?? |
| The band NexCyx, hosts of??Mahalia’s Corner. ??(A. Miller/BGIS) |
A surprise performance by the band Cover Drive and a vibrant open mic session marked the second edition of Mahalia’s Corner, held last Friday evening at the Naru Restaurant and Lounge in Hastings, Christ Church.
The series, being held under the theme ???Safe Sex Can Be Sexy; is sponsored by the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS) and features host band NexCyx, will see part of the proceeds donated to the HIV Food Bank.??
NexCyx lead singer, Mahalia Phillips, said that "We worked with the Barbados Government Information Service before, in helping to [address] the message of stigma…as it pertains to HIV and AIDS, and we have done the Love, Poetry and Song [concert].??
"With Mahalia’s Corner, this time we are focusing more on the HIV Food Bank and getting people to donate and understand what it is about; having a booth set up from BGIS here is very good… because people can access information… Hopefully it will help get more people interested in donating…," she said.
Acknowledging that stigma and discrimination continued to be a major obstacle when educating persons about HIV and AIDS, Ms. Phillips noted that the positive role performers could play should not be taken for granted.??
She remarked that "artistes should help out with worthy causes.?? Music reaches people and you never know who is listening… Musicians and artistes have a power that some of us do not realise we have and I think when you can use that power for good, you can [effect change]."
The NexCyx lead singer explained that Mahalia’s Corner, which features poetry, music and an open mic session, was created as an avenue for younger or lesser known artistes to receive exposure. She added that it also served as "a platform for shy people who may not be looking to become professional artistes, but they have something they want to share."
Last week’s edition highlighted the talent of spoken word artiste Blake and musician/poet Adaeze Lyrics, along with Erika Alexei and Mia Ch’an.
The next Mahalia’s Corner, the third of five shows, will be held on Friday, November 9, at Naru Restaurant beginning at 8:00 p.m.??
Additional information on the series may be found at http://www.facebook.com/MahaliasCorner.