LOUD Concert a Hit

It was big and it was loud. Rihanna showed the 25, 000 strong crowd at the Kensington Oval why she's an international sensation by wowing them with her string of hits.






I wasn't able to attend but everyone I knew who was in attendance woke up happy this morning.

Good job, Ri-ri. I can only imagine how difficult it is to perform in front of a home crowd.

Images: Rihannadaily.com

Only a few hours to go...

Well, peoples, in about four hours Kensington Oval will come alive with the sounds of Rihanna's Loud concert.

An estimated crowd of 25,000 is expected to attend the concert and persons from other islands have been flying in all week to attend what is probably the most high profile event held here.

Meantime, Ri-ri is enjoying her week at home, shooting a documentary and soaking up some sun.





Good luck tonight, Ri-ri!

Cover Drive opening for Rihanna's Loud Concert in Barbados

Meet Cover Drive, the Bajan pop/hiphop group that will open for Rihanna at her Loud concert at Kensington Oval on Friday. Enjoy their hit Lick Ya Down below.

Wet, wet Kadooment

It was a wet, wet Kadooment here in Bim today, but no rain could stop this jam as thousands of revellers took to the streets.

Over 20 bands wined and "jonesed" their way from Warrens to Spring Garden, and even Bajan superstar Rihanna made it out in the showers to play 'mas.





Congrats to Edwin Yearwood, whose Cova de Road emerged the winner in the Road March Competition, and to Rupee and Mr. Dale, whose hits I Am a Bajan and Wow respectively tied for second place.

And, earlier I forgot to congratulate Pic-O-de-Crop winner David "Popsicle" Hall, the first timer who beat out about four former monarchs to cop the title. He gave a fantastic performance on Friday night.

Anywho, I have some more photos of today's revelry on the road to share with you, and then, next stop, Rihanna's Loud concert on Friday! It's gonna be a fun week, peoples.

Image: www.nationnews.com/http://theybf.com

Storm warning

Image: National Hurricane Centre

Kadooment Day revelry could be seriously hampered by a tropical wave heading this way.

According to the latest advisory from the Barbados Met Office: "The strong tropical wave now located about 700 miles to the east-southeast of Barbados continues to show signs of organization. Environmental conditions remain favourable for a tropical depression to form during the next 24 hours or so, as the system moves towards the west-northwest at about 15 to 20 mph. On its present track, the leading edge of the cloud mass will begin to affecting Barbados by tomorrow afternoon, with some pockets of moderate to heavy showers, isolated thunderstorms and occasional gusty winds spreading across the island. Indications are that some of this activity will persist into Monday."

Well, folks, you know the drill. Keep tuned to the media for details and put all the usual preparations in place. Be safe out there.

God is good

What could have been the Caribbean's worse air disaster since the Cubana crash in the 1970's was thankfully a simply a close call for over 160 persons travelling on a Caribbean Airlines flight from New York to Guyana on Saturday morning.

Apparently, the pilot overshot the runway and the plane skidded out of control, barely stopping in time before plummeting down a 200 foot ravine.

Wuhloss. Repeat after me .... God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!

BIM is abuzz

Well, folks, it's a hot, long, festive weekend ahead as we move into the final phase of Crop Over.


A few minutes ago, soca star Ruper "Rupee" Clarke was crowned The People's Monarch for 2011, netting BDS$25, 000 for his song I Am A Bajan. Congrats, Rupee!

Tonight, nine contenders will attempt to unseat last year's Calypso Monarch The Mighty Gabby and grab prize money and a Kia Sportage in the Pic-o-de-Crop Finals at Kensington Oval.

They are: AC (Cave Shepherd All Stars); Chrystal Cummins-Beckles (Cave Shepherd All Stars); De Announcer (Cave Shepherd All Stars); Adonijah (De ADC Building Digicel Big Show); TC (De ADC Building Digicel Big Show); Kid Site (Bacchanal Time); Khiomal (Celebration Time); Blood (Headliners); Popsicle (House of Soca) After the Finals and in the early hous of Saturday, thousands will parade in the streets at the Fore-day Morning Jam until the sun rises. Later that day, Spring Garden Highway will come alive with local food, arts and craft at Bridgetown Market.

On Sunday, Kensington Oval will be the place to be for Cohoblopot and Monday is the big jum-up day, Kadooment (barring the impending storm washing the day out.)


Word on the street is that local superstar Rihanna will be in for the festivities, ahead of her big LOUD show at the Oval on August 5. I'll be out with my camera in case Ms. Fenty decides to 'work' it on the road.

Speaking of Ms. Ri-ri, her show is sold out. Every ticket is gone, even some $1000 one I heard were floating around.

I'll keep you posted on some of the happenings this weekend. Have a safe one, peoples!!!

Fustic House - A slice of paradise

Hi, peoples. Hope all's well with you and yours.

I'm starting my summer blogging session off with a look at one of the best kept secrets in the north of Barbados, the luxurious Fustic House in Half Moon Fort, St. Lucy.

I first saw images of this exclusive hideaway in a local tourism magazine, and I was so blown away that I visited its website to see more.

I hope to visit the property in the near future and bring you a review and some photos of this slice of paradise, but for now here are a few images courtesy of Fustic House's PR team. (Thanks, Jenny!)









Incidentally, Fustic House has a new Executive Chef, Stephen Bredemear.


The British born Stephen lives in St Peter with his Barbadian wife and their son Tyler.

Trained in the UK, Stephen spent ten years from 1985 absorbing the best European experience at four separate “Relais & Chateau” hotels with Michelin stars. First, the Hotel De La Plage, Brittany, where he trained under Laurent Ferre, then Bishopstow House Hotel in Warminster, and then the much-loved Chewton Glen Hotel in Hampshire. Stephen’s European education was finished off at the De Vere Royal Bath Hotel, Bournemouth, one of England’s oldest 5 star hotels.

In 1997, he headed for Bermuda, where he was appointed Executive Head Chef at Once Upon A Table in Devonshire, and also ran their outside catering arm for corporate events as well as state dinners for the Premier of Bermuda.

Three years later, he was appointed as Head Chef at Tamarind Cove Hotel, Barbados. He was employed for several years as Executive Chef at the new Calabaza Restaurant and in 2008, nominated Head Chef at Cove Spring House. During his time there, Stephen cooked for Royalty, celebrities and captains of industry.

Sounds like the guests at Fustic House are in good hands.

TK Toppin at AnimeKon 2011

I managed to check out AnimeKon last weekend and it was quite a departure from reality. I had no idea there were so many gamer, sci-fi and anime fans in Barbados! The outfits the young peole were wearing were crazy and entertaining for sure.

Sci-fi author TK Toppin was there promoting her debut novel The Lancaster Rule, and I took a shot of her as she was autographing a book for an eager customer.

Her second novel, The Master Key, a sequel to the Lancaster Rule, is now available online and will be in print format in late August.

Good luck, TK!

Work of local Sci-fi Author to be featured at AnimeKon

Hi, peoples. You alL know I love my books and also supporting local talent, so here's some info on a local writer I mentioned earlier, TK Toppin. She's participating in the upcoming AnimeKon on July 2 and 3:

When the annual Animation and Gaming convention AnimeKon comes off on July 2 and 3 at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, local author, TK Toppin, will be one of its main exhibitors.

Ms. Toppin will be promoting her debut science fiction (SF) romance novel The Lancaster Rule, published by Champagne Books of Canada.

AnimeKon fans will also have an opportunity to chat with TK Toppin about the other two books in the Lancaster trilogy – The Master Key and The Eternal Knot.

“Attending AnimeKon will be my first public appearance since I started writing seriously. I hope the show is well attended and I look forward to meeting and greeting SF enthusiasts,” Ms. Toppin said.

The Lancaster Rule can be purchased from DAYS Bookstore, Independence Square and Zen Bookstore, 8th Avenue, Belleville.

The Master Key will be available in ebook format in July from the Amazon, OmniLit, Fictionwise and All Romance Books websites, with the paperback version hitting bookstores in August. The Eternal Knot is due to be published in early 2012.

AnimeKon will be open to the public on July 2 from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and on July 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Good luck with the writing, TK!

Rihanna to get LOUD in Barbados

I knew this day was going to come eventually.

The Barbados Tourism Authority revealed today that it has signed a multi-year deal with local superstar Rihanna to exclusively promote Barbados as a tourist destination.

In a press release today, it stated that the three-year partnership officially kicks off in Barbados on August 5, 2011 with a full-length concert of her current “Loud” tour produced by the BTA and Roc Nation.

“Barbados is a place like no other and one of the reasons for this is the spirit and national pride of our people,” said Rihanna. “I want each and every visitor to this beautiful island to experience what makes this destination different from all others and that is the spirit and warmth of my fellow Barbadians.”

The BTA release further noted that as an ambassador for Barbados, over the next three years, Rihanna will exclusively promote the destination through advertising campaigns, promotional appearances and via her social media presence.

In addition to her concert in Barbados this summer, Rihanna will promote travel to the island from Brazil during her appearance on tour in September.

Well, this should be interesting. She's brave for sure, because you know what they say about a prophet in his own land. I'm sure they'll be a massive crowd in attendance for sure, definitely the Oval will be needed as a venue for this one.

I'll be sure to bring more on this mega event as time goes on.

Summer fun reading

I just finished reading a great science fiction novel written by a Bajan! It's called The Lancaster Rule, the first in a trilogy by local writer TK Toppin.
Check out the book trailers for the Lanacaster Rule and its successor, The Master Key.

Miles Robertson's quiet revolution

Although he's not as visible as his compatriots Rihanna, Shontelle or Hal Linton, musician Miles Robertson has been quietly making his mark as the backing keyboardist for British sensation and Grammy Award winner, Adele.

Robertson, who is a producer, engineer, drummer, violinist and musical director, has been performing with Adele since September 2008. He has appeared on popular TV shows such as Saturday Night Live, the View, Dancing With The Stars, as well as at the Grammy Awards with Sugarland.

His breakthrough to the international music stage came in 2005 when he toured as a backing musician for Atlantic Record's soca artiste Rupee. Rupee, who is also Barbadian, is known for his hits Tempted To Touch, which featured on the soundtrack for the Brett Ratner film After the Sunset.

Enjoy Miles and Adele below.

Rihanna's 'Man Down' video is here!

Rihanna - Man Down (Video) [World Premiere] by FMVCH

The video for Rihanna's new hot single 'Man Down' premiered last night on BET's 106 and Park.

I'm especially pleased because the song was co-written by fellow Bajan artiste (and yes, Cawmerian)Shontelle Layne.

Good job, girls! Keep that blue, yellow and black flying!

No Ordinary Show

John enjoying some Bajan hospitality

I began yesterday as a John Legend fan. I woke up this morning in love with John Legend. (Just kidding, hubby, lol)

But seriously. John Legend put down a performance out of this world last night at the Wildey Gymnasium. From the first note of When I Used To Love You to the final note of Stay With You, he had the large crowd eating out of his hands.


Opening act Philip 7 and Masala did a sterling job as well, and the high point for me was 72-member strong St. Leonard's Boys' Choir accompanying Philip 7 on the new single Blame It On Love.

John Legend sauntered on to the stage around 9:00 p.m. and staked his claim in the hearts of his fans. Did I mention he's not exactly hard on the eyes?


His band did an excellent job, but for me it was about the man and his piano. It was on sale after the show for $37,000, by the way.

The entertainer belted out hit after hit from his three albums, and the crowd screamed as the familiar strains of Ordinary People, So High, Green Light, Can't Be Your Lover, This Time and others rang out.

One lucky lady got a chance to slow dance with the singer and received a kiss and a rose. I wonder if she's recovered by now.

Wuhloss. The show was worth every penny and then some. Actually, I think I might owe John some money back. I hope to see him again in Bim one day.

John Legend's coming, y'all!

Prepare to "get lifted" when Grammy award-winning musician John Legend performs in Barbados tomorrow night at the Wildey Gymansium.

The star's performance will be preceded by local sensation Masala.

I've enjoyed John Legend's music for years and I'm really looking forward to this performance. Hopefully the weather will cooperate!

Caption It!

Go ahead, y'all, caption this photo of Rihanna taken earlier today.

Obama gets Osama...and Trump too

When I heard on Saturday night that Osama Bin Laden had not only been found but had been killed, I almost said..."who dat?"

I mean, the US turned Afghanistan upside down for the past 10 years trying to find their once ally-turned terrorist, only to find him under their noses in suburban Islamabad in Pakistan. The same Pakistan, by the way, that was supposedly searching high and low for him as well. Not a good look, Pakistan...

Well, I can only hope that there aren't any reprisals as a result of bin Laden's death. I think the world needs a break from the senseless wars that have taken place in the last decade.

Americans are really something else. Obama has gotten lynched for trying to achieve universal health care for his citizens and now that his country's most wanted fugitive has been taken out under his watch, folks are shouting "four more years"....

Meanwhile, as a crowner to a politically-charged week, President Obama got a chance to stick it to his critics at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, especially 2012presidential hopeful, Donald Trump. I won't spoil it for you, you can watch it yourself. Too sweet....

Prince William and Kate Middleton marry

Congratulations to the newly ennobled Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Princess Catherine, who tied the knot earlier today in probably one of the most highy-anticipated media events since the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009.

I was up at 5 a.m. to watch the arrivals and the procession of the bridal party to Westminster Abbey, and I'll tell you, I got a bit teary-eyed as I saw Prince William, who I swear I can remember the day he was born (God I'm getting old), walk into the church to begin a new chapter of his life. I was emotional too because it would have been great if his mother were alive to see the day.

Ah wells. Congrats to the happy couple, and this is where the fun now begins, guys!

Image: Just Jared

I'm Back......

Hey my goodly peoples. Missed me? I've been taking a break from blogging and working on other projects.

I must admit I was tempted to come back and vent on all the crazy ish that has happened over the last few months. We've had talk about a silent PM; Redjet drama; and ongoing Mia Mottley vs OwenArthur vs Rawle Eastmond drama.

Don't even talk about the Shanique Myrie incident - wuhloss. To borrow from Beenie Man I was wondering "has the world gone mad?" And on top of all this, the same crazy world is scheduled to end on my b'day, May 21.

Anyhoo, I'm back for now and I hope you're all good out there. Thanks for your emails and a big bless up to my new subscibers. I'll tackle the above topics over the next few days.

In the meantime, enjoy a little workout from my girl Beyonce. It's her contribution to Mrs. Obama's get healthy campaign in the US. Laterz, si dieu veux.

Another Grammy for Rihanna

Congrats to Bajan pop star Rihanna, who chalked up another Grammy at tonight's awards. She copped the award for Best Dance Recording for "Only Girl (In The World)").

I'm sure before the night is over Rih-Rih will take home a few more awards.

But for real, though, what on earth was she wearing on the red carpet? The dress looked like strategically placed bath tub bubbles. Well, she was in good company for odd dress of the night, because Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry and a few others looked like they were ready for Halloween.

More news later....

BMA Red Carpet - The couples

And on to the couples. Thanks once more to Photoboss.


Velvet-voiced singer Dwane Husbands holds an armful of gorgeous on the red carpet.


I almost didn't recognise Biggie Irie wihtout his trademark cap. His companion is wearing one of the more unique dresses of the night.


Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley and his wife are looking dapper and coordinated.


Attorney and up-and-coming politico Santia Bradshaw is a head turner in this red and black ruffled number. Her boyfriend Tony Hoyos doesn't clean up too badly either.


This daring number looks good - on this young lady. It should never be accessorized with back fat.


Another unique, daring number. But I can hardly see past the eye shadow.


Full blown gorgeous dress.


Multiple BMA winner Anderson 'Blood' Armstrong and his date are cute in red.

BMA's Red Carpet - The men

As promised, here are some more photos from the red carpet of the Barbados Music Awards 2011, again thanks to Photoboss.


These two are ready for their audition for Men in Black 3.


Different looks, different style, same cool effect. Though I'm not totally sold on the white shoes. Leave that for Richard Stoute, guy on right.


Why so serious, Ram? All that patting and cranking have you tired?


I'm not sure if this look was intentional so let's not call it a homage to Michael...

Things that make you go hmm on the St. John by-election trail....

The by-election in the parish of St. John is in full swing, with the usual bickering and personal attacks that have come to personify Bajan election campaigns. Hardly any of the speakers are attempting to deal with the real issues that are affecting the rural parish, amd frankly I can't wait for January 20th to come just to get it over with.

For those persons not following the Barbadian political scene, the DLP is being represented by the widow of former Prime Minister, David Thompson, and the BLP by businessman Hudson Griffith.

The general consensus is that Griffith doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell to win the seat, since St. John has been a DLP stronghold for over 50 years. But, you never know in politics.


The comments being made on the campaign trail range from the ridiculous to the hilarious, with a good dose of defamatory on the side. Below are just some of the things that make me go hmmmm as I read the coverage.

1) Where have all these former BLP Cabinet ministers like Anthony Wood and Noel Lynch reapppeared from all of a sudden? Is their presence on the platform an indication that they plan to run in the next general election?

2) Why is the DLP treating the St. John Polyclinic like a political football? Either complete the structure or demolish it already!

3) Has roast breadfruit replaced corned beef and biscuits in politics in Bim?

4) Why is Opposition Leader Owen Arthur fixating on Mara Thompson being born in St. Lucia, when for decades he has been seen as a proponent of the CSME and CARICOM unity?

5)Why is the BLP drawing attention to Mrs. Thompson's land of birth when its own candidate was born in St. Vincent?

Just wondering....


Image: www.nationnews.com

Barbados Music Awards Red Carpet - The women

No awards show is complete without red carpet coverage, and the Barbados Music Awards is no different. Here are photos of some of the ladies who graced the carpet, courtesy of PhotoBoss.


I'm not sure, but I think blue is her favourite colour....

Song bird Indra Rudder's (left) snug-fitting metallic dress falls short of looking glam because of its pairing with some rather sinister looking boots. Girl, you better run, PETA's coming your way....

Entertainer Ayana John nails it in this sparkly blue number.

NCF CEO Dr. Donna Hunte-Cox (right) and her companion look lovely, but they're in danger of being upstaged by their eyeshadow.

Singer extraordinaire Ria Borman looks every inch a star. I never realised how much she looks like M'onique....

Uhmm, poet lady whose name I can't recall, Halloween is long gone. Unless you're trying to match your makeup with your shoes....

Words fail me. Next.

What in the Bride of Frankenstein hell happened here? But she has such a sweet smile though.

Stop tugging the dress down. It was short when you left home. You look nice, though.

See, ladies. It's possible to be covered up and still look great.

Aww. This little angel stole the show. This is how you work a red carpet! Tomorrow, the men and couples.