The packed audience at Frank Collymore Hall on Saturday night, and the highly competent judging panel, are all likely to agree that The Cyptones, The Christ Church Foundation Steel Orchestra and soloist Skyy Dowridge will be named gold awardees when the results of the NICFA Performing Arts Music Finals are released.
The three performers, totalling seven acts, were head and shoulders above all the others who took the stage vying for a NIFCA award. The two groups had more than one entry showcasing their talented students who were led by competent music teachers. Dowridge also had two entries. They all epitomised the truest manifestation that “the tradition of excellence continues”.
The St Cyprian’s Boys’ School Band did an excellent job with a spouge medley entitled A Tribute to Jackie Opel. That group was followed by fellow schoolmates The Cyptones who then performed Spouge Me Up, incorporating theatrical dance moves in their delivery. They returned in the second half, delighting the audience yet again with another medley, Icons of Soca. The latter featured popular songs by Gabby, RPB, Gyrnner and Edwin Yearwood. By the end of that rendition, the Cyptones left the crowd in an uproar yet again.
The Christ Church Foundation Steel Orchestra is pure class and in a league of its own. Having created history last year as the single musical act to win multiple NIFCA gold awards, the pannists from the hill in Christ Church seem destined for a repeat of their gold attainment. Led by the effervescent musical director Lowrey Worrell, the boys and girls wowed the audience in the hall.
Their two entries were Barbados Reborn and Soca is Life. The latter comprised several Bajan soca hit songs including from Edwin, Mikey, Blood and reigning Tune of Crop winner Bruce Lee Almightee. As the sweet sounds of the steel pan echoed through the walls of Frank Collymore Hall, patrons took to their feet to enjoy the musical treat.
What was most heartening about both schools was their effort to ensure that local music and musicians were well represented at NIFCA.
In that vein, we must highlight the Reynold Weekes Primary School for their nostalgic rendition of a folk medley. Within recent years, performers have opted to sing pop, jazz, R&B and other genres, moving away from the essence of the festival which showcases the best in Bajan talent and Bajan music. The students should be rewarded with a NIFCA medal for their showing.
At the end of the night, many were left asking. “What is the limit for Skyy?” The 12-year-old songbird continues to wow and dominate the stage whenever she performs. The Richard Stoute Teen Talent winner belted out the lyrics to Frank Sinatra’s My Way, delivering a flawless rendition of the classic. She then returned in the second half with Kareen Clarke’s United in the Caribbean which won the 1996 Caribbean Song Festival for Barbados. That too was flawless. Her vocal range and command of these two power songs were a joy to witness.
To be commended for what was an amazing performance is trumpet player Glenn Reece. His rendition of Emmerton was totally pleasing on the ear. Kudos too to reigning Junior Soca Monarch Kymani Devonish who delivered a moving rendition of John King’s How Many More?
Others who faced the judges were: Desmond Haynes & Ivy Summer Camps; Chelsea Elli, Shaquan Smith, Dacia Moore, Farah Heiling, Roach Brothers, Chelsi Yearwood, Kenola Greenidge, Shaquan Smith, Chad Bowen and, closing out the night, the Israel Lovell Foundation which at one time were perennial NIFCA competitors but returned this year for the first time in a while.
Kudos to the National Cultural Foundation’s two music officers Kevin Moore and Aisha Butcher for producing a night filled with top Bajan entertainment.
If you missed Saturday night’s live action, then head to the NIFCA Performing Arts Gala on Sunday, November 17 for a potpourri of entertainment. You are guaranteed an evening to remember, especially if the acts highlighted here are on stage.
(IMC)
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