Dance and sing with NIFCA this WEEKEND!

NIFCA Online is moving into high gear with its content as the country celebrates this Independence/Republic weekend.

Viewers can enjoy two productions featuring music and dance. On Friday night, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Bajan Song Book will premier at 8 p.m. and Saturday will feature Mastery of Movement – The Gene Carson Journey at 8 p.m.

The Bajan Song Book is musical production documenting the 55 most popular songs over Barbados’ 55 years of Independence, as voted by the public.

What makes this production special is that it shines a spotlight on some of the island’s most promising young talent. The young acts will perform alongside the undeniable gems of our musical history inclusive of experienced stalwarts such as Adrian Clarke, Biggie Irie, Natahlee, and Andre Woodvine all backed by a 16-piece band, led by John Roett. The production presents the content in a series of expertly crafted arrangements and medleys to pay homage to the original works and their creators and their collective impacts on the Barbadian landscape.

The Bajan Song Book features Jeliah Boyce, Janisa Alleyne, Reniece Bonnett, Darren Watson, Aaliyah Cumberbatch, Akyem Barrow, Aisha Butcher, Emari Browne – Browne Star, Joshua Gay – Alix Cage, Janisa Alleyne, Jeliah Boyce, Kareen Agard, Kweku Jelani, Kymorhi Trotman, Kevin Watson – Sluggy Dan, Mikel Gooding, Peter Cox, Reniece Bonnett, Rochelle Griffith, Shekara Straker, Tariq Ellis and Yahandje Daniel. 

Viewers will have the pleasure of enjoying from Rudy Boyce’s “Let’s Make Love One More Time With Feeling” to Peter Ram’s “Good Morning” and everything in between.

NCF’s Music Officer Kevin Moore said a feeling of patriotism and nostalgia is guaranteed. 

“Bajan Song Book promises to be the pinnacle of Bajan entertainment this Independence Season with a perfect blend of youth, experience, talent and nostalgia, to produce a quality event of class. Tune in, 8 p.m. Friday 26th November, and be wowed,” he said.

The second treat of the weekend, Mastery of Movement – The Gene Carson Journey is a virtual dance celebration of the work of dance icon and master choreographer, Gene ‘Carson’ Cumberbatch-Lynch. 

With a career that spans over 30 years, Gene as he is affectionately known, has worked with numerous dancers and groups locally, regionally and internationally winning a plethora of awards for his works. 

Known as a prolific choreographer, he has choreographed in many genres including Modern, Caribbean Folk, Cuban Technique and Praise Dance. Gene has also created and developed the first local dance technique in Barbados called the Gene Carson Landship Technique. 

NCF’s Dance Officer Alicia Payne-Hurley said the production should not be missed not only by lovers of dance but those interested in viewing an entertaining package.

“Mastery of Movement – The Gene Carson Journey highlights excerpts of selected choreographies by Gene Carson and a special feature, which concentrates on the cinematic expression of existing dance works, bringing them to life on screen.”

The show will feature performances from Akeem Chandler-Prescod, Kemal Marshall, Dancin’ Africa, Pearls Dance Academy, Louise Woodvine Dance Academy, Psalm 150, Pinelands Creative Workshop, The Barbados Landship Association, Israel Lovell Foundation, Dance Strides Barbados, Barbados Dance Theatre, Barbados Community College and Of Another Nature.

The tribute is co-produced by Dr. John Hunte artistic director of Barbados Dance Theatre where Gene’s dance journey started and is directed by Ahlena Vaughan a former student of Gene. 

Log on to wwww.nifcaonline.com and be a part of this immersive dance experience and sing along to the 55 hits in the Bajan Song Book. (PR)