NIFCA marks its 50th anniversary with a solid lineup of activities throughout the month of November.
Among the events planned where the three-part concert series Music in the Square: Icons Night held every Friday throughout the initial weeks of the month. Hosted at the Golden Freedom Park in the city, homage was paid to stalwarts in the music industry.
In the first two editions the spotlight shone on James Millington, and Jackie Opel. The concluding installment, held this past Friday night, honored the living legend Sir Emile Straker. The multifaceted entertainer, credited with putting the island on the musical map, was acknowledged for his outstanding contributions.
While each of the previous editions saw patrons braving the rain, they remained at bay for the final event. A large crowd flocked to the venue, drawn by the vibrant atmosphere. With all seats claimed, enthusiastic patrons lined the grounds for a view of the spectacle. Dynamic presentations were delivered by saxophonists Winitrey Harper and Mylon Clarke. Phenomenal steel pannist Hashim Durant held the audience in the palm of his hands as he entertained with pulsating rhythms of songs pulled
from Spice Band’s repertoire.
Tribute was paid by the Ryan Boyce Chorale with their lyrical spinoff of Peter Ram’s The Pledge. The Marlon Legall Voice Project presented their NICFA Arrangement Challenge-winning rendition of Mighty Gabby’s Emmerton. Arts in the North, showcasing Ignatius Byer Primary School students, added a lighthearted touch with a folk song medley. Thoroughly committed to his character one member of the group’s mannerism ensured that the audiences eyes remained fixed on him throughout the spirited
rendition of That Cocoa Tea. The St. Leonard’s Boys’ Choir were also a part of the cast.
Among the individual acts featured were the Mighty Gabby singing his classic Culture. Calypsonian Sammy G sang Can’t Party and One People, One Nation. Diminutive Chelsea Cadogan-Goddard Straker’s wowed the audience with Straker’s classic Beautiful Barbados. Alix Cage and the dynamic duo Dynamo Murrell and Aaliyah Cumberbatch thrilled the audience with their vocal capabilities during their stints on stage.
The Icons Night band joined the festivities with a medley of hits from Straker’s catalogue of music, including Archie, Big Bamboo, and Ring Ting, Ting. The night concluded with a rendition of Legends to Legacy by vocalist Ch’An.
Sir Emile Straker, visibly delighted, was present to enjoy the spectacle firsthand. At the night’s end, he seized the opportunity to pose for some pictures with lingering fans lingering who wanted to capture the special moment.
