$20 000 and more up for grabs in Baje to the World

by Michron Robinson

Baje to the World is back and promising to be better than ever with $20, 000 up for grabs along with a production deal and a tour with a regional artistes.

The talent show was launched on Sunday night with entertainers Chrissy D and Gunner taking the reins as MCs for the evening at the Gall Hill, St John playing field.

The opening set featured reigning champion Tarique O’Neal who performed his 2022 soca hit Anytime. The crowd rocked and grooved with him even as he belted out the notes for a slower number – Sam Smith’s Writing on the Wall. Following that was a Bruno Mars Medley by Saxophonist Mylon Clarke and singer Miguel.

Their performance did justice to the tunes and was warmly received by the audience.
Giving the official welcome was representative of the area and Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture Charles Griffith, who said there’s a “reservoir of talent in Barbados” that needs to be unearthed.

“You would have heard from Tarique that Baje changed his life. In the Ministry, one of the things we are looking to do is to bring new initiatives that will do exactly that.

“There is a reservoir of untapped talent around the length and breadth of Barbados and we are hoping that this particular initiative, Baje to the World, will do exactly that,” he said.

Acknowledging that 2023 is recognised as the Year of the Youth, Minister Griffith said his ministry hopes to shed light on all the good the youth are doing. “We [want to] ensure that those persons who are trying to step up from where they are by doing something good [get exposure].

We are trying to facilitate all of those needs,” he said.

Showing off the talent that the Minister spoke of was winner of the Community Dance Fest Competition Jelani, who is obviously no stranger to the stage.

He represented well for boys in dance performing to the latest hits, showing no sign of slowing down or even aging.
Speaking with the media, producer of Baje to the World, Dwayne Grazette described the launch as a success.
Also bringing the energy was the Haynesville Youth Group, in the category of drumming.
Barbados has talent in all genres and Haynesville continues to consistently showcase that.

Reigning Junior Monarch for 2022 Tae performed her hit Nice Again, bringing her spark to St. John.
Chris The Classic spoke his words with sophistication and a bit of humour and was a good mix for the evening.
Paying a tribute to the First Lady of Song, Caroline Leacock, were Ronnie Morris, TC and Shadia Marshall, who warmed the air with their steady vocals. They are veterans the youth entering Baje to the World can emulate.

David ZigE Walcott and Nikita were the lone steel pianists, and both provided pure energy.
Other performances included Kimberley Inniss, with her hits My Hips and Free. She made way for Quan the Artist who performed Run Away, Zag and Feelings.

One young lady even joined him on the stage to perform her version of Zag. Bruce Lee Almightee, backed by his vocalist Mole, got on Bad Bad with that hit along with a rich and full version of Mauby.

Then there was a fillip of laughs from stand up comedian Biko. He was in his element and funny.

Closing the show was the island’s longest existing band and leading soca band Edwin Yearwood and krosfyah. Singing hit after hit, they brought a fitting end to the 100 per cent Bajan production. (MR)