Though inclement weather forced the cancellation of NIFCA Music in the Square on Friday night, everything was a go for Saturday’s event. The showcase, hosted at Golden Square Freedom Park, featured the ‘Stars of Tomorrow’.
The expanded lineup included several acts originally scheduled for the previous show, resulting in a packed evening that celebrated exceptional youthful talent.
Shining stars from the NIFCA Performing Arts Finals entertained the enthusiastic audience.
Vocal powerhouse Skyy Dowridge wooed the crowd with her rendition of Kareen Clarke’s United in the Caribbean. Also in impressive form were the St Cyprian’s Boys’ School Band and their vocal group, The Cyptones. They paid tribute to Jackie Opel with Spouge Me Up before paying homage with Icons of Calypso. This segment featured beloved hits like Gabby’s Jack, RPB’s Can’t Find Me Brother, Grynner’s Leggo I Hand, and Edwin Yearwood’s Yardie.
Khalijah Kelllman showcased her versatility as an artiste.
Bringing high energy was the Coleridge and Parry School Band, led by music teacher Marlon Legall. Performing Peter Ram’s Crop Over Good Morning, Brucelee Almightee’s Tomorrow and Leadpipe and Jus Jay’s Brain Freeze, there was musical cohesion between their singers and instrumentalists. Representing their schools with pride, the Graydon Sealy Steel Orchestra delivered a medley of Krosfyah’s hits, while the Alleyne School Sextet harmonised on Total Praise.
Spouge music yet again took centre stage with Vox Novum Youth Ensemble’s renditions of Richard Stoute’s Vehicle and Any Day Now, while Kamara Rowe’s patriotic performance of Wendy Alleyne’s Midnight Blue and Zahara Richards’ moving version of Rihanna’s Lift Me Up added to the musical variety.
Instrumentalists also displayed their talents. The Roach Brothers put a unique spin on RPB’s Boatride. Playing the violin and cello, they used their classical instruments to recreate the contemporary song. Trombonist Glenn Reece’s impeccable presentation of Gabby’s Emmerton, saxophonist Nikhyl Burnett’s skilled performance of Lord You Are Holy, and drummer Nasir Payne’s polished Fusion Medley highlighted the wide scope of talent.
While local hits dominated, a few performers opted for international offerings. Akibe Wray’s rendition of Lullaby of Birdland and Farah Heiling’s Mamma Mia brought a different flavour to the production. Displaying stellar vocal performances while infusing an inspirational element with their gospel selections were Dacia Moore with His Life for Mine and Chelsea Ellis singing Lord You’re Holy.
Saxophonist Nikhyl Burnett.
The event also featured performances by Sabrina Phagoo, known from Richard Stoute Teen Talent, singing Oceans, and Junior Monarch calypso regular Khalijah Kellman, who showed her versatility with Rise Up. Fellow vocalist Jakyah Graham offered a heartfelt version of John Legend’s All of Me.
The evening wrapped up with dynamic performances from Junior Monarch soca competitors. Josh Ox engaged the audience with Pandemonium, while Talisia Mottley entertained with the catchy Put Down De Gun. Appearing in this segment was three-time Junior Monarch Tae. She introduced the audience to her new song Nothing Better before singing her soca song Bajan Ting. The night culminated with John Boss’ crowd-pleasing Heart Beat, leaving the audience buzzing after an unforgettable showcase of young Barbadian talent. (STT)
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