#BajanVibes – Bajan pride . . . Elan’s concert promotes beautiful Barbados

Bajan pride was on full display in the latest edition of Elan Trotman’s Quarantine Concerts. Each edition has had a different theme. In the seventh instalment on Monday night, the internationally acclaimed saxophonist paid homage to his homeland by providing a Taste of Barbados.

The son of the soil teamed up with Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, which streamed the concert live on their social media, encouraging tourists and Barbadians living abroad to visit our beautiful shores.   

Throughout the programme, several prominent Barbadians spoke passionately about what the island means to them. Among them were Barbados’ Ambassador to the United Nations Elizabeth Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of the National Cultural Foundation Carol Roberts- Reifer, cricketing great Desmond Haynes, Cultural Ambassador Stedson RPB Wiltshire, chef to the stars Paul Griffith and Consul General of Barbados  in New York Mackie Holder.

The stellar production highlighted the beauty of technology and featured a range of homegrown talent. Their performances, which were pre-recorded, were precisely merged with Trotman’s for the entertaining production.

Showing Bajan pride, Trotman’s set pulled from a few of his albums. He opened with Island Gal followed by Carnival Fever from the album Incomparable. He was joined by steelpan player Mark Forde for Trade Winds.

Some sweet Bajan flavour was added when Trotman and trumpeter Kweku Jelani teamed up on Pump Me Up by premiere band krosfyah. Another superb piece was Sunset in Paradise featuring Nicholas Brancker, who co-wrote it, on bass.

It would not have been complete without paying tribute to global icon Rihanna. Vocalist Betty Payne added her own touch to the hitmaker’s Umbrella. The night of entertainment ended on a high with Funkcalypso and the full Nicholas Brancker Band combining their talent with the host.

It was not just about high quality musicianship. Viewers enjoyed a snapshot of the performer’s life growing up on the island with a collage of pictures from his youth. Images with the star-studded guest list from past editions of the Barbados Jazz Excursion and Golf Weekend, staged by Trotman, were included. Also, idyllic scenes from across the island were incorporated emphasising what is on offer.

Joining the musician to give a sample of Barbadian talent was Ghe Magic. The lithe dancer who is part of popular Riddim Tribe group, performed to Rupee’s mega hit Tempted to Touch.

This year, the Jazz festival was set to feature world class acts, including Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle. Unfortunately, the pandemic has forced the postponement of the major fundraiser for the Headstart Music Programme.

This programme, which provides lessons for budding musicians ages seven to eleven, will however benefit from the contributions made through the virtual tip jar facilitated during the broadcast.

Olympian Obadele Thompson, who spoke glowingly of the island, captured the essence of the production when he said: “Even though we are from a small island, we can still have a global impact.” (STT)