London-based Barbadian choir Bajan Voices made its international debut last weekend, bringing the songs of Caribbean popular music to an enthusiastic audience in Italy.
This inaugural concert took place at The Teatro Le Salette, which is located in Vicolo del Campanile,14, in the heart of the popular area of Rome between Via della Conciliazione and Borgo Pio. Rome became the centre of the world during the Renaissance: between the 1440s and the first half of the 1500s, it was a real hotbed of creative talents such as Michelangelo and Raphael, and with that artistic background, it must have been quite a place to perform. The performance was hosted by the Vitala Festival, a non-profit cultural association coordinated by Fabiana De Rose that supports the arts and organises cultural and benefit events.
The choir was initially formed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Barbados’ Independence under the leadership of Musical Director Cedric Lynch. It is now a feature across England, along with the Barbados Overseas nurses’ choir. Bajan voices have always remained loyal to performing folk songs or popular songs of the day with a Bajan twist. Their performances have included Independence Church services, Q in the Community—The London edition, Dinner dances, and a debut concert in Edmonton.
So why did they choose Rome to perform their first overseas concert? One of the choristers, Jackie Austin, has close connections with the city and was determined to take her beloved choir there, using her extensive connections and the machinations of a life once lived in the town. Nevertheless, performing to a majority Italian audience must have been challenging as they performed their songs in English. Cedric was the MC, and Jackie translated for the home audience. In fact, she brought laughter to the room as she spoke and gesticulated with her hands like most Italians. Even slipping up on her words meant the audience laughed and encouraged her with shouts and applause.
Well-known for their Bajan Folk songs, the choir sang all genres of music with solos from many. Cedric’s “Paradise Road” pulled at the heartstrings, but the poignancy of “We are going” cast a sadness across the room. The Karaoke section started a sing-along with tunes like “One Fine Day,” “Teenager In Love”, and I Can’t Stay Mad At You.
Reggae, soul, blues, and gospel were the order of the day, but none impacted the audience like the Soca rhythms of “I am a Bajan” and “Wet Me. “Soloist Sara Sewell belted out the vocals, and the rest of the group sang and rocked with rhythm behind her seamlessly and naturally. The energy generated by these songs brought the whole Theatre alive. There may be a message there somewhere. As for the performance, Bajan Voices performed well, but more performances such as this will allow them to hone their obvious skills.
Congratulazioni voci Bajan!
