Barbados will, tomorrow, observe the first National Day in Remembrance of Jackie Opel, renowned spouge singer.
Born Dalton Sinclair Bishop on August 27, 1937, Jackie Opel is credited with creating spouge, which later became synonymous with Barbados.
Acting Director of the National Library Service, Jennifer Yarde, said that “in addition to being his birthdate, the day is significant because he was able to make the world stand up and pay attention to music from this little island”.
She continued: “A lot of younger persons may hear spouge music from time to time without recognising that it was created by a Barbadian.
“The National Library Service has a moral responsibility to promote the cultural heritage of Barbados, including the works of musicians, artistes, writers, to name a few. Jackie Opel has made a significant contribution to the musical landscape of Barbados.”
On the day, it is hoped that Barbadians would reflect on the contribution made by the late musical icon, and that radio stations would play the music of Jackie Opel all day, so Barbadians could have a better appreciation for the spouge art form.