of the first ever Barbados Visual Media Awards. This awards show, held at Frank Collymore Hall, was to recognize young thespians and scriptwriters, directors and producers for their hard work.

Kudos to Lynette Eastmond, president of the Barbados Film And Video Association, and her team for a stellar idea to recognize the young talent we have here on the island.

Doing great that night were Shakirah Bourne and her team for the film Payday –– copping top awards. Payday has even gone on to do extremely well outside Barbados, and the country is now looking forward to Next Payday, which promises to be a great one.

Congratulations to Shakirah and her team for a job well done! We look forward to even greater things from them.

Another proud moment for Barbados was celebrating 40 years of Crop Over.

Ian iWeb Webster was made a double Pic-O-De-Crop monarch, and could possibly have given Barbados a second anthem with his offering of Still My Home. For Webster it was a year in which he would face some trials; but he would overcome.

Ian ‘I-Web’ Webster

“I am very happy about the win. It was a hard fought battle. It was a season of adversity; but I am thankful for the opportunity to be the calypso monarch again,” Webster said.

Sweet singing Biggie Irie retained his Sweet Soca crown with his ever popular Pankatang. And, first-time Party Monarch Gorg’s woman may have left him, but I’m sure that is just a distant memory for him now, especially rolling around in his brand new canary yellow, fully loaded Ford EcoSport.

Biggie Irie

It was a great Crop Over that saw visitors from all over coming to enjoy the festivities. We join with the National Cultural Foundation, Sammy G and all other culture lovers out there in singing, if for just one last time: “. . . We have a culture to sustain . . . forty years, forty years, forty years . . . that was Crop Over.”

While these two may not have been in competition, they still left Bajans and, by extension, those all over the world Feeling Feelings and Ben Up. Leadpipe And Saddis or Porgie And Murda have been busy repping Barbados proudly; and for this we commend them. We wait impatiently to see what these two will offer next year.

Leadpipe (right) and Saddis (left) with manager Ingrid Holder.

The National Independence Festival Of Creative Arts (NIFCA) cannot be forgotten. The focus this year was on the culinary arts; and, trust me, the taste buds were not let down.

The stars were in the house for Hennessy Artistry and they did not disappoint. Konshens, Sizzla, Tarrus Riley, Buggy Nkante and Joe gave patrons a fantastic show. Being a Hennessy Artistry newbie myself, I was impressed and definitely encouraged to go again.

The promoters of this show, FAS Entertainment, were also the ones for the reggae festival held in March, and this too was fantastic event. From Vintage Reggae to Reggae On The Beach and Reggae On The Hill, patrons had a ball.

On another note, a group of entertainers also took a stand for local music, and are on a path to ensure they are treated fairly and respected. David D2 Davis and Anderson Blood Armstrong were two of the first to come together and make this position known.

Blood, who was appointed new chairman of COSCAP this year, publicly supported the cause via a video posted on his Facebook page saying: “. . . We spend our time and our money and efforts on producing music that is just left by the wayside. If you are not playing 50 per cent Bajan content, it is time we boycott. Unless and until they mandate it, boycott, because it is important that we look out for ourselves and our children and the future of entertainment in Barbados.”

Blood

And out of that cry, came a lobby for a 100 per cent radio station by others who supported the cause. Richard Stoute said the 100 per cent station was not only possible but also desirable.

“There is no reason why they can’t play 100 per cent local music. You’re not going to go Jamaica and hear spouge; you’re not even going to hear ten Bajan songs; but you hear thousands of Jamaican songs in Barbados . . . . We need to stop giving precedence to people from all over the world,”                  Stoute argued.

Ronald Clarke, programme manager at Starcom Network, agreed there was room for a station dedicated to local music.

“Without a doubt it can happen . . . . In my opinion, the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation should have a 100 per cent Bajan station. One of those outlets should be dedicated to 100 per cent Bajan music,” he said. “For a Government entity to have the position it currently has, and not have a 100 per cent Bajan station, is unfortunate.”

It was indeed a whirlwind of a year for entertainment, and, with 2015 quickly peeking in, we are ready for the next big story, the next favourite song. The next big thing is just a heartbeat away; so tighten your belts. I’m ready and I hope you are too.

Peace, love, and all that good stuff!

davandrababb@barbadostoday.bb

When the clock strikes midnight tonight, the world will be ringing in the New Year in fine fashion. For the big band krosfyah, it will be a celebration for an additional major reason. Krosfyah will be celebrating a quarter-century of making music and entertaining crowds all over the globe.

For the band’s lead singer Edwin Yearwood, it is a dream come true.

Patrons of all ages packed the Party Stand for 4Ever21 Old Year’s Night party with krosfyah and the PowerX4 band. It is the third year the krosfyah headlined the annual event at Harbour Road, St Michael, as they celebrated their 21st year on the entertainment scene.

“As time went on, my dream was to make 25 years. For me, it’s a major achievement. I see people like Michael Jordan over the years who stuck with one team for the duration of his career.

“And in the day when I started to perform with bands, people were band-hopping. Some prominent artistes were going from band to band and they were really no stable bands. I just thought I should stay with a band and see how far it would go,” he said.

Edwin, who we have seen grow from strength to strength through the years, said anything could now happen from here.

“For me, it can continue. I wouldn’t want it to finish, but if it were to, I would feel that strong sense of achievement,” he told Bajan Vibes.

Still one of the biggest and most popular bands in the Caribbean, krosfyah gave us hit after hit through the years, some of which we all still jamming to today –– young and old: hits like Jammin’ Practice, Sak Passe, Yardie, Oba, Pump Me Up, among many others.

Edwin Yearwood with his fellow krosfyah members

Edwin said the band’s reaching 25 years was phenomenal and that he highly doubted any other soca band could ever compare.

“For krosfyah, the biggest thing that ever happened to us was to be an independent label selling over 300 000 units of a CD on our own; getting a gold CD in Canada. Those are achievements I know for a fact will never be matched in soca music,” he said with a sense of pride.

For him, personally, his most memorable moment with the band was hearing the audience screaming for him. According to Edwin, it was a feeling like no other.

“There is no particular one outstanding moment. But one in particular I remember is in 1992 performing for a festival and going into George
Street Auditorium to perform with krosfyah; but when we finished rehearsing, I forgot something on the stage. When I went for it, people were already gathering inside the venue for the show. When I took it up, I heard a loud scream and I couldn’t understand what was going on. I started looking around to see if something had happen.

“I ran off the stage, just in case something did happen. When I went back out again to collect what I went for they screamed again. Then I started to realize they were screaming for me.

“So it felt good –– after someone had told me that I would never be successful in music. Those screams were for me,” Edwin recollected.

Now a seven-member band, krosfyah has sung its way through ups and downs and resignations, no rain able to stop that jam. Tonight the band will be celebrating here in Barbados where it all began.

“It’s always the place that you want to be,” explained Edwin. “Honestly, we could have been in Suriname. We had offers from St Maarten. We seriously gave it thought; but at the end of the day, what was going on here was basically the same thing. So why not do it at home and celebrate it with our people, because it started with them.

“To reach 25 years is great! It’s always fitting every year to celebrate with your family,” the singer said.

And while tonight’s celebrations will be considerably smaller than the band’s 21st anniversary party, Edwin said one could yet expect a grand time at Paulo’s Churassco do Brasil in St Lawrence Gap, Christ Church.

“There is always something special about krosfyah,” the lead singer added. “I believe that krosfyah is a unique musical situation and there is nobody that will come and do what we have done as a band. And you can always find something special from krosfyah when we hit the stage.

“For sure you would be in for a treat tonight –– with a few hints of what we are bringing for CropOver next year,” Edwin promised.

However big or small the celebration, hats off to krosfyah for a job well done! Cheers to its 25 years!

davandrababb@barbadostoday.bb

Goodbye, 2014, and all that you brought, and hello, 2015, and all you have to offer.

All across Barbados on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning, Barbadians and visitors alike from all walks of life gathered at many a venue or spot to usher out the Old Year and ring in the New. Putting all the pressures of last year and everything else serious aside for the while, they robustly partied or simply chilled the night away.

Whether they had chosen the more posh event, or settled for the more casual lime on the beach, picnic-style, they were all singing one song: “Thank God for the New Year.”

On Bay Street at Hilton Barbados, over 800 visitors and locals converged for the first annual Spellbound. Decked out in their finest, cum 2015 memorabilia, patrons perused the beautifully decorated Hilton grounds, dining on a fabulous cuisine provided buffet-style.

Then they would take to the dance floor to boogie and wine the night away, enjoying the live music of the band NexCyx, as well as the deejay version. And at a minute to midnight, they all gathered by the beachfront and any other vantage point they could find to collectively chime the countdown and watch the array and splendour of the fireworks –– as is customary. Residents of Bay Street –– from top to bottom –– took advantage of their location to be thrilled by the spectacle.

Hundreds of others opted to ring in the New Year lavishly at one of the more popular events held at the BTI high-rise car park –– Lavish: Citta Rossa. The all-inclusive event, on the car park’s top floor, featured several food stations, as well as numerous bars serving premium drinks all night.

Clad in some of their best, patrons partied to some of the island’s top deejays, including Bubbles And Stan and Scott & Mali Fresh, who offered some of the past year’s most popular songs. The venue also provided a perfect vantage point from which to view fireworks that lit up the sky at exactly midnight to signal the start of the New Year.

Over on the South Coast many flocked to St Lawrence Gap to celebrate –– with much to choose from. At Paulo’s Churrasco do Brazil there was double celebration. Krosfyah and hundreds of their fans were marking 25 years. Albeit a much more low-key occasion than in previous years, patrons still had a ball as krosfyah took them back in time.

Leadpipe And Saddis were guest performers.

On the West Coast it was sugar and spice and everything else nice. Thousands packed Second Street in Holetown for a rare showcase of Spice And Company. Patrons had a blast, even calling for an encore when the band had finished its final set after 3 a.m.

Many popular faces enjoyed Spice, including Opposition Leader Mia Mottley, Soca Queen Alison Hinds and businessman Ralph “Bizzy” Williams.

Jazz lovers will be in for a treat next week when the annual Naniki jazz festival comes off. This year the show, taking place on January 15, 17 and 18, will feature reggae icon Maxi Priest, calypso legend David Rudder and world-renowned jazz vocalist Denise Jannah.

Maxi Priest

David Rudder

Denise Jannah

The festival, formerly known as Caribbean Jazz Safari, has been rebranded the Naniki Music Festival, to include a more diverse musical line-up. This year the Barbados festival will feature three shows spanning the genres of jazz, reggae and calypso.

On Thursday, January 15, Denise, who has received numerous accolades worldwide for her show Ella, a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, will take the stage at Frank Collymore Hall, along with Barbadian singer Debbie Reifer for a night of Jazz In The City.

Reggae will echo through Holders on Saturday, January 17, when superstar Maxi Priest and Bajan reggae artist Albert Olton rock the stage for Echoes Of The Caribbean.

The weekend ends on Sunday, January 18, with Cooler Fusion In The Hills at the Naniki Amphitheatre, featuring kaiso master David Rudder, Biggie Irie and the talented Nikita, backed by the band C4.

Executive producer of the show, Tom Hinds, said he was proud of the move to evolve and include other musical genres.

“Patrons can expect the same high quality series of shows with fantastic featured artistes and musicians, along with a showcase of emerging local talent,” he said.

Hinds advised: “As always, you can look forward to a VIP experience and exotic venues.”