By Michron Robinson
There is talent all over the North of the island but on Friday one young calypso star from Half Moon Fort Primary shone brightest during his school’s calypso competition.
Young Kaleb Scott of Class Three performed Red Plastic Bag’s Something’s Happening, much to the delight of the judges for the inaugural Island Pay Barbados Beacons of the Calypso competition. Judges included Mac Fingall, Chrystal Cummins-Beckles and Dereck Marshall.
While expressing how he felt about the win, Scott said: “I feel great. The other schools did good, but they couldn’t beat the best,” he said, breaking into a laugh.
Winner Kaleb Scott performing Something’s Happening.
The other students who graced the stage included Peterson Boyce who stood out in a zone of his own, bringing a spin to Red Plastic Bag’s Boat Ride. He is a former student of the All Saints Special Unit which made his performance even more commendable. His teacher told Barbados TODAY she was extremely proud of him as he only had one week to prepare. For her, Peterson did well because he is on the autistic spectrum.
Senior teacher at All Saints Sonia Shepherd said she was very proud of all the contestants but even more pleased with how learning about Barbados’ music was intertwined within the show.
A supportive crowd was on hand.
“This event was every important not only because it showcased the talent in the North but also the students of Half Moon Fort Primary School and as it is the month of Independence, we spoke of things Barbadian, and this event shows that calypso has an important place in our culture,” she explained to Barbados TODAY.
Shepherd, whose idea it was to host the Calypso competition, said that she is very excited for the future with the level of talent showcased in the north.
From left; Judges Dereck Marshall, Chrystal Cummins-Beckles and Mac Fingall.
“I am extremely encouraged, the principals were vital, they really played an important part. I am really pleased with all six schools and the [students] who were involved,” she added. As for next year, the Senior Teacher said that the competition may just happen in 2023.
Four of the six contestants performed songs by Calypso legend Red Plastic Bag including Selah Primary’s Rekaya Johnson, who performed I Am Alive and All Saint Primary’s Danesha Best who did a rendition of the 2015 hit Spontaneous. Two students went for songs by Edwin Yearwood. Seven-year-old Germani Yearwood of St Lucy Primary performed Home Sweet Home while Terell Hurley did his take of Feels Like I’m Home Again.
Peterson Boyce performed Red Plastic Bag’s Boat Ride.
General Manager of Island Pay Omar Watson spoke to the importance of his company partnering with the school for the competition.
“We wanted to partner with this particular event because it being a collaborative effort among northern schools, gave us a chance to show our continued commitment to two important points for Island Pay: bringing financial literacy to the youth of Barbados but also serving the less commercialized
areas of the island like St. Lucy. Our recent installation of a self-serve kiosk at RUBIS Benthams is a highlight of such a commitment,” he said.
Watson added that they will be looking forward to sponsoring future events within the school system. “We are extremely encouraged to sponsor future events of this nature. Not only is it a chance for our brand and products to be showcased but it also gives an opportunity to encourage the personal development of the next generation of Barbados.” (MR)
