The life and work of Jackie Opel, one of the early proponents in spouge music will be celebrated with two special activities to be put on by the Division of Culture in the Prime Minister’s Office, during the Season of Emancipation.
On Saturday, August 27, known as the National Day of Remembrance of Jackie Opel Day, there will be a cultural ceremony at the Jackie Opel Amphitheatre, General Post Office, Cheapside, starting at noon.
In the evening, the National Library Service will host a roundtable discussion moderated by Lecturer in Cultural Studies, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Cave Hill Campus, Dr. Marcia Burrowes. The event will be held at the Courtney Blackman Grande Salle, Central Bank of Barbados, beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The panelists for the session are Anita Bishop (sister of Jackie Opel); Songwriter, Sach Moore; Adjunct Lecturer in Music at The UWI, Dr. Stefan Walcott, and entertainers Richard Stoute and Desmond Weekes.
Special Advisor for Heritage Development in the Division of Culture, Senator John King, underscored the importance of celebrating the birthday of one of Barbados’ most iconic singers.
“As we celebrate the first Official Jackie Opel Day as a new republic, it is extremely important that persons not only remember his contribution to Barbadian music and culture, but that younger generations of Barbadians are educated and inspired by his story and legacy to continue to create and aspire to excellence in all their endeavours,” he said.
Mr. King, who is also an advisor for the Season of Emancipation activities, would like to see the staging of events and activities inspired by Jackie Opel.
“I would love to see a Spouge Festival with a competitive aspect for the Best Recording/Original Song. I would love to see a signature Jackie Opel drink developed by our mixologists using Rum and locally produced fruits etc. I would also encourage the creators of AnimeKon to produce Bajan characters to be involved in a parade to Salute this Iconic Creator/King of Spouge, and I would love to see a series or documentaries locally produced about Jackie Opel,” he underlined.
The Special Advisor added that the Division of Culture acknowledges its role to promote, preserve and share this iconic Barbadian. And, he stressed: “We must craft and tell our stories to inspire all Barbadians at home and in the diaspora.”