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

 Americans always making a mountain out of a mole hill!…

Take for example the latest uproar about pictures of President Obama at the summit of Americas shaking hands with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. 

Some Americans are outraged saying it shows a weakness smiling with a man who called President Bush “A devil”, At least he didn’t throw shoes at him, but lets get back to the point.

What did Americans expect Obama to do? snub Chavez and “cut he eye” at he? Or bound cross the table and lock off Chavez neck?

Some years ago, I was involved in one of my usual Crop Over battles with me as President of Batman tent managers association vs. NCF CEO Dr Allyson Leacock.

  I was criticised by one of my associates for having my picture taken hugging CEO Allyson at a social function, He thought it sent a bad message as I was seen as fraternizing with the opposition and setting a bad example.

I disagreed with that profusely; I believe as high profile people we have a responsibility to set a good example.

Who is to say because you and a person have opposing views that you can’t be friends or engage in amicable relations.

I must admit that after Allyson I never really had the inclination to hug another CEO, maybe because that post was taken over by a man, maybe because of who the man was.

I remember being at the Prime Minister’s office at the conclusion of another dispute some years later and when setting up a press conference the Minister requested to position the then NCF CEO to sit beside me in the photo and that CEO refused, so I suppose hugging was out of the question, I was so hurt then.

Back to Obama, I would like to commend the President in doing the right thing and not being myopic and puerile in his behavior, he shook hands with all the other leaders that attended the summit why shouldn’t he shake hands with Chavez?

P.S; I want to see a picture of Obama shaking hands with our Prime Minister David Thompson, I should have given our PM a book of Boyce Voice posts to give to Obama so my hits could shoot up too

My FaceBook friend Ian Walcott wrote this “Cock and Bull” review of the  2009 Laff it off production “Another Cock and Bull Story”, I thought it was a pretty excellent review, hence I am putting it here for you to read…

Unfortunately, the curtains finally came down on Laff-It-Off’s 2009 production “Another Cock and Bull Story,” that had one of its most successful runs in its 24 year history. For those who didn’t see this year’s production, let’s hope that there’s another weekend for the last minute stragglers for you certainly would have missed three hours of pure entertainment, intelligent comedy, good acting and belly laughs to make you fall out your seats. 

Cecily Spencer-Cross, in her role as director, brought a freshness to the script by modernizing our favorite Bajan rumshop, the Nook and Cranny Bar,” giving it a website, wireless Internet connection and taking us through the roller coaster ride of converting the bar into a strip joint. Now if that situation alone does not warrant a chuckle, watching Sue with two oversized bunny ears slide up and down a pole is the director’s guarantee that you will laugh. 

Sue, played by Carla Springer, was part of what I’d call the veterans, alongside Tony Thompson who plays Lemuel and Sybul Rice, and Peta Allenye who continues to play Wilhemina Herrassofat. It’s also refreshing that Miss Herrassofat has evolved from the passive-aggressive wife who tolerated the indiscretions of Lemuel, into a more liberated business woman who is willing to take new chances with love, lust and her profession. This new found freedom will allow her the space, as she rightly claims, to experiment with Internet dating and more liberal sexual adventures after being repressed by years of sexual frustration at the hands of her alcoholic-loser-husband. Sounds familiar?

If it rings a bell, it’s because since 1983 Laff-It-Off has always looked at problems and issues in the community and our daily struggles and held them up to our faces like a mural in which we can see ourselves, sometimes ridiculed, sometimes parodied but always truthful. It is this truth that makes the characters “sweet” and believable in their purest and most authentic form of Barbadiana. 

Sex sells but as a society we continue to be loath at the mention of the mere word so that we transfer our intellectual energy and ability to critique our society into polarized positions about politics, public personas and salacious newsbytes on issues like bestiality. This is precisely what makes Laff-It-Off so successful after all this time. The producers, director and actors all work as a team and decide each year to unabashedly turn these societal hypocrisies on their head and place them smack in our faces. 

It is hopeful, therefore, that the young talent in Barbados will take up the mantel and go forward with this rich tradition of Bajan comedy for which producer Ian Estwick must be given full credit. It was refreshing to see the young brilliant actor Chrispen Hackett as Woodall together with Jherad Alleyne as Panty Pollard, Ishiaka McNiel as Dolly and Toni-Ann Johnson as Allison. Though Alleyne can be charged a bit with hamming on stage, this young brigade brought a renewed sense of hope for the future of our theater. 

I will conclude that just as Daphne Joseph-Hackett in 1970 rightly predicted that Tony Thompson will be one of this region’s finest actors, as he has proven time and time again, I dare say that in 2009 we can make a similar prediction on Chrispen Hackett. He has already mastered the one ingredient that guarantees success on stage, he has perfect and precise timing and the lithe movements of his body together with mastering subtlety will take him into the top tier very quickly. A new star is born! 

Thanks again to Ian Walcott for that well written review, he dissected the plot and characters with impressive clarity and with some  fancy words too. Wasn’t it refreshing to reading something on Boyce Voice that is not proliferated with  dumb ass comments and cursing somebody? I can’t help, see I did it again, dumb ass me…..