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Wesu Wallace Joins The Voice UK

K.F. Cumberbatch
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Wesu Wallace Joins The Voice UK

Wesu Wallace has earned a spot on the television talent show The Voice UK. Now in it’s seventh season, Wallace appeared on yesterday’s episode of the series during it’s “blind audition” stage. Here, the four judges have their backs turned to the contestants as they perform and must press a button on their seats to turn them around if they want the contestant on their team. The four judges on this season of the series are will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson, Sir Tim Jones and Olly Murs. will.i.am was the only judge to invite Wallace onto their team. The thirty-six year old Wallace sang Sam Smith’s “I’m Not The Only One.”

According to The Sun and The Daily Mail, Wallace was born in Zimbabwe and moved to Barbados when he was ten years old. Speaking to the judges, Wallace said that he travelled to the UK by himself to audition for the show. Wallace is no stranger to television talent shows, however. OK Magazine reports that Wallace was a contestant on the British series Pop Idol (the show which led to American Idol) in 2003, when the show stopped airing. Wallace made it to the top 32.

Despite only having been chosen by one of the judges, their overall response to Wallace’s performance was positive. As was that of the fans on Twitter, with some users naming Wallace the eventual winner.

Wallace said to Zeitgeist:

“I decided to audition because I felt like I had something to offer and The Voice [UK] was my best shot. It felt like the world handed me priceless gems when will.i.am turned for me. He is a master after all.”

When asked how confident he was that he would make it through, he said that it wasn’t a matter of confidence and it just felt like his time. To Barbadians supporting him he would like to say: “Big up to my Bajans around the world. I will represent as long as I keep the torch burning.”

Follow Wallace’s journey by watching The Voice UK every Saturday on ITV and by watching the contestants’ performances on the show’s YouTube channel. See the video below for Wallace’s audition.

Ch’An Drops ‘Body’ Behind-the-Scenes Video

K.F. Cumberbatch
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Ch’An Drops ‘Body’ Behind-the-Scenes Video

A little over two months after the release of the music video for her latest single “Body”, local singer/songwriter Ch’An has released a behind-the-scenes video about its making. Posted this past Friday on her YouTube channel, the video was put together by the same team behind the music video itself, Movement Film Collective. At the top of the video, before it really gets to the nitty gritty details of the process of shooting the music video, there are two cheeky title cards that read: “if any of this material seems unclear or chaotic we’ve done our job.”

Featured in the video are behind-the-scenes photographer and gimbal operator Neil C. Marshall, director Clish Gittens, production manager and Ch’An’s manager Mosi Daniel, cinematographer Melanie Grant, assistant director Vonley Smith, editor and colourist Jason A. Russell, co-star Emmanuel Tyson, the song’s producer and production assistant on the music video Denzil “Diggz” Bovell and, of course, Ch’An herself.

One thing that is very evident in the video is that the creatives behind and in front of the camera had an immense amount of fun making the music video.

Watch the music video for “Body” above and check out the behind-the-scenes video below. Find out more about Ch’an on her website www.chanbarbados.com.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QM_EQlqunis

Honey Jazz Barbados Festival 2018 Gala

K.F. Cumberbatch
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Honey Jazz Barbados Festival 2018 Gala

The vocal talents of some of Barbados’ best female singers were put on full display, much to the delight of all in attendance, at Saturday’s Honey Jazz Barbados Gala; the Diamond Event of the Honey Jazz Barbados Festival, which ran from January 19th to 28th this year. This year’s performers were Gigi, Leigh Phillips, Angelique Archer, Vanessa Phillips, Kenyah Joseph, Ava-Marissa Lee, Jessica Rose, Valentine Meniaud, Rhea Layne and Canadian artist, Shakura S’aida.

I’ve said it before of Honey Jam/Jazz events and I’ll say it here again; these shows are an amazing showcase of just how much talent exists here in Barbados in the music arena and how very gifted our young people are. Every last one of the local women who graced the stage had beautiful, strong, melodic voices that they demonstrated a masterful control of and were charismatic in their impassioned performances.

Kenyah Joseph

Far and away the best of the night, however, was Kenyah Joseph, a Honey Jam alum who made her debut performance at last year’s Honey Jam concert where she was also among the breakout stars. This girl is amazing! She has such a big and powerful voice for one her age. When she introduced herself on stage she seemed timid, but once she started singing her confidence came through magnificently. Singing “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from the musical Dreamgirls, she gave both Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson a run for their money. She received thunderous – and perhaps the loudest – applause from the audience and was the only person to get a standing ovation.

Other noteworthy performances came from Vanessa Phillips who sang “My Baby Just Cares for Me” and “Straighten Up and Fly Right” and got the second loudest and most enthusiastic round of applause from the audience, Ava-Marissa Lee’s performance of “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” which featured a captivating guitar solo from Xavier Jhon-Clair, Jessica Rose who sang a brilliant original song that was the definition of perfection and Leigh Phillips’ dazzling performance with local dance group Riddim Tribe.

When a master steps on stage, you know. When special guest performer Shakura S’aida stepped on stage to perform “God Bless the Child” and “Let the Good Times Roll”, her presence was felt before she said a word. In the silent moments after she approached the microphone and before she spoke, her expertise and prowess was evident. S’Aida was an enthralling performer who was elegant and sophisticated. So much so, in fact, that I forgot to write notes. She showed everyone who preceded her How. It’s. DONE. She was effortless and had energy, charisma and passion.

Shakura S’aida

Aside from the performances on stage, the band Focus from St. James Secondary School serenaded attendees during the red carpet reception and the intermission. Here too there were all female performers who showed talent and potential. They should, hopefully, one day join the Honey Jam artist development programme where they can receive the development and refining they deserve. They were joined by the latest winner of Richard Stoute Teen Talent, Trinity Clarke, who will also hopefully join Honey Jam in the future.

Focus

For photos from this event, visit our Facebook page here: Honey Jazz 2018 Gala.

ICYMI: A Caribbean Dream Nominated For Three National Film Awards

K.F. Cumberbatch
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ICYMI: A Caribbean Dream Nominated For Three National Film Awards

The Barbadian-UK co-production, produced by Lynette Eastmond and Melissa Simmonds and written and directed by Barbadian filmmaker Shakirah Bourne, has received three nominations for the National Film Awards UK. Now in its fourth year, the National Film Awards is, as described on it’s website: “an annual awards ceremony produced by the National Film Academy to celebrate the achievements of established and independent filmmakers , actors , actresses, casting directors, production companies and crew who make up the motion picture industry” and is the only film awards that allows the public to both nominate and vote in all of its a categories.

The three categories that A Caribbean Dream has been nominated in are Best Supporting Actor for Sam Gillet, Best Drama and Best Screenplay for Shakirah Bourne. The film shares the company of films such as Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Baby Driver, Dunkirk and Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Well known personalities in the film industry whom have also received nominations include Nathalie Emmaniel, Daniel Kaluuya, Halle Berry, Ewan McGregor, Jude Law, Rupert Grint, Christopher Nolan, Andy Serkis, Sean Connery and many more.

Voting for the awards began on January 15th and will close on the 28th of March. In order to vote, you must register for the site. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony being held on March 28th. For the full list of nominees and to register to vote click here: National Film Awards UK 2018 Nominees.

A Caribbean Dream is available for download on iTunes, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play in the UK and the Caribbean and on Virgin Movies and Sky Store in the UK only. The soundtrack is available on iTunes and Spotify.

Watch the trailer below:

Featurette with Ch’An

K.F. Cumberbatch
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Featurette with Ch’An
Photo provided by Cha’an. Photography by Kenny Theysen.

Ch’an is a Barbadian singer hailing from the parish of St. Philip and brand ambassador for local music streaming site Selecta Charts. After giving a show stopping performance as a spotlight artist in 2016’s Mahalia’s Corner season with her rendition of Sia’s “Chandelier”, Ch’an was invited back to perform later that year in the Mahalia’s Corner Christmas Special as the featured artist. There too she wowed the crowd with what we described as “soulful, jazzy renditions of well known Christmas songs with a twinge of Caribbean flavour” in our review of the night. Not only did she give an encore performance of “Chandelier” and her original song “My Story”, she also performed the song that is the topic of discussion today: “Body.”

Last November she released “Body” as a single along with a sensual music video which co-starred local up and coming male model Emmanuel Tyson. To date, the video has over 3400 views on YouTube and the single hasn’t fallen out of the top ten on Selecta Charts since it debuted, even topping the charts at number one at one point. With all of the success the single has seen, we invited Ch’an to talk to us about it. And she obliged.

Zeitgeist: What was the response to the music video for “Body” like?

Ch’An: The response has been great. Very organic. I haven’t really launched my marketing campaign for it as yet. It’s just been thousands of people watching and sharing. That was beyond my wildest dreams.

Z: How did you come up with the creative for the video?

C: I saw the Timothy Bloom video with V Bozeman: ‘Til The End Of Time,’ as well as John Legend’s video for ‘Made to Love,’ and thought that I’d like to do something similar as a central idea but with other visuals supporting that theme. I had an idea for an Adam & Eve concept that evolved into what you see now. When I communicated with the director, Clish Gittens, and the rest of the Movement Film Collective team they took what I had in my head and made it so much better.

Z: How was the production process?

C: This was my first time tackling a music video from concept to finish. Let me say it was a wild ride. If it wasn’t for this collection of people I’m sure I would have fallen way short of my vision rather than surpassing it. My manager Mosi Daniel, then just one of my more actively supportive friends, was like: “No girl, let me help you get this done properly.” He swooped in and outted a few potential fires. I owe special thanks to him and his company Riptide Music Group, Travis Springer and the owners and operators: Roger Moore and Sanna Allsop of Parachute Film Studios who really went out of their way to help make sure the vision came off. I must thank The Movement Film Collective and my LavaLamp brothers for pouring some sweat into the vision too. I know we had Jason Russell pulling out some hair in that editing room!

“Body” video shoot behind the scenes photo.
TOP ROW – Mosi Daniel (Manager), Ch’An, Emmanuel Tyson, Jason Russell (Editor, Movement Film), Xavier Jhon Clair (LavaLamp Media Group), Roger Moore (Parachute Film Studios)
BOTTOM ROW – Clish Gitten (Director, Movement Film), Melanie Grant (First Camera, Movement Film), Vonley Smith (Second Camera, Movement Film).
Photo provided by Ch’an. Click for full sized image.

Z: What inspired you to write the song?

C: All of my writing is based on real life things. I fell hard, it didn’t wind up being something that could work and I was TORN UP girl! “Body” was me focusing on the fact that the pain I felt came from something beautiful – that the ugliness of it all was just the absence of that beauty. I guess I just wanted to feel the good bits again, even if it was just for 5 minutes, you know?

 

Z: Do you usually write your own music?

C: Well I’ve only just recently reclaimed the steering wheel of my career. So now I’m doing all [of] my writing and telling my story the way I’ve always wanted to. Before I had made this giant move, I had the pleasure of working with Rupert Gayle of CRS Music and Bobby and Sammy of Kuya Productions. These guys were the first people to ask me what I wanted to talk about with my music when it was time to write. It was so novel. We’ve kept in touch and they have continued to encourage me to self-express. So now I’m very involved in the writing. I do still collaborate but most of the things you’ll be hearing from me are my own songwriting. “Body” was a 15 minute song at 3 am. I was home, alone in my room. I think that’s an okay formula, no? Lol.

“Body” Cover Art by Selman Designs. Art provided by Ch’An,

Z: You mentioned on your page that it took two years of work. Why did it take so long?

C: I was mostly kidding with that statement LOL! It was only a year and a little bit. I think because I wasn’t trying to rush the process and honestly, I also had a lot of fear that it wouldn’t be well received. It’s not matching the tempo and energy of current music so I felt like people wouldn’t connect with it but the joke was on me, it turns out this is for the baby makers and those who just enjoy practicing lol!

Z: Denzil “Diggs” Bovell produced the song, what was it like working in the studio with him?

C: Diggz, Xavier Jhon Clair and myself had already created LavaLamp Media Group (a music production and songwriting business) together so the synergy was already there by the time I finally put “Body” down in the vocal booth. I met Diggz for the first time earlier last year through Jody Smith – I was delivering on a promise to do some background vocals for Jody’s song ‘Believe’ – and just liked his energy and production quality immediately. I listened to some other things he had worked on and looked him dead in the eye and said: “You’re my producer now. You know that right?” We’ve probably seen each other or spoken to each other every week since then. That’s my li’l brother now; studio with him is always good energy. Egos stay at the door and it’s all about the music.

Z: How do you feel now that it’s finally finished and out?

C: Honestly, I feel silly for being so scared in the first place. I feel grateful because really it was a whole squad that made the entire thing possible. You can follow my hashtag on [Instagram] to see all of the #BodySquad in action. I’ve got more cool [behind the scenes] stuff to drop on you soon. I also feel excited because “Body” was just the beginning, an introduction of sorts to what I want people to expect from me. I want you to feel the authenticity, the connection, the feel good vibes – everything. And I feel like “Body” was a great place to start. Now that it’s out, I just feel blessed. Scratch that – I know I’m blessed.

“Body” video shoot behind the scenes photos.
RIGHT: Model Emmanuel Tyson, Director Clish Gittens, Ch’An.
MIDDLE: Editor Jason Russel, Director Clish Gittens
LEFT: Ch’an, Model Emmanuel Tyson.
Photos provided by Ch’An.
Click for full size image.

Z: Have you always wanted to pursue a career in music? How did you get into it?

C: I’m every cliche there ever was about a singer: I grew up in the church and sang solos there. I joined my school choir at both primary and secondary school and was a soloist in both places, I sang at just about every wedding and family function, I sing in the shower (this is very therapeutic and I recommend it even if you “can’t sing”) – I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing. I would’ve ended up here regardless I think. But I can still thank Steffan Burgess (now of REI Fashion Academy) for giving me my first paying gig; he heard me singing in the hallways of UWI and booked me for the St. Philip Trade Show. I’ll never forget it when he said: “So the budget small so we can only manage $150. That could work for you? And I said “Wait you gonna pay me?” He said “Of course, never ask that again. Always ask how much.” He turned my hobby into a business opportunity – THANK YOU STEFFAN!

Z: Should we expect a new album from you soon?

C: Yes please. An EP though, not a full length album! Keep your eyes peeled for new music dropping on Selecta Charts first and keep an eye on my social media platforms too. There’s a website – https://www.chanbarbados.com/ –  now so you can get news first there!

Z: When next can we see you perform?

I do a lot of private performances at the moment, but I’m always ready to hit a stage near you so check the website which has public performances posted and is super up to speed on everything. My instagram (@chanbarbados) is also another great place to find out where I’ll be. In the meantime though, if you want to book me it’s super easy. Shoot my management an email at riptidemusicgroup@gmail.com. He’s very prompt with answering those emails – it’s like he doesn’t sleep! Lol.

Photo provided by Ch’An. Photography by Kenny Theysen. Click for full size image.

Mustardseed Productions’ ‘Duelling Voices’

K.F. Cumberbatch
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Mustardseed Productions’ ‘Duelling Voices’

This past Saturday, January 20th, at the Daphne Joseph Hackett Theatre in Queen’s Park, Mustardseed Productions’ Youth Theatre Ensemble put on their production of the play Duelling Voices by Trinidadian playwright Zeno Obi Constance. Directed by Luci Hammans and produced by Varia Williams, the play stars Abayomi Harper, Alron Brathwaite, Ashley Serieux, Cara O’ Donnell, Kymorhi Trotman, Makalah Harrison, Melissa Hunte, Ocean Campbell, Skyye Lambert and Symar Doyle. Set in a secondary school, the play deals with the issue of inappropriate relationships between students and their teachers.

The most outstanding element of this production is its cast. This group of young people, which comprises of secondary school and Barbados Community College students, is immensely talented. I was blown away by their skill as actors. They all played more than one role and brought each character they played to life in a way that was engaging.

They were expressive in the delivery of their lines and delivered with their physical performance. A couple of them messed up their lines a little, but like true professionals they stayed in character and carried on. Not once did they miss a beat. The standout performer in the cast was Kymorhi Trotman. He had such energy and charisma that he stole all of the attention whenever he appeared on stage. It was nice to have a reminder of how talented Barbadians are in the arena of the creative arts.

The play is only about an hour long but it is the perfect length for this production. It didn’t need to be any longer. It didn’t need to explore the consequences of the teacher’s – Eric Johnstone – actions or the aftermath of the bombshell revelation that came at the end. And although it would have been satisfying to see the teacher get his due for taking advantage of one of his students, none of that was the point of the piece’s message or the main character’s – Marge – story arc. The point was for Marge, who romanticised the situation, to come to realise that it was wrong and she was being taken advantage of. The play made that point and delivered its message very well and very succinctly.

Despite tackling such a serious topic, the play was actually very fun and there were several moments of comedy within it. However, it didn’t detract from the gravity of the issue nor was it done in a way that made the audience laugh at the situation or take it less seriously. Striking such a balance can be difficult and Hammans needs to commended for succeeding in doing so. The comedy truly helped with the delivery of the theme and easing the audience into being confronted with such an uncomfortable topic. It was the proverbial spoonful of sugar.

The piece plays with societal expectations and gender politics as well and its subject matter certainly lends itself to that. As pointed out by an audience member during the Q&A session afterward, Marge isn’t the “fast” girl you’d think would get involved with her teacher; she’s a straight “A” student. And as the actress who portrayed her, Abayomi Harper, observed, was called a whore despite having only had one partner – Johnstone – when he was the one who flirted with and gawked at every woman he came into contact with and was a married man cheating on his wife.

One, very minor nitpick that really comes down to personal preference, was that the play did feel a bit heavy handed when discussing the sanctity of the student/teacher relationship. It almost reached a point where it could have felt like the play was beating you over the head with it, but it pulled back just before it could get there.

Overall, Duelling Voices, was a wonderful production that highlighted brilliant young actors who need more opportunities to perform and hone their craft. Not only did it show how talented they are, but it showcased the gifts of the “behind-the-stage” team as well. It deftly explored a problem that is endemic in our schools and desperately needs to be addressed in a way that didn’t overwhelm the audience, but still emphasised the urgency.

PRESS RELEASE: Honey Jazz Barbados Festival Launch

K.F. Cumberbatch
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PRESS RELEASE: Honey Jazz Barbados Festival Launch
Honey Jazz Festival Founder Ebonnie Rowe. Photo provided by Honey Jazz. Photography by A3KD Inc.

The annual Honey Jazz Barbados Festival had their launch at Frank Collymore Hall where producer Ebonnie Rowe announced that this year’s festival “features a week of activities January 19-28 at venues across the island from St. Philip to St. Lawrence Gap to Bridgetown to Surfer’s Bay! Jazz enthusiasts will have an opportunity to enjoy a dinner/show combo, a freestyle jam session, even a cooldown Sunday Yoga session. There is something for everyone!”

Rowe, while acknowledging that sponsorship had been challenging, was clear in her commitment to producing the Festival against the odds, saying that “you don’t give up when you have a passion for something just because things get hard”. She went on to announce that they are excited to have the support of the Canadian High Commission who will be flying in Canadian artist Shakura S’Aida to do some vocal coaching with the artists and to make a special appearance this evening on the Concert stage.

Her Excellency High Commissioner Marie Legault of the Canadian High Commission.
Photo provided by Honey Jazz.

Her Excellency High Commissioner Marie Legault spoke at the launch and said she is excited about partnering with the brand since they have a shared vision in promoting women. She commented, “Personally I am very passionate about gender issues, about women’s rights as is the Government of Canada. Ebonnie is a trailblazer who has been working assiduously for over 20 years to support young women. We are very happy to be associated with her initiatives.” She assured although this was the first time they areworking with Honey Jazz it would not be the last and that she will also be hosting a special reception for Honey Jazz at her private residence to celebrate the Festival and welcome artist Shakura S’Aida to the island.

Sponsor Dr. Kerry Hall of Barbados Tourism Product Inc. said “Events such as this are wonderful, top class, high quality experiences for our visitors. The BTPA is happy to forge a partnership with Honey Jazz to ensure that the event continues so that visitors can go back home and tell others.  Partnerships such as this allow us to achieve our objectives as we seek to develop a sustainable cultural industries sector.”

Honey Jazz host Caroline Reid. Photo provided by Honey Jazz. Photography by A3KD Inc.

Musical director Jomo Slusher, Bandleader Kevyn Lynch and Honey Jazz host Caroline Reid all spoke about their support of the festival and the importance of platforms for local artists and musicians to be celebrated and recognized.

At the end of the launch, some of the artists performing at the festival treated the audience to an impromptu Jazz freestyle, showing the world class talent that will be taking to the stage.

Barbados Independent Film Festival Awards 2018 Winners

K.F. Cumberbatch
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Barbados Independent Film Festival Awards 2018 Winners

As it did last year, this year’s Barbados Independent Film Festival came to a close with a moonlit, beach-side screening of short films at the Southern Palms Beach Club in Dover, Christ Church. Along with the screenings were the awards for the festival. Below is the list of winners.

 

Jury Awards

Best Feature Length Narrative Film

6 Dynamic Laws for Success (In Life, Love & Money) by Gregory Bayne

Best Local Filmmaker Award

Rommel Hall for Abiola by Rommel Hall

Carmichael Award for Exceptional Storytelling

Green Days by the River by Michael Mooleedhar

McNeel Impact Award

SEED: The Untold Story  by Jon Betz

 

Honorary Awards

Best Short on the Beach

Climate Countdown by Kaia Rose

Audience Choice Award

Concealed by Lyall Sumner

The Sir Trevor Carmichael & Jennifer Smith Founders Award 

Poetry is an Island – Derek Walcott by Ida Does

BIFF Wish It Were Longer Short Award

Standing Eight by Kazy Tauginas

Best Short Film

See You Yesterday by Stefon Bristol

Best Documentary Film

Chasing Coral by Jeff Orlowski

Best of Festival Award

Bad Idea Gone Wrong by Jason Headly

 

Honorary Awards

Award for Artistic Excellence

Alison Hinds

Trident Award for Achievement in Film

Shakirah Bourne

Lifetime Achievement Award

Lone Scherfig

‘Green Days by the River’ Film Review

Romario Hunte
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‘Green Days by the River’ Film Review

Green Days by the River is the film adaptation of the classic novel of the same name written by Michael Anthony in 1967. This film, written by Dawn Cumberbatch and directed by Michael Mooleedhar, is the coming of age story following the timid Shellie Lammy, called Shell, from the coastal village of Mayaro. Having an ailing father, he decides to forgo attending school to find employment. It is with this that he becomes close to his neighbor – the man with the long, sharp, cutlass at his waist and three massive Tobago dogs – Mr. Gidharee, who lets Shell take home fruits from his land for his family. This man is also the father of the dougla “jane” that Shell has had his eye on since he moved, Rosalie. It is through him that Shell becomes close to her all while Mr. Gidharee is quite fond of Shell. However, complications arise when Shell is introduced to another “jane” from Sangre Grande who he also takes a liking to. Here is where the core conflict is created.

When I first heard that this story was being translated to the screen, I honestly expected a very pedestrian transplanting of the novel. However, after watching the first five minutes of the picture, I was confident that we were in the hands of a careful filmmaker. I really want to emphasize “filmmaker” because Moodleedhar really displayed his competence in the film language within this work.

I immediately felt nostalgia for a time I myself have never experienced. I didn’t feel like I was merely looking at the past; I was immersed within it. The locations, art direction and costuming really worked together to create authentic imagery that really forced you to feel immersed in the 1954 setting.

The cinematography was very well handled even though it was unconventionally minimalistic. When watching this film, expect long takes with a slowly moving camera which is a style this reviewer enjoys, but others may find distracting. This style of cinematography works to emphasize which character’s point of view the director wants the audience to identify with. There are some scenes, however, in which the framing felt uncomfortably close. I am not sure if they were famed that way to hide modern day objects that would be anachronistic.

Screenshot from the ‘Green Days by the River’ trailer.
Pictured: Anand Lawkaran as Mr. Gidharee and Sudai Tafari as Shell.

The most memorable actor was Anand Lawkaran who plays Mr. Gidharee. He was perfectly cast as his performance felt the most authentic of all the performers on the screen; no other actor matched his authenticity. On the other hand, I was honestly a little disappointed in the performances from Sudai Tafari and Nadia Kandhai who play Shell and Rosalie respectively. Many times, their expressions and line delivery were lack-lustre as if they were not particularly sure of the motivation of particular lines.

Perhaps this could also be a problem with the script because there were some lines directly taken from the book that, while being fine in the novel, came off a little clunky on the screen. The only other nit-pick on acting that I have is Shell’s father’s coughing. I think the portrayal of sick characters is a delicate thing to balance. In this case, his coughing can come off distractingly forced. Otherwise, the performances from the cast all around were very well done.

As for the pacing of the film, it felt like it took too long to develop to the core conflict of the story; I believe this film could have been a little shorter because some scenes seemed to drag on closer to the first half of the film. However, when you felt that you were going to hit the edge of a snooze, the AMAZING score by Laura Karpman would jolt you back to life. The score for this film was pure excellence while it boosted the Caribbean flavour of this work.

Overall, I think that this film is very much a faithful adaptation of the beloved Caribbean novel and will be a must-see film for literary and motion picture students for generations to come.

Featurette with Robbi Niles

K.F. Cumberbatch
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Featurette with Robbi Niles

Robbi Niles is a Toronto based Barbadian up and coming star in music. He launched his music career in April of last year with his single ‘Bamboo’ which featured Emile Straker of the iconic, legendary Barbadian music group The Merrymen and followed it up with the singles ‘More Than It Hurts You’ and ‘Paper Route.’ With over 113,000 views on his YouTube channel, 1600 followers on Instagram and 4500 likes on Facebook, Niles is poised to be the next big musical export from Barbados, following in the footsteps of Rihanna, Allison Hinds, Edwin Yearood, Rupee, Vita Chambers and Cover Drive.

Zeitgeist: How long have you been pursuing your music career?

Robbi Niles: I’ve been in music since the age of 3.  So, I would say forever.

Z: What inspired you to get into music?

RN: My dad. He taught me to play my first instrument – tenor steel pan – at the age of 3. My dad is a lover of music and an avid music hobbyist. He just happened to be playing the steel pan one day and I, being inquisitive, wanted to play as well and the rest is history. I’ve been blessed to be able to tour the world on the steel pan from a very young age. From panoramas around the Caribbean to even performing all over London and the Birmingham Symphony Hall. All before I was 15. I wouldn’t necessarily say I switched [from playing an instrument to being a singer]. Yes, my focus is singing but I’m proficient in a lot of instruments as well (special mention: the guitar and piano). I try to utilize as much of my skills as I can when creating music depending on the particular sound my producers and I are trying to create.

Z: Why did you decide to pursue music overseas – particularly in Toronto and not the U.S. – instead of in Barbados?

RN: I chose Toronto because I was fortunate to be offered the opportunity to build a multi-dimensional team (songwriting, production, media, and management) in Toronto.

Z: Who are some of your idols and influences?

RN: Idols: are Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Jared Leto, Chester Bennington, Maika Maile, Teff and Jimmi Hendrix. Influences: Drake, The Weeknd, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, Charlie Puth [and] John Mayer. My idols opened my palate to music. They made me see music in a different way and inspired me to start my own musical journey. I want to create music that is inspired by my influences while creating my own unique sound since I draw from a variety of artist from a very diverse musical genre pool.

Z: What inspires your music?

RN: I normally have a muse for every record. And in most instances, the muse is anonymous.

 

Z: Would you say that your music education at the Barbados Community College, Middlesex University and Recording Arts Canada gives you a competitive edge?

RN: All of these institutions were a necessary part of my journey and as such, each one of them has added a distinctive facet to my overall sound. For me, having a theoretical background assisted me in creating music because I know what works from what doesn’t work. My education taught me the harsh truths about the industry and how to adequately conduct business in this industry.

Z: How did your collaboration with Emile Straker come about?

RN: It all happened during a songwriting camp in Barbados. Rob Wells and Steve Lubin came up with the idea that I should do a remake of one of the Merrymen’s songs – ‘Big Bamboo.’ We roped in Rupert Gayle to co-write the remake. Emile gladly came on board and the rest is history.

Z: Are there any other Barbadian artists you would like to collaborate with?

RN: Chris Rose for sure (number one), I$land Levvy, Teff and Cover Drive.

Z: What do you miss most about Barbados?

RN: Mount Gay Rum Distilleries, the Climate, the Food and friends.

Z: What do you hope to achieve in your career?

RN: Be one of the biggest male artists in the world.

Z: What can your fans expect from you in 2018?

RN: Major Moves.

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