Spouge and folk take centre stage at Jackie Opel Day Concert

A modest audience turned out at the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre, National Botanical Gardens, on Wednesday night for the second of four CARIFESTA XV Super Concerts, the Jackie Opel Day Folk & Spouge Concert.

The night kicked off with lively folk music from Cuba’s Rumba All Stars and Guyana’s Folk & String Band. The latter earned particular applause for their spirited renditions and characterisations of well-known folk songs such as See My Little Brown Girl.

Cultural Ambassador Dr Anthony The Mighty Gabby Carter, accompanied by The Clarion Singers, delivered deeply evocative performances of Bridgetown Market and Emmerton, leaving a strong impression on concertgoers.

The performer who truly got the crowd on their feet was Jamal Slocombe. He zipped onto the stage like lightning, thrilling fans with Spouge hits including Vehicle. The energy was infectious, and patrons danced throughout his set.

Veteran singer Desmond Weekes was also in fine voice and form, delighting the audience with Drink Milk, while Barbados’ Queen of Song Wendy Alleyne charmed fans with timeless hits Midnight Blue, Have A Thing About You, and Standby Love.

Calypsonian Adrian Clarke brought smooth sophistication to the stage with a medley that included the popular Higher and Higher, while seasoned performer Betty B paid tribute to the late First Lady of Song, Carlyn Leacock, with a Spouge remix of You Light My Fire.

Other performers included Tony Grazette, The NCF Jackie Opel Residency Lab, and the evening closed with a spirited set from Troubadours International.

Jackie Opel Day, on August 27, commemorates the birth of Dalton Sinclair Bishop (1937–1970), better known as Jackie Opel, a pioneer of Spouge music, a blend of ska, calypso, and R&B.

The concert celebrated his legacy, blending folk and Spouge to showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

While the performances were outstanding, the turnout was somewhat disappointing. Given the significance of Jackie Opel Day and its place in the season of emancipation, many hope to see a concert of this calibre become an annual event beyond CARIFESTA, further cementing Opel’s legacy and promoting Barbadian musical heritage.