Local artistes to shine globally with ‘I Am Barbados’ album

Barbados is set to make a major move on the international music scene with the launch of the I Am Barbados album.

This was revealed by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, Senator Dr Shantal Munro-Knight, during Saturday’s Crop Over Opening Gala and Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes at Queen’s Park.

Sen. Dr Shantal Munro-Knight (left) addressing the event.

In front of an audience gathered in the heart of the city to celebrate the official start of the 2025 Crop Over season, Senator Munro-Knight declared the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) has been mandated to stretch its reach beyond Barbados’ shores and create tangible international opportunities for local artistes.

“The NCF will be working to produce an album, I Am Barbados, featuring multiple artists, both young and old, across different genres. Again, this is to set that global footprint for Barbadian talent,” the minister said.

The project, she explained, is part of a wider national thrust to invest in cultural excellence and provide critical platforms for creatives to thrive not only at home, but on the world stage.

“We are working in our schools. We are grounding them not only in the art form itself but in the history,” Senator Munro-Knight noted, highlighting that over 1,000 schoolchildren are currently being trained in various art forms, including steel pan, while teachers are being educated in both practice and cultural heritage.

A section of the audience.

Senator Munro-Knight also repeated a previous announcement made by Prime Minister Mia Mottley that plans are in the works for major developments in Queen’s Park: “Government is to turn Queen’s Park into the Mecca for culture and arts in Barbados. It will become the home of the National Cultural Foundation and a space for creativity, with rehearsal halls and spaces for artists-in-residence. We are making sure our artists are elevated and given the space to nurture their art.”

She reaffirmed the importance of investing in cultural infrastructure, not just physical spaces, but in people, legacy, and knowledge. This includes the continued work on the Legacy Lab dedicated to honouring music legend Jackie Opel, as well as investments in preserving traditional practices like sticklicking, the Barbados Landship, and other folk arts seen during Saturday’s vibrant heritage parade.

NCF Chairman Dr Jasmine Babb (left) speaking during the event.

Patrons were also welcomed to the event by Chairman of the NCF, Dr Jasmine Babb: “Today, we not only mark the close of another sugar cane harvest but also honour the generations of men and women who have laboured in the fields, contributed to our national story, and helped lay the foundation for what we now call the Crop Over Festival.”

She continued: “We also celebrate our beloved Crop Over stalwarts; cultural custodians whose work has preserved and enriched the traditions that continue to make this festival a vibrant expression of Barbadian identity.”

Outstanding sugar workers, Adrian Sealy, Ann Carroll, Ermina Roach, and Jeffrey Quinby were honoured for their years of dedication and contribution to the island’s agricultural legacy.

The moment of recognition continued as 15 Crop Over Stalwarts were celebrated for their commitment to the festival and its cultural pillars. Each name represented decades of work behind the scenes and on the frontlines of Barbados’ artistic identity. They included:

• Former NCF CEO Cranston Browne
• Director of the Festival Band Andrew Lynch
• Former Crop Over judge Arlette St. Hill
• Artisans Azizah Onifa and Ras Sipho Onifa of Azipho’s Creations
• Cultural entrepreneur Richard Haynes
• Lighting technician David Forde
• Cultural practitioner Geraldine Lynch
• Tuk Band pennywhistle player Karl “Foggie” Smith
• Pic O De Crop chief judge Leslie Lett
• Theatre and film practitioner Mark Maynard
• Videographer Paul Greenidge
• Popular vendor Roger ‘Don’ Goodridge
• Bar operator Peter Holder
• Artisan Sylvester Adelabu Clarke
• Educator and Pic O De Crop judge Dr. Victor Agard

The crowd was also treated to cultural performances from Dancing Africa, and a spirited folk medley from the NIFCA-award-winning Cyptones. Later, there was a tattoo display by the Barbados Police Service and a finale concert that featured the reigning Junior Monarchs Sakarah and Mr Showdown followed by a star-studded lineup that included: RPB, Edwin, Lil Rick, Alison Hinds, TC, Adrian Clarke, and more. (IMC)