Five creatives from Barbados speak about the impact of Bajan culture on the world as the country marks a new era as a republic.

In light of Barbados’ recent changes in parliament, I found myself in a rabbit hole researching the Island Countries’ rich heritage and cultural history. Renowned to many for its beautiful tropical beaches and birthing worldwide superstar, Rihanna, the incredible depth of Barbados’ history dates back to 1500s. The island’s continuous impact on wider popular culture is something that hasn’t received the recognition it deserves, thus motivating me to put the spotlight on its burgeoning creative scene. 

 

After emerging onto the scene in 2005 with “Pon De Replay” Rihanna became a household name in every corner of the world subsequently putting Barbados on the map for young people in the 21st century. Impacting the culture in her native and beyond, the songstress has since ventured into the beauty and fashion worlds helping her to become the second richest female entertainer after Oprah Winfrey. The musical generation before her was driven forward by a signature genre, Soca, and its contributions to Barbados’ infamous Crop Over Festival. The annual festival’s origins date back to circa 1780 and have since helped spread the awareness of one of the globe’s original carnivals, still regularly attracting visitors from far and wide.

 

In November 2021, Barbados became a republic meaning Queen Elizabeth II is no longer its head of state bringing a fresh sense of change to the country. Marking a huge moment of significance for those of Bajan heritage, the island’s recent governor-general Dame Sandra Mason replaced the Queen as the head of state. A massive moment for Barbados, a ceremony held with prime minister Mia Motley, Rihanna and Prince Charles in attendance, coincided with the country’s 55th anniversary of independence. Bringing a sense of change to the country,  since then Jamaica announced plans to become fully independent.

 

After pinpointing some of the most exciting creatives pushing the scene forward I managed to speak with them to get their perspectives on what life’s like being a creative in Barbados.

Lagoon Wavey, Musician

It’s clear that Bajan culture has influenced wider pop culture across the world. What would you say is special about the particular scene you are a part of?

Bajan culture is no doubt worldwide, my generation of Bajan artists have been diligently trying to break the barrier of only being associated with Soca music and unlike a lot before us we’re really breaking through to the worldwide scene.

After Barbados marked a new era and became a republic – how do you feel about the future as a resident? 

It’s an exciting change for the country, honestly I just like change and new things so I’m always excited.

But we will have to see what it brings in the future.

Our environment plays a huge part in how we operate – can you explain how your surroundings affect and influence you on a day-to-day basis?

Barbados is so full of green and beaches that my environment makes me feel very free and very clean, the air is so crisp and breathable that it clears my head when I’m feeling anxious, makes it easier to create.

Could you tell me one thing that’s happening in Barbados that we should know about?

Crop Over Festival is back on this year and that time of year is coming around, a lot of happier faces this year than the last two since Covid outbreaks it’s starting to feel like home again!

And finally, what are you currently working on?

I’m working on new music of course, new singles, merch, and new NFTs. My forthcoming EP is all wrapped up too but no rest gotta keep pushing.

  • Photo Credit Junior Sealy

Ashlee Constance, Rawsoul

It’s clear that Bajan culture has influenced wider pop culture across the world. What would you say is special about the particular scene you are a part of?

Our dialect, the way we interact, our humour, our creativity, the way we twist and bend things to make them our own. 

There is something so real about the simple things we do as Bajans, that’s so unapologetically us, that’s just a vibe. 

After Barbados marked a new era and became a republic – how do you feel about the future as a resident? 

It’s exciting….and even more exciting when women are leading such change. Separating from dem was a huge step and I’m eager to not only see how we further develop our relationships within the African diaspora but how we foster our cultural identity, reintroducing ourselves as the powerful, little nation we are. 

Our environment plays a huge part in how we operate – can you explain how your surroundings affect and influence you on a day-to-day basis?

I live in a small community in St. John that still upholds a lot of that old village spirit. Daily I’m reminded of how grateful I am for my family and my community. With modernization, we’re moving further from the little things and my environment helps to keep me grounded. As a child we would be outside, roasting breadfruit, playing in people’s backyards, the kids in my neighborhood are still doing the same thing, not as much but it still exists and I don’t know why but I’m so grateful to be able to witness that. I don’t feel far away from the Barbados I know and cherish.

Could you tell me one thing that’s happening in Barbados that we should know about?

Right now our music. Bajan Dancehall and Bashment Soca for sure. Artists like LR, Brutal Crankstar, Chiief Diiin and Mole. Run to YouTube and listen.

And finally, what are you currently working on?

Building my portfolio and creating purposeful projects for my culture and people in partnership with local brands or that’s the plan at least. Lol.

Alexander James, Photographer

It’s clear that Bajan culture has influenced wider pop culture across the world. What would you say is special about the particular scene you are a part of?

I’d say, the music & art side of Barbados is having a strong emergence on the culture of Barbados. With some talent being showcased recently through NFTs & virtual showcases, it’s having a beneficial effect regionally and even globally. My friend Haleek Maul (Rapper/Producer) recently gained massive recognition and support through NFTs to push his music globally and as a result, this has brought greater attention to our local market.

After Barbados marked a new era and became a republic – how do you feel about the future as a resident? 

I think the country has a challenge ahead of it. Becoming fully independent with the future in our hands, we now have to build the foundation to forge a path for future generations. A fresh start.

Our environment plays a huge part in how we operate – can you explain how your surroundings affect and influence you on a day-to-day basis?

I am definitely a product of my environment as I have been raised by my parents to be industrious. I’ve applied my diligence and determination to my craft and this has provided many opportunities. Consequently, I have been able to surround myself with like-minded people who have the same mindset and drive as myself and common goals of developing the creative space and pushing our work out there.

Could you tell me one thing that’s happening in Barbados that we should know about?

Our local festival Crop Over has recently returned! Due to COVID-19 delaying it back in 2020, I’d be a great jump-start to the economy and artistic sector.

And finally, what are you currently working on?

Due to COVID-19 I haven’t travelled since 2020. Within these two years, I redirected my focus on contributing to artists and athletes here in my country through my photography. I’m hoping to drop more projects and showcase more of what Barbados has to offer. Not only in music but in other areas people have yet to explore and invest in.

  • Photo Credit Junior Sealy

Junior Sealy, Photographer, Fashion & Product Designer

It’s clear that Bajan culture has influenced wider pop culture across the world. What would you say is special about the particular scene you are a part of?

Being a part of the fashion, music and photography scene, I’d say at this moment it’s really cool because we are forging our way in creating a new identity for the Caribbean and creating different subcultures within these spaces. An example is me and how I view my version of Rasta!  We have always been so tied to traditions but a lot of them never catered to us as a whole and I think inclusivity through new spaces is the vibe that’s happening.

After Barbados marked a new era and became a republic – how do you feel about the future as a resident? 

I’m not very political but as people as a whole, finding ourselves is of the utmost importance so in that way it’s great. As for the future, I can only hope that we invest in our people and the talent we have on this island while learning about our ancestors and the power we always had!

Our environment plays a huge part in how we operate – can you explain how your surroundings affect and influence you on a day-to-day basis?

Honestly, my surroundings aren’t ideal so I know this all too well. Yes I live in a beautiful place and for the most part, it’s all love but I am happiest when my tribe from all over the world visits me because I can truly live and express the kind of life I want even here. Although, I can say the hardships that I face with fitting into this society have made me the artist I am today because I create what isn’t around me constantly as a hope to inspire and uplift the hidden minds that think or see the world like me.

Could you tell me one thing that’s happening in Barbados that we should know about?

Right now, the music is about to have a whole other vibe! The creatives like Haleek Maul, Jah Koda, Lagoon Wavey, Amanda Reifer, Chief Diin, LR, Brutal Crankstar, Father Philis, Jay Dee and a special band being formed called “Bak3z” *hint hint* – we are seeing such an incredible shift in quality, uniqueness and vibes!

And finally, what are you currently working on?

Well, I’m still working on my self-build homes with Scribbz (my right-hand guy for building), my two kids – photography and my brand – Loyalty and brotherhood. Also, some music – yeah I said it!

  • Photo Credit Emre Emtürk

Mealnie Renee, Designer

It’s clear that Bajan culture has influenced wider pop culture across the world. What would you say is special about the particular scene you are a part of?

It’s our energy – Bajans are just different and it’s so hard to explain. From the first “sweet girl” to “you got me good”, you will know our accent from its sweet rawness that somehow feels like home. It’s no coincidence two women lead the Bajan impact on a global scale. When Aunty Mia addresses the nation, the presence she carries is royal and bold – with Rihanna leading the fashion and beauty scene, her expression and realness is just legendary. Bajans love to dress up cause we wan look hot and wear hot brands and since the rise of Bajans shopping locally, we’re really beginning to develop our unique sense of style. Designers here will create entirely unique collections and shop at the same places. With the little resources we have, I can only imagine what we’d do with more access. So much of my inspiration as a designer is innate, from beach day on Sunday as a kid to our weather and kadooment culture.  My brand La Vern by MR is even named after a woman who every Sunday would put on her Sunday best and walk to church, my granny, La Vern.

After Barbados marked a new era and become a republic – how do you feel about the future as a resident? 

Hopeful – Hopeful that when I walk down the gap, I’m walking down Mia Mottley Gap instead of Prince Charles St. Our move to become a Republic is a big step towards verbal freedom, which breeds mental strength in our people. It shows the importance of words and history – the real difference between plantation and home.

Our environment plays a huge part in how we operate – can you explain how your surroundings affect and influence you on a day-to-day basis?

I work where the sun and the ocean meet and when I look over at that view, I’m reminded to stay present. That moment refuels my creative energy and my work. I thrive as a creative person because my environment thrives and I’m so blessed to be able to enjoy nature in the good and trying times.

And finally, what are you currently working on?

After years of evolving my craft as a designer, I’m finally stepping out of my comfort zone and into a manifestation I’ve been dreaming of – styling and creative direction. Surrounding myself and collaborating with dope creatives like T’Shan Tanile, Satya Marie, Junior Sealy and Shaquan has really opened me up to opportunities to work with some of the hottest local artists.