Barbados’ 58th Anniversary of Independence celebrations in the UK this year reveal another genre of music that Bajans excel at, with the appearance of International Opera Singer Alison Buchanan over the weekend. An unprecedented number of events meant Londoners were spoilt for choice with Boat rides and dance concerts featuring Lil Rick, Saddis, Lead Pipe, Mole, and Bruce Lee.
At the Independence Gala Ball, the bar was raised at the Holiday Inn Brentford when the Barbados Overseas Community Association (BOCFA) team produced a 100% Bajan evening on an organisational level, a tremendous achievement in London.
Chairperson Ashdiene Greaves welcomed her guests and invited others to join the group as she recounted a list of its events over the year. Barbados High Commissioner HE Milton Inniss, Dr Nola Ishmael, MBE, Esther Holmes, Dr Beverley Goring, and Judy Eversley were among the esteemed guests. The evening’s theme, influential women, celebrated the contributions of many well-known Barbadian females, with names like Dame Sandra Mason, Rihanna, Velma Scantlebury, and Shirley Chisholm highlighted.
Whilst the Bajan Catering team served a meal that included choices like sweet potato pudding and souse pickle, baked fowl, Mahi, Mahi, and great cake. Contented tummies prepared the diners for the night’s star act: International Opera Singer Alison Buchanan, and she didn’t disappoint.
From the first twinkling of the piano’s ivory keys, Alison took to the stage, singing “I could have danced all night” from My Fair Lady. Her performance was captivating and filled the room with a sense of joy and energy as they sang along. She performed “Beautiful Barbados, beautiful Barbados” before “John Belly Mama” with a performance that received a standing ovation, a testament to the inspirational atmosphere she brought to the event.
President Olivia Worrell gave the vote of thanks and presented bouquets to Judy Eversley, Esther Holmes, Suzette Alleyne and Myrna Roach for their contributions to the Barbadian Community.
A happy Gill Hunte said, “Gratitude for all the hard work and effort to create a fantastic BOCFA Gala Ball. I loved the location, food, entertainment and seeing everyone looking resplendent!!! This event is a major highlight of my year and didn’t disappoint.
Deborah Nurse, “Thank you for all your hard work and effort in creating a fantastic BOCFA Gala Ball. I loved the location, food, entertainment, and seeing everyone looking resplendent!!!
Buchanan, who has Bajan Jamaican heritage, is a Barbados Silver Jubilee recipient, is the Artistic Director of Pegasus Opera Company, and is the only Black British female Artistic Director of an opera company in the UK.
