It's Barbados I Come From

Greetings to my readers, especially the one from Suriname - or maybe it's a regular reader who happens to be in Suriname. Grateful as usual to all of my readers - including those from an "Unknown Region", which I find really fascinating, but no more on that. Continue to enjoy my attempts to showcase what I can of Barbados. 

On November 30th, Barbados celebrates Independence Day, annually. This year, it's the 52nd anniversary. Beginning with my Buzzing Around blog of 2016 and continuing with last year's Keeping Buzzy, I highlight our nationalistic songs in celebration of the day.   So in keeping with the national mood, here are more of our nationalistic songs.

This one is a collaboration for the 50th Anniversary of Independence and it features many of the artistes I have featured before such as Mahalia of 2 Mile Hill and Philip 7 (looking like he has not aged a day since the "Sweet Surprise" video); cultural ambassadors - Soca Queen, Alison Hinds, Lyrical Master, Red Plastic Bag and the Maestro Gabby - among so many others. 

Barbados 50th Anniversary of Independence Song: Our Home Barbados (Legends to Legacy) - OFFICIAL [Source: Barbados 50th Anniversary, 2016]

"Barbados Ah Come From" is a traditional fave of the season, made popular some decades ago by the folk group, Sing Out Barbados. Now sung in schools during their Independence concerts. Thanks to bajanmsicfan for saving it online for posterity as there were no digital versions of this song back in the day. 

                           

                               Sing Out Barbados -  Barbados Ah Come From [Source: bajanmusicfan 2011]

November is the month for Bajan delicacies. One such is conkies, usually served wrapped in banana leaves.

                                                                  Conkies

If you enjoy cooking, here is a recipe for it:

                                             VisitBarbados – How To Make Conkie [Source: Visit Barbados, 2018]

The national colours of ultramarine (blue), gold (yellow) and black are a popular choice in November. Children wear t-shirts in these colours with jeans on the last school-day before Independence. Adults are encouraged to wear polo-shirts in the colours with suitable skirts/pants to work on Fridays during the month. Some people even colour co-ordinate their regular wardrobe in the colours throughout the month. Many women wear brooches in the colours and for local craftswomen, it is a good opportunity to earn extra cash by selling their handiwork. 

Speaking of colours, a couple of popular Crop Over renditions mention the national colours. One such is Peter Ram's The Pledge.

                                                             Peter Ram

Another is Nahtalee and Shontelle (the same Shontelle featured in #246toDeWorld) who collaborated, and won the Tune of the Crop in 2005. Here a group of fitness enthusiasts, perform a wukup workout (not describing it as the workout speaks for itself) to Colours in tribute to Independence. Note there is hardly a beer-belly among them. I'm told it's a great workout but I have 2 left feet and very little rhythm. Give me weights and machines any day. However, they look like they are having the time of their lives.

                           Happy Independence Barbados from Wukup Workout [Wukupworkout, 2012]

On that note, Barbadians everywhere wear your colours, make your pledge, internalise our motto and have a very Happy Independence Day 2018!