Running for NIFCA Gold

When Jennifer Walker first stepped into the world of creatives, it did not begin under bright stage lights but rather in the quiet corners of curiosity. As a child, she was captivated by performing arts and the stories of the world unfolding on television screens and it was that early fascination which led her behind the scenes, where she started working in technical roles, learning the mechanics of storytelling from the ground up.But it wasn’t long before the arts pulled her in more deeply. With each step, from visual arts to music, and eventually to theatre, Walker found herself drawn closer to the heart of creative expression and as a result of being raised in a culturally engaged family and deeply observant of the world around her, she developed a keen interest in the lives and stories of everyday Barbadians. 

That sensitivity came to life in her first theatrical work – a piece inspired by women she saw working in the cane fields as she was driving and their strength and resilience sparked something in her. “I thought, do we celebrate our women? And that question led to me writing a piece as a tribute to celebrate these women from cane cutters to all agricultural workers and I named it ‘A Proud Bajan Woman.’ So, that was my first which later inspired the beloved “Cane Cutter” character which is known widely and now emblematic of her writing and creative voice. 

For Walker, her evolution as an artist came naturally and her immersion into the world of theatre gave her the opportunity to write and to speak to issues and situations happening in the country at the time. Ultimately, her work became a reflection of society, raw, humorous and honest. Through characters like “the garbage collector” and “the bag lady,” she brought to life the struggles and strength of everyday people.  

But her performances were not simply entertainment but  were acts of advocacy, and it was this deepening commitment to story-telling that led to one of the most defining moments of her career. She said “after years of vying for the gold, and missing it slightly each time, I felt like it was an elusive goal and I felt like an athlete. It was also around the period when Obadele Thompson received the bronze medal at the Olympics so those two factors married in my mind and I decided that year my piece was titled ‘I Running for NIFCA Gold.’ I felt something good about it and ultimately I placed it into the hands of Cicily Spencer-Cross as I figured I needed to place it into the hands of a director. Together, brought it to life and was even able to have Obadele Thompson present on finals night as part of the act to crown me. That was my first gold, after almost 25 years of training and competition and for me that was the best moment of my career up until now.” 

Meet Jennifer Walker, celebrated writer, performer and NIFCA Awardee

But even as her name became synonymous with excellence at NIFCA, Walker never lost sight of her purpose with her work often tackling environmental issues, domestic violence and civil responsibility. She said “people saw me as the voice of the people.I entertained, educated and agitated but never violated. I was not afraid to deal with any issue, even if it meant stepping on a few toes.”  

One story that remains close to her heart came from a woman who approached her after she performed ‘I Got Flowers Today,’ a powerful piece about domestic violence. “She told me, ‘You saved my life.She said she saw herself in that coffin, and that gave her the courage to leave the relationship. That lady is still my friend to this day.” It is these moments specifically which remind her why she writes and performs. “When you perform, people are hearing you, people are seeing you. You have to make sure that when you leave that stage, something has been taught, an action is taken, or an action is stopped because of what you have said.” 

After decades of performing, writing, and directing, Walker has also become a respected NIFCA judge and what she describes as a full-circle moment that gives her a new appreciation for the craft. “For many years I thought, ‘The judges don’t understand,’but now that I am a judge, I see it differently. The standard and criteria is so high so even a bronze is something to be proud of.” 

Reflecting on decades of creative work and a long list of accolades, Walker emphasizes that NIFCA is a platform that validates artistic effort, fosters discipline and creates opportunity for experimentation. “If you come in, come in with purpose in whatever you do, whether that be music, theatre, visual arts – think about what message you want to leave on the stage to inspire change. It is about your contribution to bringing a message and using your writing to uplift the country.” 

For Jennifer Walker, NIFCA was and is still more than a competition but more of a creative and transformative space. It was the bridge between ambition and opportunity and a platform which allowed her to become the creative , advocate and mentor that she is today. Reflecting on her journey, she is filled with gratitude. “It has been fulfilling and rich in accomplishment and purpose. I have been able to be a voice for my people and my country, and that is what I have always wanted.” 

As for what’s next? Walker said “I am still writing, still producing, still acting. It’s a continuum.” (PR)