COSCAP Hails Young & Old Talent

Hailing the old, ringing in the new. That was the theme of the COSCAP Fund-raising Gala.

Following cocktails and a sumptuous dinner, accompanied by the musical stylings of Mistral Baldeo and The Mike Sealy Quartet respectively, folk and calypso band the MerryMen were honoured with the COSCAP Foundation Award Of Excellence for their cultural and musical contribution locally and internationally.

Prime Minister David Thompson (right) presenting the award to the MerryMen.

Barbados' Prime Minister David Thompson presented the award after lamenting that there were generations of musicians who have lived without recognition and died in poverty, adding that he hoped this would change. Members of the MerryMen, who have worked together for almost 50 years, shared a few heartfelt words of appreciation upon receiving their award.

Then it was time for the talent showcase. The entertainment segment highlighted what Barbados has to offer and gave some promising artistes a chance to shine. There was a long line up where some performers stood out, some were so-so and others were terrible.

Blak Kla Soyl, our very own "rootsy" Lady Gaga, was perhaps the most memorable performer of the night. This Barbados Music Award (BMA) nominee gave a funky and energetic performance that featured a steel pan player and her occasionally on the bongo drums. She has her own sense of style, in terms of music and fashion, and has a strong presence on stage. Blak Kla Soyl has two singles out and is working on her second roots jazz rock album with veteran musician Nicholas Brancker.

Blak Kla Soyl's performance was one to remember.

There were a few lesser-known artistes who showed a lot of promise, including BMA nominee Cherish Breedy, who was the opening act. This 14-year-old gospel singer impressed the audience with her warm, full voice.

Simon Pipe is also someone to watch. The self-described skinny, white boy has worked with many local bands including Buggy's Fully Loaded. He sounds and looks like American star Jason Mraz, except he sounds and looks BETTER.

Ayana John, as always, was a pleasure to watch and was joined on stage by Vizion, who, unfortunately, danced to his own beat.

When NexCyx set up their equipment on stage, I got excited, thinking they were next but first they backed up gospel songstress Kareen Clarke – who always manages to rise above the scandals that plague her life – and then rapper Billy Kincaid.

Billy Kincaid's song was repetitive and his diction wasn't clear.

Billy Kincaid was quite disappointing. His song was repetitive and many of us in the audience couldn't understand what he was saying. He has so many great songs, such as Life Is Hard. What was he thinking?

NexCyx was next and boy did they deliver. Their popular single Gossip Girl was their song of choice and lead singer Mahalia Phillips looked and sounded fabulous.

Threads Of Scarlet performed their hit Issues and, like true rock stars, wore what they wanted even though it was a black tie event.

Nicholas Ward, vocalist of Threads of Scarlet.

Between NexCyx and Threads, the audience was warmed up for the calypso section that followed featuring Blood, Natahlee, and The Mighty Gabby, accompanied by The JM Band. Party favours were shared out to help get people into the spirit, and many of the patrons finally got out of their chairs so that they could “chip” and “wuk up” to the upbeat music.

Natahlee getting the crowd hyped during the calypso segment.

Some of the audience members grooving to calypso and soca music.

Alternative group Kite was scheduled to perform but, since the show was running late, had to leave for another engagement. Other performers included Buggy and Sir Ruel.

(Photography courtesy Franz Gittens.)

Check out more pictures from the COSCAP Gala on our Facebook page.