BRIDGETOWN, Barbados
Barbados Gospelfest is back after an absence of over two years brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers of the festival have announced. The annual Christian music and arts festival, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in May 2023, will stage a Special Edition series of events from September 30th to October 4th, 2022.
"We are excited to announce the return of Barbados Gospelfest after almost three years of inactivity," said Adrian Agard, the festival's executive producer. "Barbados Gospelfest illuminates the Gospel message expressed in Music, Dance, Mime and Spoken Word. The Gospel remains relevant to Barbados and is even more essential in this season. This message communicated with excellence through these various expressions must always have a place in the arena of the arts in this country.”
The Barbados Gospelfest 2022 events include the popular Laughter & Jazz at the Hilton Barbados Resort, on Friday September 30th with Barbadian saxophonist, Romaro Greaves, comedian Rod Z of the USA, Reuel Lynch of Trinidad & Tobago, Mya Daniel, Janine White, Michelle Wiggins, and an exciting, young group Juanmar & Friends.
Saturday, October 1st at 9:00 a.m. emerging and aspiring artistes will benefit from the SigniaGlobe Artiste Development Workshop, which provides opportunities for participants to hone their skills in a range of areas. This virtual event will be facilitated by music tutor and accomplished musician, Marc Andre Daniel.
At 4:00 p.m., One Awesome Day, one of the Barbados Gospelfest flagship events takes place at the National Botanical Gardens. This free public event features Promise, Neesha Woodz, Sean Daniel of Trinidad & Tobago, Jude Clarke, Donella, Andre Belle and others, along with dance and spoken word presentations.
The Chefette and Frosteez Gospelfest Kids' Experience will present ministry and activities for children, including horseback rides facilitated by Codrington Stables, in a specially designated area during One Awesome Day.
The curtain comes down on Barbados Gospelfest 2022 with the much anticipated Hymnspeak, which takes place at St. Mary's Anglican Church on Tuesday, October 4th beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event will feature the Hymnspeak Choir directed by Ryan Boyce with organist John Bryan, the Bethel Chimers, and the Band, an ensemble of talented musicians. Special guests Mark Forde on steelpan and violinist Leandro Lane will also be part of the cast along with the congregation, making this an evening to remember.
Mr. Agard expressed thanks to this year’s sponsors and acknowledged the outpouring of well wishes and expressions of anticipation from the general public in response to the promotion of the festival events. "We applaud and commend our Christian artistes who have battled through the challenges of COVID, stayed the course, kept the faith, and are now positioned to take full advantage of the platform offered by the events of Barbados Gospelfest 2022. We are encouraging you to come join us at our various events and enjoy these local, regional, and international Gospel artistes as they fully use their God-given gifts to the glory of God and the blessing of the people of this nation."