Who could forget this exciting performance by Ricky Stoute in the 1997 CBU Caribbean Song Festival when he won the title with the incredibly catchy "Island Woman."
The lyrics “Some people like coffee, some people like tea" was a Bajan earworm long after Ricky's performance, which was, by his own admission, a turning point in his career.
The Caribbean Song Festival was the first internationally televised song contest for the Caribbean. Dating back to 1984, the competition provided a stage where many Caribbean artists got their big break in the entertainment industry. Barbados recorded it's first victory in the contest in 1994 when John King and Allison Hinds gifted the island nations with their unforgettable performance of "Hold you in a song". Following that victory, Barbados received the lion share of first prize awards until the competition came to an end in 1999. 🎤🕺🏽🇧🇧 ❤️
#barbados #STARRBajan #islandvibes #Caribbean #westindies
The National Transformation Initiative's Citizenship course. Free, fun, informative and available to all Bajans. The best investment of your time ❤️
Bangalang - DJ Puffy
You may remember him as the 2016 Red Bull Thre3style champion. Since then, Dj Puffy has been setting himself up for great success working tirelessly doing what he loves. Here is Puffy's new release Bangalang (featuring Teef). We continue to expect big things from this young man as he advances in the music industry.
Blessing
Once again Lil Rick (de Hypa Dawg), has delivered another huge hit for the Crop Over season. Blessing is easily the theme song of Crop over 2017, or rather, Crop Over in general. This video does a superb job at capturing the spirit of the festival, proving that Crop Over is indeed a blessing! As each year passes, Crop Over continues to grow in spite of the challenges faced. So we thank God for the blessing that is Crop Over.
REDEMPTION Trailer
We are excited to announce the launch of REDEMPTION, a local Barbadian short film series, filmed right here in Barbados. This Island Boy Films production is a high quality film that is sure to peak your interest. We have already viewed the first webisode entitled Homecoming and we agree that this film has done an excellent job so far at showcasing our local talent. You may even recognise one of our favourite local actors/comedian, Simon Alleyne, from the Rum & Coke hall of fame. Please take a moment to subscribe to the REDEMPTION channel and lend your support by liking and sharing the film. Enjoy!
You may subscribe to the channel on YouTube by simply clicking the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCShUkubx5RBwG9OrCp6b8pg/videos
Salesman (Votes Selling)
The winner of the Pic O De Crop Finals was Ian Webster (IWeb) hands down. Truth be told, the only song that could eclipse Tax-He on the night was Salesman and Webster's performance of this calypso song showcased his impressive musical talent. This song is authentic, social commentary at its very best and no one could dispute that. Ian did not hold back any punches and took all the competition hostage on finals night. Kudos Ian on your well deserved title.
Tax-He
This year Edwin Yearwood was favoured to easily take away the Pic O De Crop Title with the crowd favourite song Tax-He. This song speaks to the frustration that so many Barbadians feel with the current economic situation and calls out the government officials for their exorbitant lifestyles while the rest of the masses suffer. Cleverly written and excellently performed, it is no surprise that Edwin finished in the top 3. His performance did more than enough to earn him the number 2 spot of the night.
KING O' THE STAGE KING O' THE ROAD
Do you remember these two? Well there was a time when Grynner (King of the Road) and Ras Iley (King of the stage) dominated Barbados' radio airwaves. The Mighty Grynner won the coveted Road March title an impressive 7 times mainly back in the 80's, whereas Ras Iley, well known for his stage performances, won the same title with mega hits like Inez and Spring Garden on Fire The two came together to steal the show at this year's Party Monarch finals and earned 2nd place with their soca hit "De 2 ah We" (King O de Road King O de Stage). I think you will agree that seeing these 2 icons perform together stirs up some sweet nostalgic memories. These old guys still got it!
Boatride
No one can deny Red Plastic Bag's (RPB) genius in his performances. His songs are custom tailored for him and this song was no different. Boatride earned RPB the Sweet Soca (Soca Royale) title and boy did he ever put his stamp on the competition. Intelligently written and composed and expertly performed! Just listen to that horn section get sweeter nearing the end of the song... The baby and the senior citizen alike were rocking to this big tune for the season. This is why RPB will forever be immortalised in the world of Soca.
Carry Festival
This Sweet Soca (Soca Royale) Finals performance by Nikita definitely earned her the number 2 spot of the night. Nikita beautifully sang her heart out and delivered a spectacular performance while showcasing the local talent of none other than our celebrity DJ - DJ Puffy. Carry Festival speaks to our Carifest festival and the inviting festivities in our wonderful island Barbados. It is our view that the award was well deserved!
Seth at it again, this time joined by none other than Stiffy Star Quality 😂.
Moving Out
Moving Out is remembered as a popular local R&B song back when the group 4 De People still existed. This group was highly successful during their collaboration but have long since departed and have pursued equally successful, individual paths. Sadly, there was the untimely passing of one of the vocalists, Jermaine Forrester, who will forever be remembered for his kind and fun loving nature. This is therefore a welcomed throwback to this awesome group and their inspirational music.
Vitamin C
When we talk about local talent we tend to forget the talented stars from less popular music forms here in Barbados. Malissa Alanna is one of Barbados' Country artist making waves in the Country music genre. The song Vitamin C is a Malissa original done back in 2012. Malissa has also done a number of popular covers of other famous Country artists like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift which can all be viewed on her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_VOs75J8pRVkZl20Ud-fqA.
How Many More
How Many More, sung by soca artist John King, is a beautiful, emotional rendition that begs to ask "how many more" must endure the suffering that we face. The song was released at a time when crime and violence had spiked to an all time high almost 2 decades ago. Still relevant and still heart rending, we will never forget this collaboration that features the harmonious voices of the Cavite Chorale.
They Want To Know
This timeless classic sung by one of the most favoured Barbadian calypsonians of all times, Brian 'Bumba' Payne, still speaks to the current issues of the day. The youth still have unanswered questions since this thought provoking number graced the airwaves 26 years ago and earned Brian Payne the title of Pic O De Crop Champion that year. Bumba's strong lyrics and beautiful renditions has made him renown as one of the most consistent performers in Barbadian Calypso history and although he was constantly overlooked, earning the number 2 spot in the competition more times than he should have, he is certainly number one in our hearts <3
My Country to Me
Happy 50th Independence to all Barbadians everywhere! There was never a song written that epitomises Barbadian patriotism more than 'My Country to Me'. With lyrics like "I will not look down, I will always keep my head up high, and share with pride and industry... and people will always respect what Barbados means to me" and a wonderfully complimentary ballad composition tripled with Mark's hauntingly melodious voice, this song will always result in Bajan goose bumps. So as we celebrate today, let us reflect on what Barbados truly means to us!
Hold You In A Song
Hold You In A Song sung by Alison Hinds and John King stands out as the first and most riveting of a string of Barbadian victories at the CBU annual Caribbean Song Contest. In 1992 this dynamic duo took centre stage to win the hearts of Bajans and many others all throughout the region with their memorable performance. Unfortunately, we were unable to source the original performance but we managed to find this performance at Square One's 10th anniversary concert in 1996.
All My Love
Cover Drive is a popular 4 member band from Barbados consisting of Amanda Reifer, T-Ray Armstrong, Barry "Bar-Man" Hill and Jamar Harding. They have gained much international success and are best known as featuring artist in Far East Movement's hit single "Turn Up the Love. The song featured here is a local favourite and also happened to be filmed right here on home soil. The band's latest single 'Up On It' has a distinctive Caribbean flavour and is a great dance number. You can check it out by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33lHTjD5Ly0
Ragga Ragga
Red Plastic Bag's Ragga Ragga was a huge hit in the '90's. Taking the world by storm, Ragga Ragga was a popular dancehall and workout song that could be heard in Europe, North America, Asia and the Caribbean. In this video Red Plastic Bag and Mac Fingall performed this crowd pleaser for a Mother's Day concert in 1994 at Madison Square Garden, NYC.
