Was I experiencing Déjà Vu?!….I could not believe my ears when I heard the announcement of the Chairman of National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Ken Knight.

Ken’s big announcement was that the NCF had gotten the novel idea to form a Festival Events Bureau to run Crop Over with a view to making a profit.
Why did Boyce think he went back in time?

That same Festival Events Bureau had been proposed by the NCF under the previous administration.
I remember being at a consultation on August 21st 2007 where the then PM and Minister of Culture Owen Arthur touted the so called benefits of this Festival Bureau with the same commercial objectives.
I am therefore at a loss how the existing government who had stated that they would divest Crop Over events and encourage entrepreneur participation should now turn around and adopt the same flawed policy document.

The actions of the NCF remind me of a book I read while at Combermere School.
In the George Orwell classic “Animal Farm”, led by the Pigs the animals take over the farm from the humans and at the end of the book the pigs become the exact copy of the same humans they had overthrown. Go and study that!

What the Festival Events Bureau seeks to do is drop the “burden mandate” of developing artistes and instead set up a draconian entity which seeks instead to generating a profit through exploitation of our cultural industries.

The “Festival Events” documents speaks of government producing music, supplying sound services and producing even more shows to compete against local promoters.
Is that something that we want?

Congrats to “The General Edwin”!
The National Cultural Foundation must feel like dogs then, after they over look Edwin and Krosfyah for Cohobblopot in favour of foreign acts.
Edwin was able to prove his worth by winning not only the People’s Monarch title but also the 2009 Tune of the Crop Road March Title.
From its release the song “De Middle of the Road was tearing up the airwaves and mashing up the venues around Barbados and in Celebration Time calypso tent.

All of Barbados and Facebook people had identified that Edwin was the man to beat on the road kadooment day and he did not disappoint.
He allowed Celebration Time calypso tent in its inaugural year of operation to be able to already boast of having 2 titles.

The Question is why was all of Barbados able to see the worth in Edwin and Krosfyah while the NCF could not.

The NCF said they could not find money in their budget to pay Edwin, never wanted Krosfyah on the show as they had Machel’s HD band.
But they could pay u.s $30,000 to Trini Bands and u.s $15,000.00 to one Jamaican artiste to do 2 songs at Cohobblopot.
Fortunately local entertainment entity Barbados 246 was able to save the day with their “Climax” event at Plantation Garden theatre.
There you would have seen not only locals Lil Rick, Mr. Dale & Krosfyah, but also the Man who from 1995 when he first entered the calypso arena continues the prove he is unmatchable, Congrats again to General Edwin!!

The Question is; Is it right for the NCF to import Trini Consultant “Signal to Noise” to run Crop Over Festival and book local acts for our events? Hell No!!
It is a fact that our National Cultural Foundation (NCF) brought in Trinidadian promoter “Signal to Noise” to coordinate Cavalcades, Party Monarch and also Cohobblopot.
Our major events have been turned over lock stock and barrel to Trinidadians and they are the persons making the decisions and selecting which local acts they want on Crop Over events.
At the meeting which took place at NCF to decide whether Barbados 246 would be in or out of Cohobblopot “Signal to Noise” was present.
Could you imagine Trinidad having a Bajan decide if Destra will be in their Soca Monarch show? Well that’s what happens here.

It appears to me the message that is being sent here is that in all of Barbados there is no promoter who is capable of organizing a successful show hence such expertise needs to be brought in from outside.
The interesting thing is since the NCF has brought in the “Trini” advisors most of the events Cavalcades Party Monarch etc, have been dismal failures.
Boyce has studied it and have realized why the Trini’s performers are being so highly paid and have taken over our events. RPB says Home Drums have to beat first and obviously if you are a Trinidadian your “home drum” would have you booking Trinidadians first.

It has been renamed by Lil Rick “CohobbloNOT” and when you look at the 2009 Cohobblopot line up you can see why.
NCF has shown a total disrespect to the Bajan entertainment industry through their foreign selections and their local omissions from what was once known to be the premiere show of our Crop Over festival.

Though its laudable they are featuring Alison Hinds but there is a blatant dearth of acts that are uniquely bajan.Where is Lil Rick, where is Mr. Dale and Biggie Irie?
Where is “the General” Edwin and Krosfyah?

Our local acts have been thrown to the side like “cultural garbage” to make way for Trini’s Machel, Patrice, Zen and Jamacian Busy signal.
In an economic situation where NCF can’t find bajan money to pay locals, where they are cutting cavalcades (sorry crapacades) and decreasing opportunities for young bajan performers.
They can find bajan money to turn into U.S and ship it out in thirty thousands to Trinidadians and Jamaicans.
It is an ironic coincidence that RPB should win a NCF competition with the song “Home drums have to beat first” when that obviously is not a policy of the National Cultural Foundation.

The mistake that Edwin, Lil Rick, Mr. Dale and Krosfyah made was banding together and naming themselves Barbados 246, knowing the disgust NCF has for Bajan acts they would have stood a better chance if they were named Trinidad 868.

One last point, notice in the cohobblopot print ad, all of the local acts they have put on the card are lumped together under a heading “No Names” what the ass is that?

Where Edwin, Lil Rick, Krosfyah Biggie Irie and others will be is at Plantations tomorrow for a 100% Bajan “Climax”.
As for the cohobblopot I would go with the Rick rename, “CohobbloNOT”

Behind the scenes photo of commercial being video taped promoting “Judgement Night in Celebration Time” on this Friday 10th July at 8 pm.

In the photo veteran actor Tony Thompson plays calypso boxer “Kid Socaholic”, camera man is Selwyn “Get Bizzy” Browne and Carolann Scantlebury is directing. creative advertising are one of the hallmarks of Celebration tent, with ads that are as entertaining as the tent itself.

The Celebration has been getting rave reviews as the hottest calypso tent show in town, With a line up that includes Edwin, Alison,Mac Fingall, Khiomal, Keann, Ramases, Thicky Sweets, Chow Mein, Lil Rick, Underdog, The Hypa Kids, Kimberley Inniss, Mr Impact and more.

Watch for the Celebration Judgement Friday 10th July, there’s a big Celebration Kids show on 18th July at George street auditorium.

On Thursday 30th July there the Big Celebration Show on at the Sir Garfield Sobers Complex, all the big stars of Crop Over will be there, don’t you miss it.

Remember this Crop Over, for the best time. its Celebration Time…

Who the ass does Paul Clarke think he is? I usually desist from cursing fellow entertainers but in Clarke’s case I must make an exception.When I think of Clarke I remember Gilbert Rowe’s statement made many years ago about entertainers having “delusions of grandeur”
Mr Boyce “Why would you be speaking of your Facebook friend Clarke in such an acerbic and contemptuous manner?” You might ask, allow me to expand…

Paul Clarke was one of the originators and owner of an event which is known as the Ragga Soca competition.
Paul had invested his money and staged several Ragga Soca competitions some years ago.
You are thinking, but that’s all laudable stuff Boyce why would you curse a man over that?

Here’s why….
Recently the National Cultural Foundation announced they were staging a Ragga Soca competition, least that’s why they called it at first.
Mr Paul Clarke had the audacity to approach NCF and inform them that he was actually the legal owner of the name “Ragga Soca” registered at Corporate Affairs and NCF was infringing on his rights.
He seemed to think that the NCF would have recognised his investment and contribution and would have paid some kind of compensation to utilize the name he registered.
He seemed to think that taking his “Ragga Soca” event experience into consideration NCF might have had him as a consultant.
Paul Clarke obviously mistook himself for a Trinidadian, he forgot he was a Bajan and therefore would not be eligible to any consultant status, compensation to use his event name or even recognition.
What the NCF did do is circumvent Clarke by changing the name of competition to “Sweet Soca” competition therefore stripping the Barbadian entrepreneur of his rights or any claim to the competition.
Serves Paul Clarke right, who the ass does he think he is any way? freaking idiot, Happy Birthday Paul Clarke from Boyce Voice..

P.S: N C F stands for “No Clarke Funding”

Just the other day I was writing a post entitled �Happy Birthday Michael Jackson� who would have thought �that a few short months later that I would be writing a post on his death.When I first heard a news flash come over on the radio saying Michael had been hospitalised I thought it was one of those publicity stunts to bring attention to MJ�s tour.

Next I heard it announced, Michael Jackson was dead, which I took in unbelievable stunned silence. Michael Jackson can�t die, I mean he is Michael Jackson; can the Smooth Criminal Thriller Billie Jean MJ really die?Then the tributes and music started confirming the saddening news.

He was the indisputable King of Pop and one the greatest entertainers in the world. He was a visionary who revolutionized the entertainment world with his videos and music. His immense popularity broke through demographic barriers of age class and colour. He was loved by all. Except those who hated him, and to hate him would mean you had to know of him, such was the extent of his fame.

I have been doing a comical vocal imitation of Michael on radio for the past 20 years. If I did an impression now of Mc Hammer who was big in the 80’s, people would be “Mc who??” But an impression of MJ never failed to entertain the masses because everyone knew who he was. Now on the eve of his comeback concert, he is gone, space walking to that musical studio in the sky, reflecting the words of one of his own songs, Michael Jackson is �Gone Too Soon.�

Zahra said she was going to lick me down if I didn’t post this below info! and it didn’t sound like the good lick either, it sounded like the lick down that leads to concussion and hospitalised.

So let’s talk about Barbados 246, you are probably wondering why does Boyce want to talk about the area code, is he sponsored by Lime?

 You are freaking wrong, Barbados 246 is the name of a brand new entertainment collaboration consisting of Pyramid Entertainment & Krosfyah Venrures.

You can read about it below,I just want to put in my two cents worth to say its a promising sign when two of the island’s most powerful entertainment entities can join forces for the worthwhile objectives they have set.

If you doubt what soldarity of entertainers can do stop and remember 2004 when the Concerned Entertainment group brought Crop Over to its knees with the withholding music strategy.

Not that I am saying this collaboration has those objectives that’s me fantasising.

Well I will shut up and let you read before Zahra licks me down, thats the end of my two cents..

“Barbados 246” is the name given to a Joint Venture among some of Barbados’ leading entertainers -

Edwin Yearwood, Khiomal, Adrian Dutchin, Lil’ Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Mr. Dale.

“Barbados 246” is a musical production which will showcase the past and present repertoire of the

artistes as well as the diverse talents of the island’s leading entertainers.

“Barbados 246” is a cultural business initiative designed to promote the brand Barbados locally,

regionally and internationally.

Partners

1. Krosfyah Ventures Inc. which represents the Krosfyah band, Edwin Yearwood, Khiomal, Adrian

Dutchin.

2. Pyramid Entertainment Management Inc. which represents Lil Rick, Peter Ram, Biggie Irie and Mr.

Dale.

• All artistes will perform with the Krosfyah band.

• Guest acts will be added to the lineup depending on the nature of each show’s production.

Barbados 246 Objectives

• To create a music production featuring the best of Barbadian artistes that will be promoted locally,

regionally and internationally.

• To assist in the marketing of Barbadian brands of services and products including those outside the

entertainment industry through the use of the name of the country and the area code 246.

• To create an outstanding Barbadian show of the highest standard to form a viable touring package

for festivals, concerts and other performance venues worldwide.

Key Components of the Show

• A professionally produced show featuring the best of Barbadian talent

• The past and present repertoire of the artistes will be featured thereby augmenting the traditional

format of Crop Over presentations

• Each show will be fully rehearsed and include choreographed dancers and special effects.

• Each show will have a separate and distinct theme setting it apart from all the others.

• All artistes and members of the backing band will wear appropriately themed clothing for each event and will incorporate the Barbados 246 branding into the visual presentation.

In 2009 the acronym N.C.F now has a different meaning, “Now Cropover *F##kup”.

The haphazard manner of how decisions and plans being made and then unmade, gives the ominous impression that NCF are making up things as they go along.

Case in point the shifting of the semi-finals from the gymnasium to Farley hill and then back to the gymnasium again.

I would like to know who the ass was who got the brilliant idea that if a show can’t attract 2000 patrons in a 5000 seat auditorium, let’s take the show to Farley Hill which is a 15,000 people venue with much increased expenses.

But I suppose you can’t blame the NCF as they are taking advice from their non existent “Trini” consultants, If I were to go down to Trinidad to make decisions for their Carnival I would probably make dumb ass decisions too.

Next I see in the media the NCF chairman speaking about “drastic changes” being considered for Party Monarch.The rules have already been issued and calypsonians registered and they are now considering changes?

Now I see in the Saturday Sun yesterday they might have to change the name of the Ragga soca competition because of legal issues, I want to speak to that separately cause that’s a doozy.

Now I hear they are looking to change Junior Monarch event to a different date dos nt it ever stop?  

There was a time when you could plan your shows around the NCF Crop Over calender now that document can only be seen as a work in progress.

As the 2009 “Crapacades” (lol,sorry I got that name from my facebook friends, allow me to write that again).As the 2009 Cavalcades fizzle to an end, not only  Rick-less, Edwin-less and Alison-less but also people-less. You start to get the impression that there’s almost a deliberate intention to “F” Crop Over up.

 So that’s why N C F now has a different meaning in 2009 “Now Cropover *F**kup!”.  Brace Your Self!

* Fork, NCF means now Crop Over “FORK” up. meaning they keep digging up and changing things like a farmer “forks up” a ground..

U thought Iwas cursing didnt u? u dirty minded person u, i will have to get a better class of person reading my blog.

When Edwin sang somebody “forking” up the land, I think he meant the NCF…

Boyce is in a quandary as it relates to deciphering the fee policy of the National Cultural Foundation, while government is being viewed as discriminatory because of its recently stated immigration stance on non nationals it seems the NCF is looking to balance  the odds by discriminating and unfairing local artistes.

Note last year in order to justify the huge fee U.S $25000.00+ that NCF paid Trinidadian Machel Montano to participate in Cohobblopot, Minister of Culture Blackette proudly proclaimed “An artiste must be paid what he is worth”.

So American Rap artistes etc were all booked on that event and paid the thousands of U.S dollars “they were worth”.

Now this year have you noticed a dearth of major local acts from this years Cavalcades?

No Lil Rick, No Peter Ram, No Mr. Dale, do you know why you are not seeing some of these artistes who helped to develop cavalcades from scratch?

Negotiations have broken down between NCF and these artistes cause they can’t pay the money the local acts are charging.

Apparently you can tell an artiste what he is worth, but he must be Bajan. It seems as though NCF admin looks at the world through Trini glasses, when you log onto their official website promoting Barbados Crop Over, the first thing you see is Destra Garcia saying she is going to be here performing for Crop Over, seems like she is booked already, and she will not be paid any poo poo money.she is not a Bajan you know.

I hear that there is even a Trini consultant working with the NCF advising them on Crop Over affairs, this is after they claimed they could not afford local talent.

The policy of NCF clearly states say yes to Trini’s no matter what the cost and no to Bajans.

P.S; I know I have been tardy in my writings and profusely apologise, I recognise how there seems to be an effort to rename this season a Crap Over Festival and it needs to be spoken too, spoking therefore is what Boyce Voice will do…carrier to noise ratio