“I Am Barbados”: New Album Project to Take Island’s Music Global

The I Am Barbados Album is poised to make waves globally as the island introduces a new collaborative album designed to showcase its rich musical talent to the world. Unveiled during the 2025 Crop Over Opening Gala at Queen’s Park, the initiative is more than a music project, it is a cultural statement.

Senator Dr. Shantal Munro-Knight, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Culture, announced that the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) will produce the I Am Barbados album, featuring a mix of emerging and established local artistes across a range of musical genres

“This is about more than just music—it’s about setting a global footprint for Barbadian talent,” said Senator Munro-Knight, underscoring the importance of the album as a bridge between culture and international opportunity.

The album is part of a broader national strategy to invest in cultural excellence and infrastructure. Moreover, it seeks to deepen artistic education at all levels. Currently, more than 1,000 students are enrolled in programmes teaching steel pan, folk traditions, and the performing arts. In addition, teachers are being trained in both creative practice and cultural heritage, ensuring Barbados’ legacy is both preserved and passed on.

Queen’s Park: A Future Creative Campus

Meanwhile, Queen’s Park is being reimagined as a permanent home for the arts. The government has announced plans to transform the iconic location into the future headquarters of the NCF and a full-fledged cultural campus. This creative hub will include rehearsal halls, artist-in-residence studios, and public event spaces designed to foster collaboration and growth.

Furthermore, the transformation supports wider efforts to preserve national traditions. These include the ongoing development of the Legacy Lab, which honours the legendary Jackie Opel, and renewed investment in cultural practices such as sticklicking, the Barbados Landship, and various forms of folk expression.

Celebrating the Keepers of Culture

Beyond the album announcement, the Gala served as a powerful tribute to the people who continue to shape the island’s creative identity. Four outstanding sugar workers Adrian Sealy, Ann Carroll, Ermina Roach, and Jeffrey Quinby were honoured for their years of contribution to the agricultural legacy that gave birth to the Crop Over Festival.

Additionally, 15 Crop Over Stalwarts were recognised for their exceptional service to the festival’s cultural pillars. Each has played a vital role in preserving Barbados’ artistic traditions, whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in community spaces.

They included:

• Cranston Browne, Former CEO, National Cultural Foundation
• Andrew Lynch, Director, Festival Band
• Arlette St. Hill, Former Crop Over Judge
• Azizah Onifa & Ras Sipho Onifa, Artisans, Azipho’s Creations
• Richard Haynes, Cultural Entrepreneur
• David Forde, Lighting Technician
• Geraldine Lynch, Cultural Practitioner
• Karl “Foggie” Smith, Tuk Band Pennywhistle Player
• Leslie Lett, Pic O De Crop Chief Judge
• Mark Maynard, Theatre & Film Practitioner
• Paul Greenidge, Videographer
• Roger ‘Don’ Goodridge, Popular Vendor
• Peter Holder, Bar Operator
• Sylvester Adelabu Clarke, Artisan
• Dr. Victor Agard, Educator and Pic O De Crop Judge

A Festival in Full Voice

Saturday’s opening event was a dazzling showcase of culture, featuring performances by Dancing Africa, the Cyptones, and a tattoo display by the Barbados Police Service. Finally, the evening ended on a high note with a concert featuring top local performers including RPB, Edwin, Lil Rick, Alison Hinds, TC, Adrian Clarke, and reigning Junior Monarchs Sakarah and Mr Showdown. As a result, the I Am Barbados album is set the tone for a season and a future where Barbadian culture is not just preserved, but proudly shared with the world.