The Ministry of Culture and Youth Development and the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) marked the first-ever Jackie Opel Day, August 27, with a number of virtual events.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture and Youth Development John King first declared the day: “National Day In Remembrance of Jackie Opel” last year when a digital monument honouring the King of Spouge, was unveiled at his final rest place at the Westbury Cemetery, St Michael.
For the entire week, but amplified Friday and through to Saturday, the NCF paid tribute to the creator of spouge music using their social media channels.
Tonight, Saturday, August 28, at 6 p.m., the NCF will also broadcast a special virtual event called The Man. The Music. The Magic. which links Barbadian and Jamaican musicians.
The discussion will feature from Barbados, Cultural Ambassador Dr. The Most Honourable Anthony “Gabby” Carter, Dr. Stefan Walcott, veteran entertainer Desmond Weekes along with Jamaican music producer Mikkie Bennet and legendary saxophonist Dean Fraser. The moderator is NCF CEO Carol Roberts-Reifer.
The musical component of the evening featured veteran Jamaican musicians Peter Austin, Mitchum Chin, Desi Jones, Robbie Lyn, Dwight Richards, Mikie Fletcher along Fraser. While the Bajan contingent was a youthful brigade that included: Darren Massiah, Melvin Allick, Damien Neblett, Shekera Straker, and Dr. Walcott.
There were a number of posts with information about the singer and his contributions. On Friday morning, the NCF broadcast a Cultural Treasures episode on Jackie Opel featuring former NCF Chairman and entertainment journalist Al Gilkes who spoke about Jackie’s humble origins and his journey.
“Jackie had an extraordinary voice which was unlike anything in Barbados. But because he was from uptown and downtown there was no way he could get work singing in the white-owned hotels and nightclubs,” Gilkes said.
Friday night, the NCF closed off the day of tributes with a spouge concert called Eternal Love.
The concert was conceptualised and produced by Jamal Slocombe who completed the production thanks to funding from a NCF COVID-19 Technical Assistance grant.
In a message published in the media, Minister King said it was important to highlight Jackie Opel’s impact on local music.
“The Government is cognisant of the need to honour iconic Barbadian artistes as part of its mandate to preserve Barbados’ heritage in its many forms and so last year we agreed to the designation of August 27 as the National Day in Remembrance of Jackie Opel.
“These celebrations seek to acknowledge and reward Barbadian cultural icons who have contributed to the development of Barbados’ cultural landscape, instill a sense of national pride, celebrate their achievements, and encourage younger Barbadians to strive for excellence,” the minister said.
The ministry in association with the National Library Service and the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation hosted a round table discussion entitled: The Legend Jackie Opel.
The virtual event was broadcast via Zoom at 5 p.m. and on CBC at 8 p.m. The panelists were: Dr. The Most Honourable Anthony “Gabby” Carter, Richard Stoute, Sach Moore, Al Gilkes, Mark Williams, and Desmond Weekes. Admiral Nelson was the moderator.
Jackie Opel would have celebrated his 83rd birthday. The real name, Dalton Bishop, the singer, composer, and creator of Spouge music was born August 27, 1938, in Chapman Lane, Bridgetown. He died on March 9, 1970.
The singer took the stage name Jackie Opel in the early 1960s. He is regarded as Barbados’ greatest ever ‘pop’ singer and vocal music icon. He is only the second Barbadian creative artiste to have a concert venue named after him (The Jackie Opel Amphitheatre) and the first singer on whom such an honour has been bestowed.
The honour was accorded in 1998 in recognition of Jackie’s achievement in creating the Barbadian music beat Spouge in 1968-1969. He was Barbados’ first real musical star and traditionally his achievement is highlighted with a concert at The Jackie Opel Amphitheatre, established in order to help develop the talents of young Barbadians and to keep his name alive.
In 1962, he migrated to Jamaica living there for six years, and impressing everyone with his vocal talents. While there, he was accorded the coveted title of Male Vocalist of the Year 1965 and 1966.
Jackie influenced the rising group of singers including Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Ken Boothe, Alton Ellis, Desmond Dekker, Hopeton Lewis, and Derrick Harriott. His voice is heard on one of the early Wailers’ songs and it is now known that The Wailers sang as backup on his songs.
The singer returned to Barbados in 1968 and launched his new beat that combined Jamaican and Eastern Caribbean rhythms. He recorded a single album “The Memorable Jackie Opel” (1969).
Spouge had a galvanising effect on Barbadians who responded rapturously to the sound and his early records such as “You Got To Pay” and “Higher and Higher” received major acclaim. (PR/NCF)
