Just For Independence Day 2017

Today, as Barbados celebrates our 51st anniversary of Independence with a very special tribute to our global hip-hop queen #Rihanna with the renaming of the street where she grew up from Westbury New Road to Rihanna Drive, I didn't plan to write much. Instead I'm sharing some homegrown vocals of various genres.

I'll begin with what for many years was my favourite Barbadian song ever. It's still a classic for me. It's "Emmerton" by the maestro and national cultural ambassador, Anthony "Gabby"Carter, who can do the most amazing vocal gymnastics. This song is a lyrical tribute to a street in Bridgetown where he grew up:

    The Mighty Gabby doing what he does so well - singing and playing guitar

For me, he remains a true king in Barbados' calypso arena, John King, now a political aspirant. In this introspective, inspirational song, he laments violence in society. It's as fresh now as it was when first released 20 years ago!

                                               John King: How Many More

This lead singer has one of the sweetest soca voices and this is the song that made me a fan...around 25 years ago.  Yes, back in the days of vinyl records. I'm sure there was an official video for this, but haven't located it online. 😞

                                   

                                        The Splashband: Get Busy Get Behind the Truck

Then there is the party band of my heydey, Spice & Co. (Yes, I used to party like most youngsters do eventually...just my crowd was somewhat more refined than the bohemianism of today). That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 😉 This was one of their biggest party hits: "In de Congaline".

Spice & Company from way back when

                          

So, to celebrate Barbados' Independence, I give you this one from last year that's now growing on me - "Independence Day" by iWeb, the reigning calypso monarch of Barbados, and Nikita, who did a first-class cover of Rihanna's "Love on The Brain" at the renaming ceremony today. 

                                              

                                                 Independence Day

Just to show that amazing songs aren't just in the secular realm, check these out:

This young man released his debut album #1st John earlier this year, and I made sure I got a copy. Too many of my faves by him were on it to miss. Appreciated that he autographed it too. 😇😇

                                         

                                                     Release the Soundz

This song is by a young woman who used to sing soca and then she gave her life to Christ and showed that change of heart with this beautiful rendition:

                                                 Keann Walters' I Am Amazed

As Independence Day 2017 closes, I could not sign off without this invocation:

 

                                                 

                                                 Nicovia: Tek Ova