As Crop Over nears its crescendo, Barbados’ Grand Kadooment band houses were a hive of activity.
The atmosphere was electric, charged with anticipation and the rhythms of soca. Workers bustled about with enormous, feathered backpacks, while excited revellers tried on costume pieces, ensuring the perfect fit.
The air was filled with a variety of sounds – the rustle of sequins, the clinking of beads, and the gentle thrum of music setting the mood for the festivities to come.
In some band houses, neatly arranged costume packages awaited distribution, a testament to meticulous planning. Others were still engaged in last-minute preparations, adding final touches to elaborate designs.
Amidst this whirl of feathers and pulse of music, this year’s preparations reveal a fascinating blend of cultural preservation and fresh ideas, with bands facing both shared challenges and unique opportunities.
A common thread is a strong emphasis on Barbadian culture. Vida by Esquire, in only their second year, is leading the charge. Their theme, “Icy Temptations,” will pay homage to the island’s beloved sno cone vendors.
“We pride ourselves on being the most Bajan band on the road,” declared director Rian Codrington.
“There are sno cone men everywhere you turn. We wanted to celebrate our unsung heroes – the men that afford you a cool down easily when the place gets hot.”
He added: “We put together a theme that not only celebrated sno cones but celebrated icy drinks; that’s where our theme “Icy Temptations” came from.”
Folklore. The sections will feature characters from local legends such as the Heartman, the Oistins Mermaid and Rachel Pringle.
“While we want to be a pretty mas band, we also want to embark on an educational programme,” explained marketing representative Cathy-Ann Layne. Their goal is to educate both the younger generation and international visitors about the rich tapestry of Barbadian culture.
This emphasis on local culture stood in contrast to Zulu International’s global approach. Their City of Dreams theme takes revellers on a world tour with sections representing Port of Spain (Trinidad), Bridgetown (Barbados), Mumbai (India), Nairobi (Kenya), and London, England.
Band sizes and growth trends vary across the board. Vida by Esquire reported an increase from 600-700 revellers last year, to around 800 this year. In contrast, Kontact Band and others noted a general downturn in attendance. “People are not flocking to Crop Over like they once did,” Layne observed, citing competition from other Caribbean festivals.
This disparity in numbers reflects the broader challenge faced by the Crop Over Festival in attracting and retaining participants. Layne suggested a need to engage schools to increase participation, highlighting a shared concern about the festival’s future.
The interplay between local production and imports was another hot topic. Vida by Esquire emphasised their commitment to local production, with Bajan ownership of most costume elements. Similarly, Kontact Band proudly stated that they are “about 98 per cent locally produced and owned by women”.
Zulu International’s general manager Star Knight admitted to a mix of local and imported elements, with feather work done locally but bodysuits imported. This blend of local craftsmanship and global sourcing seems to be the norm, as bands strive for quality, cost-efficiency, and support for local artisans.
Despite challenges, bands are finding innovative ways to enhance the on the road experience beyond costumes. Vida by Esquire is reintroducing live music to the road, aiming to “revitalise the
Kadooment landscape”. They have also partnered with Republic Bank to provide cooling stations, addressing the practical needs of revellers. Zulu International teased special surprises for their revellers, including a party bus and sno cone cart.
The global draw of Crop Over is evident in the growing presence of international groups as seen in Ashley Drakeford of Next Level Travel, a North Carolina-based company specialising in travel experiences for the black diaspora. Bringing a group of 63 people from the across the world, Drakeford’s experience highlighted the festival’s international appeal.
“I’ve been coming back to Barbados since 2016 to enjoy Crop Over,” Drakeford said. “One year I came with some people from my travel company, and we were like, ‘We have to bring people here’.” Her group’s decision to join Vida by Esquire this year was influenced by their impressive showing in the previous Crop Over season.
“Last year we saw Vida’s costumes, we saw their road experience, the goodies and we were like ‘oh, we’re missing out.’ So, we contacted Rian (band director) and the rest is history.”
Drakeford’s enthusiasm is palpable as she praised the band’s preparations. “Already it’s been 10 times better than what we experienced last year – very organised, the presentation is beautiful, and the communication has been great so we’re looking forward to it.”
This international interest is a bright spot for the festival, with bands like Aura Experience also reporting good support from both locals and internationals. The influx of visitors from the diaspora and beyond not only boosts the festival’s energy but also contributes significantly to Barbados’ tourism sector during the Crop Over season.
As the bands make their final preparations, one thing is certain: the road awaits, ready to be painted with the colours, sounds, and spirit of Barbados. (DS)
Diara Springer is on an internship programme at The Nation Publishing Co Limited.
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