Random thoughts on experiences and matters of interest. Hoping to foster a vibrant community of readers and contributors. It's the next iteration of Buzzing Around, which began as a school project.
Hello 👋 to someone new who read the blog from Greece and Vietnam respectively (even if you are regulars who were travelling). I love that you take time out to read this blog no matter where in the world you are.
Well today I had to unpublish this submission as I got in trouble trying to share some inspiring messages from some sisters who rock. I realize that in this climate of online "political correctness" for some, I must be careful of the words in my headlines. In September 2019, I was looking for something to watch on cable and I came across BET's Black Girls Rock, the 2019 edition. I have to confess, I tend not to watch much of the BET channel - some content is not to my taste. My background was more like the Cosby Show, although I actually grew up in a partly under-privileged but genteel environment (I guess the best comparison is a modern-day version of the Bennet family in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice) but I spent enough time with the "privileged" parent to have been exposed to how both sides lived. So there are certain BET films I watch but most I don't.
Anyway, the Awards recognizing achievements of African-American women in various fields (entertainment, social-activism, science, education for example) was on television. Indeed, that year's Awards ceremony was so good I watched a repeat! Well, be that as it may, I tried to share some of the motivating acceptance speeches from these women, who are wonderful winners in their respective fields, and I have been blocked😞. So if you wish to hear what veteran actress Angela Bassett and entertainer, Ciara, and the trail-blazing Debra Martin Chase said, you can click on the links (you need a Facebook account for these).
Angela Bassett as Ramonda, mother of Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther
The Annual Diamond Ball
Of course, I have to feature something Barbadian and our national "rock star" is of course Rihanna. This year she held the 5th Annual Diamond Ball in honour of the charitable foundation named for her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Brathwaite, which has reportedly funded more than 50 projects globally. One of the honourees was none other than the first female Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, pictured here in an ensemble created by Barbados' own Pauline Bellamy and her local team. You can follow the link below for the LOOP Barbados news article highlighting a Variety interview on the occasion:
A sunny welcome from Barbados! I've neglected my posts as every spare minute I have been avidly watching Korean sagueks (historical dramas) and neglecting most other activities - such as posting to this blog.
Of course, I was more than a little disappointed 😞 that my July reflection on the day of National Significance (remembrance of the 1937 riots that served as a catalyst in Barbados' socio-economic development) had minimal views as it highlighted a wonderful comic strip on the 1937 riots that was featured on the webpage of the National Cultural Foundation. On the bright side, the entry on male purity has been the most read/viewed page to date. I think that is an important message so I am more than pleased about that! 😄
Today, I will share some of the Crop-OverFestival that culminated at the beginning of August. I know there are some new readers/visitors over the last year so you can follow the links highlighted to get some background on the festival.
Thanks to the excellent photography of a long-standing contact, Troy Barker, who graciously consented to their use...enjoy!
You can strut your stuff 🔥
Or go along for the ride 👍
You can spread your wings😎
Or set the road on fire 💖
You can paint your face 😊
Or paint on abs! 😀
There were bustiers and maillots
Or the ever-popular bikini.
Even Barbados' Cultural Ambassador, Rihanna, came to the party
If it seems like it was a parade of feathers, the "big bands" that cater moreso to international revellers tend to make extensive use of feathers...and they make for really great pictures!
Here is one that is not all about feathers and is equally stunning!
Then there is the music that drives Crop Over. The song that won Tune-O-de-Crop was a huge hit during the season. It is "Sometime". It is a song about a guy who is quite willing to be a "friend with benefits" rather than the steady boyfriend, which is what the girl now wants (although she already has a partner). This song by Leadpipe and Jus' Jay won the People's Monarch (a promotion in which Barbadians can vote by SMS or online for their fave song of the season) as well. The same afternoon of the announcement I was in a department store and when the song began, heads started bobbing up and down, shoulders were shaking, the singers began to sing along under their breath - that is when I realised what a "big tune" (hit) it was. Here is the lyric video...
Leadpipe x Jus-Jay - Sometime "2020 Soca" Barbados (Official Video)
[Credit: Julianspromotv 2019 Music]
This is another song that I liked for the Pic-O-De-Crop competition (calypso monarch competition) from the first time I heard it. It is created around the titles of many of the songs sung by the current Minister of the Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, the Hon. John King M.P. when he used to compete in the national calypso competition. If you think all the singer, William "Classic" Waithe is doing is cursing, he is saying "fuh (for) king" not f**king and "fuh (for) Cree" not f**kery - although in our heads we think the curse words 🙊.
If you follow the link, you will see the rendition at the finals and the crowd response. Thanks to Chayne Jones of the Water Street Boyz for uploading videos of the final competition's performances. You can autoplay and see the other competitors or subscribe. Very entertaining.
The 2020 Calypso Monarch of Barbados Classic with One Song
( Classic - One Song [Credit: Trident Barbados 2019])
And so the curtain comes down on another Crop Over season. 🙇
Shout out to readers from Brazil, Estonia,
Romania, Mexico, Ukraine, France, Japan and the faithful following in Belgium. 👋
I realize my regular readers have been
checking in only to find there is nothing new, so I apologize for not having an
entry in June.
I was preoccupied with Korean dramas and my
first foray into viewing a Chinese drama. I considered sharing some thoughts with you on my viewings, but is that your Interest? Or are you checking for things Bajan?
July 26, is recognized in Barbados as a Day of National Significance. On that day Barbadianscommemorate the 1937 riots when working-class Barbadians chose to take a stand against the European hegemony of the island. At some point in our lives, we have to stand for something...
Audra Day - Stand Up for Something feat. Common (Official Music Video)
[Credit: Audra Day, 2017]
Check this dance interpretation of the 1937 unrest:
NCF summer dance interns at the 2013 Crop Over Heritage Walk [Credits: NCF Barbados, 2013]
The young people are dancing to Riots in The Land by the national cultural ambassador, Dr. Anthony "Gabby" Carter.
This year the National Cultural Foundation featured a radio drama: How Hard The Times. Click on the link below the image of national hero, the Right Excellent Clement Payne to listen to the radio drama. It's quite good.
It was a turning point in our history. Bajans are
known across the Caribbean as being passive – what took place in 1937 shows
what happens when a hungry (i.e. oppressed) man becomes an angry man.
There is an accompanying comic strip as well that is also well done. It's not a pretty picture of Barbados' race relations but it is the truth of perceptions in that era. It would do us well as a people to never forget but not to hold a grudge over it as it is what led us to develop into the nation we are today.
[credit: Comic Adaptation – Nigel Lynch, Story – Michelle Cox, Art – Tristan Roach, Colour – Edward “King” Bola, Editor – Kamaria Connell, Inspired by poetry of Anthony Hinkson]
In a former blog in 2017 on some of Barbados' national heroes, I featured a dramatized interview of the Right Excellent Clement Payne - a very good production of the Government Information Service. So I will not repeat myself. You can follow the link highlighted to view afresh
The fact is: We All Bleed the Same!
Mandisa - We All Bleed the Same (Official Music Video) ft. Toby Mac, Kirk Franklin
Shout out to my readers from
Luxembourg, Germany, Singapore and Canada ✋! I recently celebrated my 2,000th
page read. Thank you so much.
I am dedicating today’s page to
former colleagues who passed away. Beginning in March, six (6) persons I know have died. Three were Facebook friends and former colleagues, one was a child from
the Sunday School, where I teach (yes, I teach Sunday School), one was a parent
of a friend from Secondary School (i.e. High School) and the other is the
businessman who founded the company where I interned while at University - and that began my writing career really. Prior to that I wanted to be a fashion designer and if you have not seen my handiwork, check it out in my previous blog...
The Spark
I discovered at the funeral service of my Fb friend and work colleague, Paul, that he was affectionately called "The Spark". His enthusiasm for doing what he loved was infectious (and he loved to sing). Actually, I remember one year at the staff scenic bus ride, he and another staff member had a karaoke sing-off. We knew they both had beautiful voices, but we had no idea Paul could render any genre! By the end of the impromptu contest, there was a clear winner - Paul. Also, he had a genuine love for and interest in people. He was conversant on so many topics - politics, football - and he was the go-to person for help with foreign languages, namely french. Staff were dumbfounded to learn of his sudden passing on April 9, 2019.
In memory of Paul, I dedicate "Pass It On" originally by Kurt Kaiser:
"Pass It On" [Source: Musicforthesoul, 2014]
A Sweet Soul
Only the the week before, I received word that another of my Fb friends and a former work colleague, Juliet, had passed away. I was stunned. Juliet was quiet but very warm. I never saw her angry. Frustrated, yes. We bonded as the "outsiders", which is how some viewed people coming into certain senior posts. She was skilled in technology, providing training at community programmes in addition to her "day job". When she worked in the same organisation, she was the Systems Network Administrator. She moved on from the department some years ago. I remember my last Whatsapp message to her around November 2018 was to get a recommendation for a laptop. I never did follow through on that. I will wait for another sale.
In Juliet's memory, I dedicate "The Prayer". I remember when I won an MP3 player in a communications provider promotion, I asked for her help in transferring my favourite songs to it - and the Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams version proved to be a fave for both of us.
"The Prayer" - Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams [Source: Praise In the House Media, 2016]
The Force of Nature
Then there was Fay whose funeral was March 29, 2019. Fay is best described as a force of nature. Ebullient. Always smiling but no nonsense. We worked for the same organisation in the 1990s. She was a go-getter; she aimed for excellence. It was no surprise when I learned that she headed the Marketing and Communications unit of a department of government in the more recent past. Of course, she later founded her marketing and communications firm when illness prompted her early departure from government. I last saw Fay a few months before her death. She was radiant, flawlessly made-up - as usual - with her radiant smile. I dedicate, Mercy Me's "I Can Only Imagine" to the memory of Fay.
MercyMe - "I Can Only Imagine" (The Movie Session Official Video) [Source: mercymevideo, 2018]
Suga Bear
Little Saniyah was nine years old when she died on May 18, 2019. Her nickname was...you guessed it..."Suga Bear". She was a sweet, loving child, playful. During the eulogy, her mother, Natalie, pointed out that she defied the odds. At birth, she was expected to live for three (3) days. She lived to be the age of nine. That is a miracle. Saniyah was described as full of life - she enjoyed singing and dancing. There was standing room only at the church for her funeral, which shows the impact she made on so many people who knew her. To Saniya, I dedicate "Butterfly" a local vocal by Sirrah, who sang it '"live" during the tributes before the funeral.
Sirrah - Butterfly [Source: Sirrah Music, 2016]
The Good Father
One of my friends from school buried her Dad on March 21, 2019. She and her brother, Gregory, eulogized, their father, Leigh, as someone who seemed quiet but had a wonderful sense of humour and oratorical skills. Still, he was quite strict with his children - as most dads from that era were. He was described as a loving husband, a good father and a devout man of God. His tribute is a rendition of Psalm 23.
The Lord's My Shepherd (Crimond) arr Ayres [Source: paulayres1970, 2016]
The Visionary
Today, Barbados said farewell to the founder of the Nation Publishing Company. When he launched his own newspaper in 1973, many may not have thought it would become the national institution that it did. For what were the odds of success for a newspaper founded by a black man in an age when economic wealth still rested in the hands of Barbados' white elite? He and his enterprising team ran with that vision and made it a reality. The task now is for the current employees to help his legacy to live on.
The best tribute for him, is not in song, but to share the thoughts of one of his surviving peers, Carl Moore in a Barbados Today article.
The Late Harold Hoyte, founder of the National Publishing Company Limited
Today, I want to warmly welcome my reader(s) from: Ukraine, Russia, Antigua & Barbuda, Nigeria and the Netherlands. My reader(s) from Belgium, thank you for the repeat visits. It is so awesome to know that I am reaching persons from all over the world. I am completely humbled and really grateful that you read my musings.
Now to the topic of V.I.P. Virginity Is Possible (V.I.P.) is the title of a song by a young Barbadian, Pasquin. If you are parent to a teenager or you work
with teenagers, this one is for you.
Perhaps having recently taken a course on
child abuse prevention, I felt the need to encourage purity in youngsters.
Also, for the first time ever, I watched
some episodes of The Bachelor.
Colton Underwood, The Bachelor Season 23
Why? A
male, 27-year-old virgin was quite a novelty – and seeing all those hungry
females wanting to jump his bones was eye-opening. They were rabid, frankly
#BachelorNation. The last time I watched any of the franchise was Rachel’s
journey as the first African-American bachelorette and I had plenty to say
following a couple of episodes (https://blogspotforjbuzzy.blogspot.com/2017/07/low-blow.html).
Rachel Lindsay is interviewed by Chris Harrison during her Bachelorette journey
Then I heard an edition of Focus On theFamily with Dr. Mark Regnerus and I felt the need to remind our young people that
there is no rush – especially if you are a teenager. It does not matter where
in the world you live; do not be pressured into doing anything you are not
ready for or willing to do. If you are uncomfortable – it does not matter what
the culture is pushing – say “No”. If you are forced, report it to someone you
trust who will believe you.
No Ring, No Ting
One of my fave soca songs some years ago
was by Sean Daniel of Trinidad and Tobago, “No Ring No Ting” and here before
rendering that song at a rally, he testifies that both he and his wife were
virgins when they married.
No
Ring No TingSean Daniel [2008: Russell Jones,
Youth Concert]
Honestly, I want to highlight these young
men, as the assumption is that it is impossible for a male to remain a virgin.
Yet, the much sought-after, Bachelor Colton, was so busy pursuing his career
that he did not consummate a relationship before his Bachelor journey. So guys,
virginity is possible for you too.
Another famous sportsman who proclaimed
purity is Tim Tebow. His reasons were based on a religious perspective and even
though engaged to one of my favourite Miss Universe winners, Demi-Leigh
Nel-Peters (2017) of South Africa, he reveals that they are remaining celibate until they are
married.
Tim Tebow talks Celibacy with Demi-Leigh
Nel-Peters, How They Met and When He Knew She Was “The One” [2019: Brittany
Valdez]
In the glamorous but often superficial
world of the international entertainment industry, it is not easy for those who
may for one reason or another want to remain celibate, yet there are several
high profile persons in entertainment, who abstained or waited until marriage –
so it really is not impossible to remain pure into your 20s:
Top 10 Celebrities Who Stayed Abstinent
Until Marriage[2017: MsMojo]
So have that conversation with your
teenager, or college-age youngster. According to these high-profile celebs,
virginity/abstinence/celibacy is possible because you are a very important
person. You are a V.I.P.
A sunny welcome to the reader from Japan, Cambodia (who I think is a regular who is travelling 😉), Belgium and Ireland.
I did not post in January so best wishes for every success in 2019 to all my readers.
As I pondered the subject for this blog, I thought of highlighting the wonderful achievement of the West Indies cricket team, which beat England in two successive games to win the series and the Wisden Trophy. I thought of featuring my fave gospel songs nominated for the Grammy Awards on February 10, 2018. Then, I heard a caller on a local call-in programme reveal that a guy is so despondent over not finding a job, that he said it is better to kill or rob others to get by. A torrent of criticism followed and one well-known social activist called to give her testimony admitting to being poor and working at various jobs at different times in her young life before establishing herself in a career. The clip is 45 minutes and this discussion occurred in the last 10 minutes or so, which means you will hear a good deal about Barbados - our imperfect society and all. It is real people speaking their mind so this is as real as it gets in this island.
That excerpt will be the focus of this blog for my generation raised this "entitled" generation that wants opportunity to drop in their lap - or so it seems.
Just like the social activist who was saddened by the other caller's revelation, I was flabbergasted that this is how our young men are thinking - moreover there was a spike in violent crime in Barbados in the month of January. It was very unreal.
I will be sharing this entry with my teacher contacts because everyone, not born into privilege, has to work hard to be successful and the generations after us need to know this. The problem is that our young people see others who have achieved and believe they were always there. Look at the cast of Black Panther, comprising stellar African-American talent, yet as actors they have been told over the years there are no parts for them. Thanks to TNT for posting this clip for posterity.
Black Panther: Award Acceptance Speech | 25th Annual SAG Awards | TNT [Source: TNT 2019]
Look at former first lady, Michelle Obama, who does not hesitate to share her experience especially with young people. Imagine, she was told by a school counsellor that her expectation to get into Princeton may be too high. Imagine her outspokeness early in her husband's campaign for the 2008 Presidency earned her the label "angry, Black woman". Click on the link to hear what she said at a college registration programme in 2018.
Becoming - the memoir by Michelle Obama
We have disappointed our children. We have not raised them to focus on character - but on possessions. We have not raised them to value determination - but position. We have raised them for with a quick-fix mentality rather than to take the time to get a task done right. We need to do better to not lose our grand-children's generation in the same way.
As it is Black History Month in Barbadian schools, I'm sharing this clip on the baseball great, the late Jackie Robinson...
Jackie Robinson: This I Believe [Source: knickerbockervillage, 2013]
The fact is, life is not easy. Sometimes it is not even fair, but we owe it to ourselves to be the best we can be and to do our best and to influence others to be and do the same. It is time to heal our children - and the world.
Michael Jackson, "Heal The World" (Official Video) [Source: Micheal Jackson, 2009]
Tis the night before Christmas and all through Bimshire (another nickname for Barbados), people are "pulling down" their houses after a weekend of painting, cleaning windows and scrubbing floors. Hedges and lawns have been cut. Driveways power-washed. It is a Bajan tradition. By Christmas morning, new curtains will be up, new table-cloths and table-runners will be adorning tables. Children's eyes will be sparkling with glee at the thought of the presents under the tree.
In Barbados there is no snow, so it's the music and the traditions that proclaim Christmas is in the air.
After attending the 5:00 a.m. services at various churches across the island, people will go to Queen's Park to hear the Royal Barbados Police Force Band serenade them. Dressed in their Christmas finery, it is largely a national fashion parade.
Here is a clip of this well-known, internationally-acclaimed band playing in the park one Christmas morning.
Christmas in the Park: The Royal Barbados
Police Force Band [Sou: michigancoppins, 2015]
As a girl, it was these songs on the radio that heralded Christmas for me - and I still enjoy them.
Christmas Feeling - The Merrymen of Barbados [Edward Spencer 2013]
"The Things of Christmas" - The Draytons Two
[Credit: bajanmusicfan 2010]
A Bajan Carol, The Cecilian Singers
[Credit: Bajan Music Fan 2013]
Now, just for my new reader from Colombia, this is a parang song by a Barbadian who made her home in Trinidad, Singing Francine. Apparently it is still heard on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, during this season!
"Hurray Hurrah" - Singing Francine [Credit: Edward
Spencer, 2012]
This one is a contemporary TrinBajan connection - two young gospel singers Joshua Ali of Trinidad and Jai Simone of Barbados, who collaborated on the traditional hymn, "O Holy Night" and what a rendition it is!
"O Holy Night" - Joshua Ali featuring Jai Simone [Joshua Ali 2018]
Local radio stations have been creating nostalgia with some oldie Christmas Barbadian songs - and the thing about Christmas songs is that no matter how many years pass, many of them still sound as fresh as when they were released that first Christmas season, well for those of us who love the Christmas season. For those who don't, they are just cheesey.
As someone who enjoys cheese, take these two for the road. One is by the recently departed, Sir Don, and is a great promotion for our world-class rum industry; the other is by Nathalee Burke, who was featured for my Independence Day entry.
On that note I say as Clement Clarke Moore's Santa Claus chuckled in 'A Visit From St. Nicholas': "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night". Ho! Ho! Ho!
