COSCAP Gala Showcases Bajan Artists

While some of you were enjoying your Easter celebrations, the COSCAP Foundation was having a celebration of its own. I was fortunate to attend the second annual COSCAP Foundation Gala, held at the Hitlon Barbados, where artists of many genres of music were showcased and celebrated. The patrons were blessed with the sweet sounds of Andre Woodvine, who, alternating between the sax and flute, provided instrumental background music while the superb dinner was served.

Once dinner was over, Vic Fernandes, one of the MCs, got the ball rolling with a special thanks to all those involved in making the event possible, and noted that even in the economically challenging times that there was not an empty seat in the house. It is definitely refreshing to know that the arts will still be supported throughout tough times.

Bajan recording artiste Shontelle was presented with the Foundation Award of Excellence for her success and contribution in the music industry. In her short acceptance speech Shontelle advised all upcoming artists to join COSCAP, as they will support and protect you as an artist and it is with their help that she has reached her level of success.

Shontelle receiving her award from Hilary Beckles (Photo: Mikey Rapley)

Cassandra Crawford, the other MC, introduced the seventeen diverse acts of the evening, who were the real reason many patrons purchased their tickets. As this event was a celebration of local talent, all songs performed were locally written or originals of the artists themselves.

Oh What A Night!

The top performer of the night, without a doubt, had to be the young Alex M, who sang an original soft rock song. With just his acoustic guitar backed by drums, he kept the audience locked in a trance and when he was finished I don’t think we wanted to stop applauding.

 Alex M (Photo: Mikey Rapley)

Alternative band Kite had a similar effect on the audience with their song “Firefly”. Anyone who has heard this song will agree that it just takes you on an imaginative journey. Other rock acts included the talented and animated Gar-V and the young bands Vacant Head Space and Psilos.

JJ Poulter of Kite (Photo: Mikey Rapley)

The stunner of the night had to be the country influenced Malissa Alanna, who not only looked gorgeous, but also sounded gorgeous with a self-penned ballad that sent chills down my spine and gave me goosebumps.

Malissa Alanna was stunning. (Photo: Mikey Rapley)

Another young female artist that caught my attention was the wonderful iNDRANi, who fused two original songs into a medley. I must admit I was a bit confused about the interruptive dancers that floated around the stage for the first song, but when she got into her rock inspired song “Zombie” everyone was definitely feeling it.

iNDRANi gave a wonderful performance (Photo: Mikey Rapley)

Barbadian legends John King and Tamara also graced the stage and Tamara’s musical theatre influenced performance was unforgettable.

Tamara Marshall (Photo: Mikey Rapley)

Other well-known performers included Wesu, Allison Ford, Tavia Drakes and Rochelle, who was backed up by her fellow band members of Nexcyx. Nexcyx themselves didn’t perform, but deserve an acknowledgement as drummer Chad Iffil and bassist Kris Clark assisted quite a few of the acts.

The more “cultural” acts included the reggae vibes of High Grade, who always have a positive message to share in their music, and Mic Check, which is the duo of arguably the best Bajan freelance rappers Sun Rokk and Rhyme Minister. Mic Check acted as one as they backed each other up with their own beat boxing and took turns spitting rhymes.

Rhyme Minister of Mic Check (Photo: Mikey Rapley)

Folk singer Mandy, who some will remember from A Taste Of Honey Jam a few months ago, once again kept the crowd captivated with her original song “Thief”.

The youngest performer of the night was 14-year-old Sarah Mark, also a “Honey Jam” alumnus. I must say she has improved since then; she still has a lot of room to grow but there is definitely potential in this young performer.

The Soca segment was the climax of the gala. Unfortunately, as the night went on the crowd depleted in numbers. I myself could not stay for the Soca acts but, to be honest, I do not think they were a necessary addition to the evening’s events; I think Soca generally receives a lot of praise and support in Barbados. Regardless, there was a great line-up that included names such as Adrian Clarke, Red Plastic Bag and Grynner, amongst others.

Cultural/Artistic Revolution

On a positive note, John Harris, of the Harris Institute for the Arts, Toronto, Canada, announced that the school will be offering two scholarships in Audio Production and Arts Management. In addition, he would like to place a campus in Barbados in order to supply education to those interested in the music industry, including the business aspect.

The featured speaker of the evening was Hilary Beckles, the Principal of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. He believes that there is a cultural revolution occurring, stating that it seems that we hide our “true culture” underneath what is believed to be the culture we should follow, i.e. our African heritage and slavery roots. He believes that our true culture is now beginning to arise.

Now I can acknowledge that to a certain extent, but I believe the revolution that is occurring is an artistic one, rather than a cultural one. Barbados and Barbadians have always celebrated culture, and in my opinion, shunned all arts that were anything but said culture. It is only recently that more “mainstream” art is being accepted. To me, that is what this revolution is all about, acknowledging the different genres and tastes that Bajan artists bring.

Hilary Beckles (Photo: Mikey Rapley)

Beckles also believes that investments must be made for the arts. He mentioned the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination being the first step towards this investment. However, any artist that has had the chance to venture into the centre and use the facilities (which are only available to a select few companies and the students that attend the arts course) will testify that the design of the centre leaves much to be desired. There was also no mention of any further additions or alterations to the university’s arts programme, which really leave me in doubt of the level of support Beckles really has for the arts. After all, this is but a “cultural” revolution.

I do hope that whatever sort of revolution is occurring, it continues. Barbados has so much to offer the world of the arts, not only in music but in every aspect. COSCAP is making it possible for musicians and arts to thrive and the gala proved that their work is not going unrecognised.