Joyful times in Bim as 2016 comes to an end!

Prince Henry of Wales, Rihanna, and Prime Minister Freundel Stuart

Special greetings to you at this holy time! It has been awhile since I blogged. Tempus fugit! It is now officially winter in Canada and I’m still enjoying a somewhat rainy season despite a cold which didn’t dampen my independence celebrations of Bim. I especially liked the unveiling of the 50^th Anniversary of Independence National Monument at the Garrison Savannah, St. Michael. The next day the Nation newspaper reported, “The unifying tone of the hour-long ceremony was set with a comprehensive prayer session by Hindu practitioner Pundit Thakor Pradash, Dr. John Hunte from the Spiritual Baptist faith and Dr. John Holder, Anglican Bishop of Barbados.” Also enjoyable was the Golden Anniversary Spectacular Mega Concert at Kensington Oval that same November 30^th night. Several dignitaries attended including Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, Prince Henry of Wales, and Rihanna. It featured several talented performances from the calypso, spouge, soca, and pop music genres of Bim! There were outstanding performances during this five hour free event that saw over ten thousand patrons.

Prince Henry, more popularly known as Prince Harry, who was on a 15-day tour of the Caribbean, brought on to the stage a Bajan environmentalist, Jamilla Sealy, and said, to cheers from the crowds, she had been named one of the Queen's Young Leaders for 2017.

He told us that, "She has been selected as one of the 60 exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth who are making an extraordinary impact in the lives of others. She will travel to London next year to build relationships with her peers from around the world and to be honoured by Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace. I know that we will be hearing a lot more about her in the years to come."

Among the Bajan artists performing during the night was Emile Straker, lead singer of The Merrymen, a group which has performed over fifty years to international audiences, and Red Plastic Bag - Stedson Wiltshire - a hugely popular calypsonian singer who too has performed in Europe, America and the Caribbean to great acclaim during a career spanning more than 30 years. We saw a reunion of The Sandpebbles which included original members, Norman Barrow on bass guitar, Roger Gibbs, lead singer who lives in Toronto, Canada,  and Andy Weekes on drums (who now lives just outside Munchen in Germany and has not performed in Barbados in over 25 years), and an outstanding refreshing duet performance of Allison Hinds and Edwin Yearwood!

So now we are a few days from Christmas and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, so I want to wish you happy holidays and God’s blessings for 2017! I say Chag Chanukkah Sameach, Merry Christmas, and Joyous Kwanzaa!   

I am presently reading From “Superman” to Man by J.A. Rogers on loan from my friend L.D. Perch, and The Dark Land by Ronald A. Williams, his fifth well-written novel in as many years which can be purchased at Cave Shepherd in Bridgetown. In case you missed them their names are: Four Saints and an Angel, A Death in Panama, A Voice from the Tomb, and The Butterflies Coat. I highly recommend that you give any of these as a present at this special time. Also, I think you will find the CD titled Bim: Folk Songs of Barbados by the Gibbs Brothers, and the coffee table book Beyond Rum and Salt Fish excellent gifts for this festive season!

In the meantime, I continue to give thanks for a beautiful Xmas gift from my son Julian as Katherine gave birth to Liana on Tuesday the 20^th!!

Andre and Penny were outstanding at Olympics 2016!

Those heady days in Rio are now over but we still continue to enjoy the success of the Canadian athletes who garnered twenty two medals! Penny Oleksiah became the first Canadian to win four medals, one gold, one silver and two bronze, at a summer Olympics games!Andre DeGrasse  became the first Canadian to win three sprint medals, one silver and two bronze in the same Olympics and was the recipient of three of Canada's six track and field medals in Rio! She is 16 years old and he is 21. Great going for these youths in their first Olympics!Congratulations son and to all  who represented Canada and the other 204 countries too!

LIL RICK and GWYNETH SQUIRES TAKE HOME THE TOP PRIZES ON GRAND KADOOMENT DAY in BARBADOS!

Lil' Rick captured the Tune of the Crop or Road March yesterday with "I's a Bajan", while Stiffy's "Tek Off Someting" placed second, and tied for third most plays at selected judging points were Grynner's "Turn Up De Speaker", and Marzville's "Bang Bim". Lil Rick' prize was $7,500, Stiffy received $5,000 and Grynner and Marzville earned $1,000 each.  Gwyneth Squires won big band of the festival with her "Spirit of our Nationhood". Unfortunately after leading her band through the National Stadium at the start of the parade outstanding bandleader Renee Ratcliffe of Jump Promotions Happy Go Lucky Band died on her way to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Bridgetown. Our condolences to her family and close friends.

Aziza wins Barbados Calypso Monarch Competition!

Aziza makes history by being the youngest person and the second woman to win the calypso crown at the annual Crop Over Festival in Barbados. Around 1:40 a.m. today she bursted into tears as her name was announced after Ian Webster came second, Mr. Blood placed third and Crystal Cummins-Beckles and Donella tied for fourth position. She won a Mazda car from MQI worth over 70,000 Barbados dollars. Her winning songs were "Bring Back Respect" and "One People, One Nation". MQI and Mount Gay Rum were the title sponsors of this keenly contested PIC-O-DE-CROP COMPETITION.

Edwin and Lil Rick are tops at Soca Royale at Bushy Park, St. Philip, Barbados!

Edwin Yearwood came first in the MQI/ 98.1FM Sweet Soca Monarch competition with "Home Sweet Home". In second place was Marvay with "Know De Face", while in third position was Peter Ram with "Good Morning", and in fourth spot was Mr. Dale with "Nuttin Sweetuh"!
In the Party Monarch competition Lil Rick with "I's A Bajan" was the winner. In second place was Mr. Blood with "Get On Bad", while Peter Ram placed third with "The Tribe", and Mikey was in fourth position with "Live Fuh This". The winners of the competitions were awarded a KIA car worth about BBD$80,000, $10,000, a flight to New York compliments of Jet Blue,and a vacation package at Divi Southwinds Hotel, among other prizes. If my memory serves me correctly Edwin's "Home Sweet Home" is one of only two songs that he did not write and record in his over 25 year career! His beautiful song "Happy Birthday" was written by Ian Wiltshire and released in 1998, and this 2016 winner was written by Jason "Shaft" Bishop. So far this year's Crop Over Festival has been most enjoyable. If you have not checked out the beautiful art displayed in the Grande Salle of the Central Bank and at Pelican Village, Bridgetown please do it this week because you won't be disappointed! Next Saturday we look forward to another keen song contest as the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados presents the Calypso Monarch competition at Kensington Oval at 8 p.m.

Four Women Going to Calypso Finals on July 30th at Kensington Oval, Barbados!

Aziza, Donella, TC and Crystal Cummins-Beckles are the four women among nine persons who will be competing against reigning king Classic for the Calypso crown of Barbados! Joining them will be two time Calypso Monarchs Adrian Clarke and Ian Webster a.k.a. iWeb, Adonijah, Mr. Blood, and Colin Spencer. Smokey Burke is the reserve.
It was a most enjoyable Friday evening as the 18 semi-finalists performed two songs to an audience of about 1,500 at the National Stadium. From 7 p.m. with the opening classic song Cat Attack by Observer, it was a night of quality music and performances until about 12:30 a.m. This included a thirty minute intermission. My partnuh, who likes attending the Calypso competitions yearly, and I particularly enjoyed the first timers for Semis Jamal Slocombe and Aziza, Apache, as well as the Finalists! The Finals will be a keen contest, and we anticipate another enjoyable night come Saturday July 30th!

Tonight, July 15th, it is the Barbados Calypso Monarch Semi-finals at the National Stadium!

It's that time again during the Crop-Over Festival when many of us who like good music focus our attention on a keen competition to see who will be judged worthy of moving on to the Pic-O-De-Crop Calypso Monarch Finals taking place on Saturday July 30th at Kensington Oval, Bridgetown by a panel of ten judges selected by the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados! Here is a list of the calypsonians performing for the eight spots available to compete against reigning Monarch Classic:

2016 MQI/Mount Gay PIC-O-DE-CROP COMPETITION
tabulated by Price Waterhouse Coopers SRL
TENT	ARTIST
Cave Shepherd All Stars Calypso Tent	Adela
Cave Shepherd All Stars Calypso Tent	Aziza
Cave Shepherd All Stars Calypso Tent	Colin Spencer
Cave Shepherd All Stars Calypso Tent	Donella
De Big Show	Adonijah
De Big Show	Adrian Clarke
De Big Show	Chrystal Cummins-Beckles
De Big Show	iWeb
De Big Show	Jamal Slocombe (JSlo)
De Big Show	T.C
Headliners Tent	Mr. Blood
Headliners Tent	Smokey Burke
House of Soca	Amazing Dre
House of Soca	Sammy G
House of Soca	Sir Ruel
Super Gladiators	Julie
The Experience Calypso Tent	Apache
The Experience Calypso Tent	Billboard
RESERVE
Cave Shepherd All Stars Calypso Tent	Hee Haw

Songs are as follows:

JSlo:                 Be A Politician & The New Normal

Billboard:          State of te Art & Lick Dem

MrBlood:           Female Monarchy & How To Get Away With Murder

Ah-Dee-Lah:      I Now Land & Barbados Your Mother

 Adonijah:         Bashment Commentary & That Is a Bajan

Donella:            The Criteria & The Vision

Julie:                 Barbados Happy 50th & You Can Do Better

T.C.:                  Tek What Yuh  Get & Golden Age

Apache:             Mr. Forgetful & For De People

Sir Ruel:            Save the Environment & Paper View

Chrystal Cummings-Beckles: That's What Barbados Means to Me & Hall of Fame

Aziza:                  One People One Nation & Bring Back Respect

iWeb [Ian Webster]:      Rights & Big Up

Amazing Dre:        Meterological Terms & Granny

AC [Adrian Clarke]:     49 Not Out & What Is A Politician

Smokey Burke:      King Kaiso & All The Way to the Bank

Colin Spencer:      No Trussing & Toilet Paper

Sammy G:            Colour Blind & Optimistic 

Athletics Canada Team Nominated for Rio 2016

Posted on 11 July 2016 by Athletics Canada

TORONTO (July 11, 2016) – On Monday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Athletics Canada named the 65 athletes nominated to represent Team Canada in athletics at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games from August 5 to 21.

Some of the athletes selected include: Shawn Barber (pole vault, 2015 World Champion) and Derek Drouin (high jump, 2015 World Champion and 2012 Olympic bronze medallist) as well as 2015 IAAF World Championship individual medallists Andre De Grasse (sprints), Brianne Theisen-Eaton (heptathlon), Benjamin Thorne (race walk) and Damian Warner (decathlon). The team is led by Head Coach and Chief Technical Officer, Peter Eriksson.

The athletes earned their spots at the Canadian Championships and Selection Trials which took place July 7-10 at Foote Field in Edmonton, Alberta.

All athletics competitions will be held at the Olympic Stadium (Engenhão), except for the marathons which will take place in the area of Sambódromo and race walking events in Pontal.

At Rio 2016, Canada expects to field a team of approximately 315 athletes.


QUOTES

“This is the strongest and most well-rounded team I have ever been a part of. The team counts multiple world medallists and a talented roster who will challenge for the podium on the track, and in the field. My teammates and I are ready to compete for Canada in Rio.”

Brianne Theisen-Eaton, Rio 2016 athlete

“Following a very competitive Trials in Edmonton, we have nominated a versatile and focused group of athletes who will be ready to perform on-demand in Rio. The team is comprised of veterans who have already experienced international success, and up-and-coming athletes who are ready to take the next step.” 

Peter Eriksson, Head Coach, Athletics Canada

“The recent results of these nominees is very good reason for Canada to be excited about track and field. This group continues to grow and I’m excited to see what they will bring to Rio. I wish all of you the absolute best in your final preparations as you set your sights for success.”

Curt Harnett, Rio 2016 Team Canada Chef de Mission

“As excitement grows for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, I know our track and field athletes are ready to make an extra effort to push for the podium against the world’s best. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I commend the work done by Athletics Canada to prepare our athletes named today to Team Canada. We’re all behind you.”

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

Prior to being named to the final Canadian Rio 2016 Team, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Federations.

- See more at: http://athletics.ca/athletics-canada-team-nominated-rio-2016/#sthash.oNkE9rb0.dpuf

Canadians compete in Edmonton on the road to Rio!

Canada’s deepest, most talented

pool of track and field athletes

ever set to compete in Edmonton

Posted on: 05 July 2016

Canada’s deepest, most talented pool of track and field athletes ever set

 to compete in Edmonton for Olympic and Paralympic berths

 to the Games in Rio de Janeiro 

EDMONTON – The Road to Rio is crowded with talented Canadians who

 will all be at the Canadian Track and Field Championships and Selection Trials

 this weekend to punch their tickets to the 2016 Summer Olympics and

 Paralympics in Brazil.

Led by the likes of sprinters Andre De Grasse and Aaron Brown, and 2015

world champions Shawn Barber (pole vault) and Derek Drouin (high jump),

 the lineup of athletes from July 7-10 at Foote Field may be the deepest

 and most talented ever at a Canadian Trials.

“The 2016 Trials are shaping up to be the best in our history, with more than

 70 athletes entering with the Olympic standard, and 15 with the Paralympic standard,”

 said Peter Eriksson, Athletics Canada Head Coach and Chief Technical Officer.

 “The depth and level of competition will serve the athletes well as they enter 

their Rio final preparation phase.”

The high points that Edmonton track and field fans can look forward to this weekend include:

• De Grasse, Canada’s 2015 breakout sprint star, going head-to-head with Brown in
•  the men’s 100 and 200-metre dashes. Brown had his own breakthrough at a Florida meet
•  in June, posting a best time of 9.96 seconds to serve notice Canada has two sub-10-second
•  sprinters heading to Rio.
• A high jump duel between Drouin, the 2015 world champion, and Mike Mason, who pushed
•  his Canadian rival at last year’s Canadian Track and Field Championships, also held at 
• Foote Field.
• Melissa Bishop, the 800-metre runner who won silver at the 2015 World’s in dramatic fashion,
•  has twice run sub-1:59.00 times this season, promising results in an Olympic year.
• The 100-metre hurdles will be intensely competitive, with specialists Nikkita Holder
•  and Phylicia George being pushed by heptathlete Brianne Theisen-Eaton.
• Edmonton’s Angela Whyte will also be in the 100-metre hurdle mix. Whyte, 
• whose first major international competition for Canada was the 2001 World Championships
•  in Athletics at Commonwealth Stadium, has a serious shot at qualifying for her third
•  Olympic Games at 36 years of age.
• In the field events, javelin thrower Elizabeth Gleadle is looking to improve on
•  the 11th-place finish at 2015 World’s. Long jumper Christabel Nettey was a strong fourth
•  in Beijing in 2015.
• All-around athletes Brianne Theisen-Eaton (heptathlon) and Damian Warner (decathlon),
•  both won silver medals at the 2015 World’s and brought home gold from the prestigious
•  Hypo Meet in Gotzis, Austria in May.
• Headlining the field of Paralympians is Guillaume Ouellet, who won gold in the 5,000-metres
•  in dramatic fashion in the heat and humidity of Doha, Qatar at the 2015
•  International Paralympic Committee World Championships.
• In wheelchair racing look for Michelle Stilwell (T52 classification) and Diane Roy
•  (T54 classification). Stilwell won gold and silver at the 2012 London Games,
•  and a pair of gold medals in Beijing 2008. Diane Roy has 5 Paralympic Games
•  medals to her name, and won gold and bronze at the Parapan Am Games in Toronto
•  last summer.
• In wheelchair throws Pamela LeJean and Becky Richter are IPC and Parapan Am medallists

If you can’t make it to Foote Field AthleticsCanada.tv has you covered with a free live webcast

of the event beginning on Thursday at 11:00 a.m. MT / 1:00 p.m. ET. The live webcast is 

also available through Athletics Canada’s new mobile app.

For ticket information, fans should visit TrackTownCan.com. 

Tickets also can be purchased at the Foote Field box office.

- See more at: http://athletics.ca/2016trialspreview/#sthash.X7bbtdBh.dpuf

ANDRE CONTINUES WINNING WAYS AT HARRY JEROME CLASSIC in Vancouver on Friday June 17, 2016!

The Harry Jerome International Track Classic is held annually in honour of Harry Jerome, whose talent and tenacity on and off the track inspired a generation of Canadians to “never give up” in their own endeavours. His legacy of athletic excellence and commitment to youth and sport remain pillars of motivation and inspiration today

Men 100 Meter Dash Fairmont Pacific Rim

1 Andre De Grasse Canada 10.32 -1.4

2 Joe Morris United States 10.41 -1.4

3 Kemar Hyman CAY 10.48 -1.4

4 Akeem Haynes Canada 10.51 -1.4

5 Arthur Delaney United States 10.58 -1.4

6 Jerome Blake Canada 10.64 -1.4

7 Donate Richards-Kwok Canada 10.67 -1.4

--- Ryan Bailey United States DNF -1.4

Men 200 Meter Dash CTV

1 Andre De Grasse Canada 20.46 0.2

2 Joe Morris United States 20.61 0.2

3 Arthur Delaney United States 21.06 0.2

4 Donate Richards-Kwok Canada 21.16 0.2

5 Jerome Blake Canada 21.37 0.2

6 Tremaine Harris Canada 21.82 0.2

7 Francis Klimo Canada 22.14 0.2

--- Jermy Dodson SAM DNF 0.2

Men 400 Meter Run Fairmont Pacific Rim

1 Jeremy Wariner United States 46.64

2 Nathan George Canada 47.06

3 Rayshaun Franklin Canada 47.76

4 Michael Aono Canada 48.16

5 Frankie Wright United States 48.66

6 Quin Litherland Canada 48.69

7 Daniel Kelloway Canada 48.94

--- Phliip Osei Canada DNF

Men 800 Meter Run Resonance Branding

1 Anthony Romaniw Canada 1:47.36

2 Harun Abda United States 1:47.55

3 Alex Ullman Canada 1:48.47

4 Prince Mumba Zambia 1:48.62

5 Dusty Solis United States 1:48.64

6 Cory Bellemore Canada 1:48.78

7 Duane Solomon United States 1:50.23

8 Geoff Harris Canada 1:51.94

--- Mark Wieczorek Pace United States DNF

Men 800 Meter Run National TIMEX

1 Sacha Smart Canada 1:48.93

2 Hans Roelle United States 1:49.71

3 Adam Paul Morris Canada 1:50.00

4 Brendon Restall Canada 1:50.22

5 Cameron Proceviat Canada 1:50.31

6 Matthew Swanson Canada 1:50.47

7 Daniel Block Canada 1:50.59

8 Tyler Smith Canada 1:50.96

9 Lukas Jarron Canada 1:51.35

10 Dean Ellenwood Canada 1:51.54

11 Tommy Land Canada 1:53.04

--- Joshua Johnson Pace Canada DNF

On Sunday May 29th it's Kellie Cadogan, Vita Chambers, and Marisa Lindsay, among other superb musicians at BOTW at Harbourfront Centre, Toronto!

On this Queen Victoria Day holiday (In Quebec "National Patriotes Day" or Journée Nationale des Patriotes),I'm getting excited as we draw closer to the last weekend in the merry month of May because it will be the return of Barbados on the Water at Harbourfront Centre! Arturo Tappin Band, Allison Hinds, Lil, Rick, Biggie Irie, Eddie Bullen, Quincy Bullen, Roger Gibbs, Susan G. & Neu Jenarashun, and many more will be entertaining us at what will be a fine festival displaying the arts and culture of beautiful Barbados! Here is some information on some of the outstanding performers:
Kellie Cadogan

Jazz singer Kellie Cadogan released her first album "The Nearness of You" in January 2009. The following year she received the Barbados Music Award for Jazz artiste of the year. Since then this dynamic performer, who is also a trained musician and vocal coach, has performed in Brazil, Boston, Belize,Suriname, and music festivals such St. Mary's Jazz festival (Virgin Gorda) the Barbados Jazz Festival, Naniki Music Festival(Barbados),Honey Jazz Barbados and Jazz on the Square at St. Lucia Festival, all to impressive reviews.

Marisa Lindsay

Marisa Lindsay's vocal talent reflects her naturally charismatic personality while drawing the listener in, to reveal a deep, soulful, sensual woman. Her  musical journey encompasses almost every aspect of vocal performance from choir to solo artist, background to lead vocals, from hotels and restaurants to nightclubs, voice-overs to jingles, stage to studio.
Marisa's warm spirit and genuine love for her art is seamlessly woven into the fabric of every performance. Her purpose is evident in her effortless yet compelling presence as she commands her stage. Marisa as a proud representative of Barbados has toured throughout the Caribbean, London, Ireland, Scotland, Toronto, Ottawa Jazz Festival, New York, Las Vegas and Portugal. Marisa has also opened for many international acts such as Air Supply, Brian Mc Knight, Peabo Bryson, Macy Gray and Babyface.

Convinced of the enormous potential of Marisa's talent, Thunder Dome Sounds CEO and Juno Award winning producer, Eddie Bullen, took on the task of personally investing in the recording and the artistic development of Marisa in 2006. Collaborating to achieve mutual goals of success, artist and producer have since created two albums which epitomize the synergy evident in their creative union.

In 2007 , Marisa’s debut album“Submit 2 Love” ,presented her to the world as a major talent coming out of Barbados bridging the gap between standard, contemporary and smooth jazz.In 2009 the pair followed up with “Deeper Love", which marked her foray into R& B/Neo Soul, a departure from the jazz cover tunes that were predominant on her first album.
Committed to documenting Marisa’s artistic evolution as an authentically Barbadian export,  Thunderdome Sounds is set to release the first  single from Marisa’s new album  in the summer of 2016. The album continues the tradition of superb production ,arrangement,signature vocals and the honest purpose driven soul-lyric that Marisa Lindsay fans appreciate.
Prior to the successful launch of her recording career, Marisa was quietly honing her skills, taking time out to expand her musicality and receive vocal training in Cuba. It is this culturally rich island that she credits for the major transformative experiences which molded her into the vocal artiste and vocal coach she is to this day.

Vita Chambers
At age 16 Vita Chambers was signed by Sylvia Rhone to Universal Motown. Vita toured with Justin Bieber as one of his opening acts for twenty seven shows on his My World Tour in 2010, as well as performing at Lilith Fair in 2010, Bamboozle Road Show, PopCon, and touring with Forever The Sickest Kids. She also performed with Estelle at the 2010 Soul Train Awards in Atlanta, and opened the halftime NFL Motown 50th Anniversary show in Detroit in 2009.

She released  her single, "Fix You" on Canadian radio in 2013 as an independent artist, which was nominated for the Best Dance Record for the 2013 Juno awards.Within three months "Fix You" entered the Top 40 and went Gold in Canada and sold over 350,000 copies worldwide. She was the #4 Emerging Artist on the Canada Billboard chart, and was Bell Media "Artist of the Month" in May 2013.

 As an independent artist Vita Chambers has done sixty-five shows throughout Canada since 2013. She opened for Chaka Khan at Pittsburg Pride in 2014, Hamilton Pride and Toronto Pride in 2014 and Winnipeg Pride in 2013 with Christina Maria . Vita also headlined the Vaughn Winter festival in 2015, and for Canada Day in 2015 in Burlington, Ontario. She also toured Tokyo and Thailand in 2014.

In 2014 Vita received two nominations at the Canadian Music Radio Awards for Best New Group or Solo Artist CHR and Best New Group or Solo Artist Dance/Urban/Rhythmic. Her latest projects "Tell Me " and "Atlas" gained #1 spots for four weeks  on the European Indie Chart. Vita writes, co-produces and co- directs all of her music and music videos released under her company Gold Note Productions Ltd. Her next release coming soon is "His Love". This will be her ninth release as an independent artist. 

For schedule of performances please see www.harbourfront.com or www.visitbarbados.org 

Musical group Spice & Company will return to Canada after 21 years! And you must not miss Elan Trotman! Both at Barbados on the Water Festival, downtown Toronto, May 27,28 & 29th!! !

Spice and Company was founded in 1976 by four young teenagers born in Barbados. Alan Sheppard, Dean Straker and Roger Foster went on to compose, arrange and produce a catalogue of hit songs in the Caribbean between 1982 and 1995. Spice & Company toured Canada extensively from 1986 to 1994 gaining massive popularity on the college and university circuit resulting in them being awarded the Canadian Organization of Campus Activities Award for top recording act in 1988.  Shortly after, the group was awarded the Caribbean Band of the Year in 1989 at the Sunshine Awards in Miami.  After numerous hits including the Disney classic "In De Congaline", Spice & Company disbanded in 1995 at the zenith of their career for personal differences.

 In 2010 after a fifteen year hiatus, they came together to produce one of the most talked about shows ever seen in Barbados at the Globe Drive-In to a crowd of 8,000 Barbadians spanning three generations of all colours and classes. As the relationship between the members rekindled, the band has performed during the last 5 years on rare and selective occasions, also making International appearances albeit for short tours only. From 9 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday May 27, 2016 in Toronto promises to be filled with emotion, excitement, nostalgia and a super performance on the West Jet Stage - Harbourfront. They will perform their hits which include Give Them Freedom, Bob's Song, Rastaman, Irie Feeling, Aware Africa, Always On My Mind, Lift Ya Leg Up, Make Noise, Take Ya Clothes Off, and The Guns among others!

-Taken from Spice Media Release

Besides Rihanna, Jazz sax-man Elan Trotman is the only other Barbadian recording artist to have charted on Billboard over 10 times with Top 30 radio singles! The Berklee College of Music graduate is the founder of the annual Barbados Jazz Excursion at the Crane Resort, which features many world class artists like Javier Colon, Jeff Lorber, Gerald Veasley, Jeffrey Osborne, Peter White and others. Trotman is also the creator of the "Never Lose Your Drive" Foundation which brings celebrities, entertainers and athletes together at Elan's annual golf tournament to raise funds to help young musicians in Barbados attend College. Elan is currently based in Boston, and continues to tour as a solo act and with an A-list of artists that include Jonathan Butler, Earl Klugh, Peter White, Keiko Matsui and others. Please visit www.elantrotman.com, www.barbadosjazzexcursion.com and www.neverloseyourdrive.com

Elan Trotman performs on Stage in the Round from 3 to 4 p.m. on Saturday May 28^th at Harbourfront Centre, Toronto!

Barbados Ball Award recipient for 2016 is Senator Anne Cools!

The 13th Annual Barbados Ball Celebrates Barbados’ 50th Anniversary of Independence and Honours Senator Anne Cools Toronto, April 18, 2016 – Barbados Ball Canada Aid (BBCA) is proud to announce that this year’s Barbados Ball Award recipient is Senator Anne Cools.The 13th Annual Barbados Ball will be held on Saturday, June 25th, 2016, at Pearson Convention Center, 2638 Steeles Avenue East, Brampton beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Senator Cools, who was born in Barbados and immigrated to Canada in 1956, stands out as a pioneer in the Senate and in curbing domestic and family violence. She became the first Black person appointed to the senate of Canada and the first Black female Senator in North America. Senator Cools has always worked for families and children and in 1974 founded one of Canada’s first women’s shelters. In 1998 Senator Cools was instrumental in the creation of the Special Senate-House of Commons Joint Committee on child custody and access after divorce. The Joint Committee Report held that after divorce, children should have continuing relationships with both parents.

The Barbados Ball is the main fundraising event of Barbados Ball Canada Aid (BBCA) a not-for-profit organization founded in 2004. The Ball raises funds to provide scholarships for youth attending college and university, and to support healthcare programs in Canada and Barbados, including the SickKids Foundation - Caribbean Initiative and other charitable causes. Themed “Pride and Industry, Celebrating 50 Years of Nationhood” in recognition of Barbados’ celebration of its 50th Anniversary of Independence this year, the 13th annual Barbados Ball will treat guests to an evening of fine dining compliments of Barbadian international Chef Paul Yellin.

Featured entertainers from Barbados are international soca artists Edwin Yearwood and ‘Red Plastic Bag’, backed by Toronto’s own big band Susan G and Neu Jenarashun. Other entertainers are: DJ Jonathan Shaw, WiMotion, Pan Fantasy and The Caribbean Chorale of Toronto. The host will be Adrian Harewood, co-host of CBC News Ottawa.

Commenting on this year’s Barbados Ball, BBCA President Joel Alleyne said: “Fifty years ago Barbados gained its independence from England. No longer a colony but as a full member of the international community, Barbados took its place amongst other nations on the world stage. This year we look back on this journey and celebrate the accomplishments of this island nation. We will also honour Senator Cools for social services, she is a Barbadian Model of Excellence. Join us at the Barbados Ball on June 25th to support our charitable causes, celebrate Barbados and fifty years of pride and industry."

Attended by some 600 guests annually, the Barbados Ball is supported by Presenting Sponsor: RBC Royalbank, Gold Sponsor: Scotiabank, and Silver Sponsors: Diproinduca Canada Ltd and Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.
For more information, contact Mary Rouse at 416-831-5193 or at mrouse@rogers.com.

13th Annual Barbados Charity Ball in June!

On Saturday June 25th the Annual Barbados Charity Ball will feature the outstanding Edwin Yearwood, Paul Yellin, and Red Plastic Bag at Pearson Convention Centre in Brampton, Ontario. This very worthy event is part of the celebrations in Canada of fifty years of the independence of Barbados!Please visit barbadosballcanada.com for more information.

Barbados on the Water at Harbourfront Centre, Toronto!

It will be a culture fest in Toronto on the last weekend of May! It is a great opportunity for Canadians of all backgrounds to experience the essence of beautiful Barbados. There will be visual arts, topnotch performing artists from Barbados and the wider Caribbean, culinary arts, comedy, storytelling, author readings, kite-making, and more in the 2016 version of Barbados on the Water at Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay West,Toronto, Canada from Friday May 27 until Sunday May 29! The action will begin at 7 p.m. on the opening day and around noon the next two days. Headliners are superb soca artists  Alison Hinds, Biggie Irie, and Lil Rick; excellent jazz musicians Eddie Bullen, Elan Trotman, Arturo Tappin, Marisa Lindsay, Vita Chambers, Kellie Cadogan, and outstanding comedy troupe  Laff-It-Off  coming directly from Barbados!
For details about this event please visit www.visitbarbados.org and harbourfrontcentre.com, or call 416-214-9880.

DICE wins at Dominica Carnival, and "Waiting on the Stage" by Montano wins 2016 Road March Title in Trinidad and Tobago!

Calypso Monarch 2016
King DIce

Photo © ImagesDominica.com

CALYPSO MONARCH OF DOMINICA - DICE  won singing Dominica Tradehouse.com and "Find Your Purpose".
In second place was WEBB with "De Tail Wagging de Dog" and "In the Name of Survival"; BOBB in third place with "My Radio Show" and " Mama Dominica", and BOOPLE in fourth position with Air Dominica and "Three Witches in London".

Machel Montano has once again dominated the Road March of Trinidad and Tobago!.

Machel's mega hit "Waiting on the Stage" was played 328 times while its closest rival "People" by Kes  was played 29 times.

This makes it his 3rd consecutive win and 8th Road March title overall.

The first Road March was in 1945.

David Rudder is the only man to win 3 titles in the annual T and T Carnival Competition (Road March, Calypso Monarch and Young Kings titles all in 1986)

Lord Kitchner a.k.a. "The Grand Master" won 11 Road March titles.

Calypso Rose is the first woman to win the Road March title.

Sanell Dempster is only the second woman to win the Road March title (22 years later).

Faye-Ann Lyons, the daughter of Superblue and Lady Gypsy, won the Road March 23 years later while her father first one the Road March with Soca Baptist in 1980.

 Road March 2000 was declared a tie between Superblue's "Pump Up/Super Matryx" and Iwer George's "Carnival Come Back Again" Faye-Ann Lyons-Alvarez is the first woman to win 3 Road March titles. 

DEVON SEALE wins T and T Calypso Monarch Competition!!

CONGRATULATIONS
DEVON SEALE IS NATIONAL CALYPSO MONARCH 2016. Here are positions of the other competitors:

2 HELON FRANCIS
3 RODERICK GORDON - CHUCKY
4 KARENE ASCHE
5 SELVON NOEL- MISTAH SHAK
6 DR. HOLLIS LIVERPOOL- CHALKDUST
7 HEATHER MAC INTOSH
8 VICTORIA COOPER -QUEEN VICTORIA
9 WINSTON PETERS- GYPSY
10 WESTON RAWLINS - CRO CRO
11 CARLOS JAMES - SKATIE
12 MARSHA CLIFTON - LADY ADANNA

DIMANCHE GRAS CALYPSO FINALISTS in T and T!

ORDER OF APPEARANCE of Calypsonians tonight at Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain:

 (1) Lady Adanna..Murder A day /My Music

 (2) Queen Victoria..The After Show /More Hope 

 (3) Chalkdust..When Trini Get Vex/The Road Bad

 (4) Karene Asche..Bring Back Love/De Politics Of Spite..

 (5) Gypsy..Too Many/Ship Of State

 (6) Skatie..Back On Track/Just Come Chinee

 (7) Mistah Shak..Generation /Next/#H.Y.S.M...

(8) Cro Cro..Advice To The Boss / Ah Feel It For Gale..

(9) Devon Seale..Respect God's Voice/Spirit Of Carnival..

(10) Heather McIntosh...By Other Men's Faults/The Headquarters..

(11) Helon Francis..Paradise/Real Bandits.R

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO CALYPSO MONARCH COMPETITION tonight!!

Eleven (11) finalists for the National Calypso Monarch Competition 2016

The Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation {TUCO} wishes to officially announce the names of the eleven (11) finalists for the National Calypso Monarch Competition 2016.

These artistes would be competing in attempt to dethrone the Reigning Calypso Monarch, Roderick Gordon more popularly known as “Chuck Gordon”.

The final round of the competition will be held on Sunday 7th February at the Dimanche Gras Show, Queen’s Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain commencing at 7:00 PM.

In Alphabetical Order:
NAME

1. CARLOS JAMES - SKATIE
2. DEVON SEALE
3. DR. HOLLIS LIVERPOOL- CHALKDUST
4. HEATHER MAC INTOSH
5. HELON FRANCIS
6. KARENE ASCHE
7. MARSHA CLIFTON - LADY ADANNA
8. SELVON NOEL- MISTAH SHAK
9. WINSTON PETERS- GYPSY
10. VICTORIA COOPER -QUEEN VICTORIA
11. WESTON RAWLINS - CRO CRO

Reserve:

NAME

BRIAN LONDON

Taken from TUCO's site.

Voice (Aaron St. Louis) is the 2016 International Soca Monarch!

The youngest competitor in the show stole the hearts of the crowd at the Fantastic Friday competition with his performance, 'Cheers to Life.' 

Placing second in the competition was Preedy and third place, a tie, went to Patrice Roberts and Blaxx.

The results were announced at 9pm on Carnival Saturday. - Written by C News

Position Number - Name - Sobriquet - SONG

1. Jason, Prince, / Phillip, Andrews - Cloud 5 singing NO BEHAVIOUR

2. Jeremiah Prince - M1 AKA Menace singing TROUBLE

3. Peter Wiggins - Peter Ram singing ALL AH WE

4. Etienne Damian - Hypasounds singing HOW SHE LIKE IT

5. Devon Martin - Lyrikal singing FREEDOM

6. Nesta Boxill - Sekon Sta singing MAGIC

7. Akeem Chance - Preedy singing VETERAN

8. Shurwayne Winchester - Shurwayne Winchester singing TRUCK DRIVER

9. Patrice Roberts - Patrice Roberts - MONEY DONE

10. Ronny Boyce - Pternsky - NON STOP

11. Darryl Henry - Farmer Nappy - BAMBILAMBAM

12. Akil Borneo - 5 Star Akil - DIFFERENT ME

13. Teddyson John - Teddyson John - ALLEZ

14. Stephenson Marshall - Shal Marshall - PARTY

15. Ricardo Barriteau - Ricardo Drue - PROFESSIONAL

16. Adrian Hackshaw - Third Bass - BUM BUM

17. Samraj Jaimungal - Rikki Jai - LEH WE FETE

18. Dexter Stewart - Blaxx - MASTERS OF MAS

19. Aaron St. Louis - Voice - CHEERS TO LIFE

20. Olatunji Yearwood - Ola - OH YAY

DESPERADOES and PAN ELDERS are the big winners in steelpan competition!

The band on the hill has won the 2016 Panorama competition.

Desperadoes, playing “Different Me” arranged by Carlton ‘Zanda’ Alexander, scored 285 points to take the title in the Large Conventional Bands Category of the competition which began on Saturday evening and ended early on Sunday morning.

It was a close race as just one point separated Despers from the 2nd and 3rd place winners.

Supernovas scored 284 points to take the runner up spot with “Breakthrough” arranged by Amrit Samaroo while Phase II Pan Groove and Renegades both scored 283 points to tie for third place.

In the Medium Bands Category, Pan Elders scored a hat-trick to take the 2016 title with “Me Eh Fighting” arranged by Duvone Stewart.

Tobago steelbands Buccooneers and Katzenjammers placed second and third respectively in the Medium Bands Category.

* The following are the results from the 2016 Panorama competition:

LARGE CONVENTIONAL STEELBANDS:

Place, Score, Band, Tune, Arranger:

1st 285 Desperadoes “Different Me” Carlton “Zanda” Alexander
2nd 284 Supernovas “Breakthrough" Amrit Samaroo
3rd 283 Phase II Pan Groove “Madd Music” Len “Boogsie” Sharpe
3rd 283 Renegades “Music Inside Meh Head" Duvone Stewart
5th 281 Invaders “Take That” Arddin Herbert
6th 280 Trinidad All Stars “Leave We Alone” Leon “Smooth” Edwards
7th 277 Silver Stars “Panoramic” Liam Teague
8th 276 Redemption Sound Setters “No No We Eh Going Home” Micheal Toby, Darren Sheppard
9th 272 Fonclaire “Bass on Fire” Ken “Professor” Philmore
10th 266 Skiffle “How She Like It” Kendall Williams, Marc Brooks, Odie Franklin, Marc Brooks

MEDIUM CONVENTIONAL STEELBANDS:

1st 275 Pan Elders “Me Eh Fighting” Duvone Stewart
2nd 271 Buccooneers “Bass on Fire” Seion Gomez
3rd 270 Katzenjammers “I Don’t Mind” Terrance “BJ” Marcelle
3rd 270 Sound Specialists of Laventille “The Ganges & The Nile” Ken “Professor” Philmore
5th 266 Couva Joylanders “Come With It” Kareem Brown
6th 265 Curepe Scherzando “Madness” Yohan Popwell
6th 265 Steel Xplosion “Wanted Dead or Alive” Arddin Herbert
8th 264 Melodians “Fete” Amrit Samaroo
9th 261 Dixieland “Soca Baptist” Leon “Smooth” Edwards
10th 258 West Side Symphony “Dead or Alive” Mickiel Gabriel  - Written by C News