Bajan artistes and their music are not getting enough exposure, says Pic O De Crop monarch Anderson Mr Blood Armstrong.
“We’ve got a good crop of music; I don’t think we can complain about the quality of music right across the board. The writers are writing some fantastic songs, there is a good variety in the commentary, party and the bashment. Because of this [ Pic O De Crop] competition, a lot of the calypsonians are making sure to record their songs properly and that they are ready for the radio so people can hear them before they get into the competition.
“A lot of it is really good. The exposure is the problem I think we have right now,” he added.
Mr Blood was speaking at Courtesy Garage in Wildey, St Michael, yesterday, after he received the keys to a 2025 Nissan E Power X-Trail – the top prize for winning the Courtesy Pic-O-De-Crop.
He encouraged promoters and deejays to do their part.
“When this music drops, play it. Make sure that everyone across this island and the other islands are hearing our music and get to appreciate it because it is really good, but it’s not getting the mileage it deserves.
“We need people who are getting into promotions, Bajans especially, who can help to export the product we have here. With the exposure will come more opportunities and people will be able to create opportunities for themselves as well,” he said.
On August 2, at the National Botanical Gardens, Mr Blood, who performed Don’t Wait, was announced as the winner of the marquee competition. This was his second calypso crown.
The vehicle, valued at $136 995, comes with comprehensive insurance from Cooperators General Insurance for one year at $5 000.
The monarch also won a SOL Xtend fuel voucher worth $1 000, and the
opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Barbados Institute of Management and Productivity valued at $24 375, in addition to an appearance fee of $1 500.
He had the option of accepting $100 000 in cash or the vehicle.
He shared with the Saturday Sun his game plan heading into this year’s contest.
“In previous years, I was just in it, but the two years I won, I really focused on the competition, the competitors and the songs to make sure I was able to assess, analyse and find ways in which I knew I could try to come out on top.
“After the draw this year, I was more comfortable about my capabilities to bring the right show and it worked out. I feel extremely elated. I am happy that I was able to get here. I have to say thanks to everyone who was instrumental in making sure this has happened,” Mr Blood said, adding he is already preparing for next year.
Marketing officer, festivals and events at the National Cultural Foundation, Omar Beckles, thanked the sponsors for their continued support.
“The priority for us today was to ensure that the official presentation handover of the vehicle was done. The partners of the festival play a huge role in helping us execute the Crop Over Festival.
“The continued partnership with Courtesy over the years in terms of providing the winner with the vehicle goes a long way to support the competition,” he said. (TG)
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