By Simone Tull
The Holetown Festival Planning Committee deserves a proverbial pat on the back for the well-executed 46th edition of the festival.
It formally opened this past Friday with the Chefette and Frosteez Grand Floodlit Tattoo, with each day attracting a massive crowd. The market areas were packed, and the kids’ zone ensured that even the youngest attendees were not left out of the mix.
On the final day, the Michael Parravicino and Sagicor General Holetown Festival 6K Walk and Run took place. Next on the schedule was the Spiritual Baptists’ Candlelight Procession and Worship Service, which was conducted at the Holetown Monument. Their spirited drumming and singing brought an air of reverence to the event.
The Bim Ah Come From concert which followed was the perfect denouement. Though nestled in the hustle and bustle of the street fair, anyone who attended the show would be hard pressed to say that they were distracted by any of the activities that were taking place on the perimeter of the tented area. The highly entertaining show commanded audience attention for the entire production. While the other events throughout the festival were free, this one had a nominal cost of $20 attached. However, the price was inconsequential for the calibre of performances that were presented.
Red Plastic Bag delivered hit after hit.
The show opened with comedian Janine White, who kept the audience entertained with her hilarious account of the intricacies of relationships. Next was a steady parade of some of the island’s best paying homage to Barbados through their musical renditions. The artistes pulled from their own musical arsenals and any covers incorporated were also from fellow Barbadian singers. The spectacular musical accompaniment of the Barbados Police Service band enhanced their performances.
Jamal Slocombe was a hit.
Jilisa Renee followed White, singing two hits by prominent Barbadian women. She serenaded patrons with Sheryl Hackett’s classic Beautiful and Unspoilt and musical icon Rihanna’s Lift Me Up. SugahRhe changed the mood to a party vibe with her three offerings: Sugah, Reminisce and Anywhere, Anyway. She gave the tourists a visual treat with a sampling of how to wukkup. TC also represented for the ladies paying tribute to stalwart Wendy Alleyne with Can’t Control My Emotions, Midnight Blue, He’s So Fine and capped it off with her own Paradise.
Adrian Clarke added some more Bajan flavour, creating a nostalgic feel with an old favourite Nice Time. He closed on a high with the ever-popular Soca You. Also making an appearance was Biggie Irie, another performer known for his powerful vocals. He impressed with Pankatang and Nah Going Home.
Mikey got patrons on the dance floor.
Soca Monarch Mikey had the party goers doing his bidding as they followed his instructions on Roll It and We Loose. His high energetic set included Come Together, Company, Ready and Feting Family.
Two of the entertainers who received an overwhelming response from the audience were Jamal Slocombe and RPB. Slocombe was fantastic with his spouge medley and his rendition of Mark Lord’s My Country to Me was flawless. It was hard not to be caught up with his phenomenal voice and dynamic stage presence as he rounded out his set with Rockers and Alive. RPB got people on their feet from the time he hit the stage with I Am Alive. He kept them grooving with If Ah Sweet, Something Happening and Boat Ride and gave a blast from the past with Ragga Ragga.
Patrons at Bim Ah Come From Concert.
Ambassador of the Festival Hypasounds brought down the curtain on the event. His set started with the patriotic Barbados Nice and continued with other favourites of Sugar Rush, Fair Sa, How She Like It and Dip.
Emcee for the night was Jamarr Browne who was in fine form entertaining attendees and keeping the night moving smoothly. Browne, who also acts as the Public Relations Officer for the Committee, told Barbados TODAY the group is elated with the result despite the challenges they encountered. They are especially pleased with the positive feedback they have received thus far. He said, “To be honest, we did way past our expectations.” He continued, “People spent money with vendors. Most vendors from all reports were happy with sales.”
Planning has already started for 2024. Anticipation will be high for the next edition. (STT)
