It is just the beginning of June, but there is already a hive of activity for the 2023 Crop Over Season. The bar has been set high with Crop Over in the City. The production, which is a collaboration between the Barbados Police Service Band and the National Cultural Foundation, took place this past Friday at Golden Square Freedom Park. Featuring the who is who of the entertainment industry, the musical showcase garnered excellent reviews.
The action-packed event started with an enthusiastic performance by the Barbados National Youth Steel Orchestra. Under the direction of the suave Lowrey Worrell, the ensemble showed that their waistline movements were just as adept as their skills on the pan. Their high energy set featured their own spin on some big tunes from Alison Hinds and Peter Ram to name a few.
The lineup of artistes included singers who have dominated in the competition arena. Among them were the three competitors who emerged triumphant in season 3 of Baje to the World. While Kyrique Alleyne and Kymani ‘The Showman’ Devonish replicated their winning performances, Shaquan Smith and Ishiaka McNeil combined their voices in tribute to the Mighty Grynner. Their presentation went up a notch when the legend himself joined them on stage. Other title winners in the cast were Road March King Brucelee Almightee, Calypso Monarch Quon, Soca Monarch Mikey and Junior Monarch Queens Tae and Yahandje. The contingent of budding creatives included Bit Bit and Trinity Clarke.
Fans of bashment soca fans undoubtedly enjoyed Mole and Marzville. Those who craved something a little more mellow were catered to by Biggie Irie, Rupee, Statement, Adrian Clarke and Leadpipe and Saddis. Those who wanted to show off their wuk up capabilities had Mr. Blood, Faith, Nikita, Jus D and Lil Rick to chose from.
All the performers were backed by the Police Service Band. Some of the members of the force who were able to show off their vocal capabilities were Constable Cheri Bend, Nick Roach, and Impress B.
With a full cadre of dancers, the production of the event was flawless. They have set the tone for what patrons can expect from upcoming events as the countdown to Kadooment continues.
