I would like to take this opportunity to express my condolences to the friends and family of Peter Roy-Byer. 

Peter Roy-Byer has been one of the biggest supporters and sources of encouragement that I have had over the years and I will forever cherish the advice, experiences and memories he has left with me. 

He is the reason why there was an Universal Expressions Arts Festival in May 2014 and he is one of the reasons why I will forever have the courage to stand by what I believe in and go after what I want. 

It is truly a privilege that I had the opportunity to be a part of his life. 

Until we meet again Mr. Byer. Rest in peace. 

Anya_Tripp

I know we have been missing in action for a while but now that UEAF 2014 is behind us we can hit the road running again.

With that said, I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the performers and sponsors that came together to make the Universal Expressions Arts Festival 2014 a success. It was a pleasure to have the Shashamane Cultural Ensemble (Trinidad) and Dancin' Africa (Barbados) with us again. The Urban Ritual Dance Company (Tobago) and the Cayman Islands National Dance Company must be commended for their exceptional presentations.

We look forward to working with all of you again in the future and promise our growing number of fans and supporters that 2015 will be bigger and better.

Next month we will be reopening The Spotlight and as we are currently in our Crop Over season I will leave you to guess which young calypso artist will be our special guest. Also look out for exciting articles from our guest bloggers from across the region and, of course, you will be hearing a lot more from me.

Stay tuned!

Anya_Tripp

The month of February is usually the month of Love but this gentleman is well known for his passion all year round.  Sexy poetry is by no means a new thing but the man behind the pen is what always makes the difference.

We are in The Spotlight once again and it is my pleasure to introduce you to Robert R. Gibson who is known to most of us as PassionPoet.

Tripp: PassionPoet welcome to The Spotlight! You are a Barbadian born writer and performance poet. When would you say that interest began?

PassionPoet: Writing poetry started at 14 years old after being introduced to it in English Literature class in third form (RIP Mr. Clarke - St. Michael School .... thank you!)  I became a spoken word artist after being introduced to open mics in 2011 and after becoming friends with many of the artistic and poetic community here in Barbados, including Adrian Green and DJ Simmons.  It was their influence that got a few of my friends and I into NIFCA that year. Writing was always in my blood. I was doing short sci-fic like stories as a young boy, got introduced to poetry at 14 and never looked back.

I don't think I actively decided to become a spoken word artist. It just sort of happened because I kept going to open mics and kept going on stage. I am passionate about everything I do; that sort of bled into my enthusiasm to be on every open mic stage. I just got better at it and more comfortable and started having a name for myself as I went out.

Tripp: I know Adrian Green has, over the past few years, been very influential in the development of performance poetry in Barbados. He is definitely emulated by many of our young poets. How has the work of our earlier writers and poets impacted on you as a writer and poet though? Kamau Brathwaite, Winston Farrell etc. I get the feeling sometimes that many of our up and coming poets don't study the work of our writers enough.

PassionPoet: Not examined exactly ... but I grew up on Aja and Farrell, I have listened to them and enjoyed them. I have also read Kamau as well, but I have not been a 'student' of their work until after becoming a 'professional' poet. I have been in workshops with Farrell  and others like Nailah Imoja and I plan to do a deliberate reading of more local and regional work. Kamau's work has more of an interest for me now than it did before. Since after being in a talk about Kamau's work, hosted by  the League of Extraordinary Poets (LXP), where David Commissiong was going through a sort of chronological look at his work, my interest was piqued.

 My writing style has not been influenced too much by local or regional artists outside of Adrian Green and DJ Simmons – well, no … let me rephrase that.  Since being a member of the LXP means that my writing is critiqued and I’m challenged to improve and rewrite pieces, I can definitely say that it has made a difference in how I write. However, I know that there is a noticeable Def Poetry influence because of Youtube. I want to do more local & regional research now though.

Tripp: How would you describe your work and why specifically stick to poetry?

PassionPoet: I know it sounds repetitive, but I'm a Passionate writer. I write about topics that bring intense emotions. Yes, as my name implies, I talk and write and perform poems about sensual and erotic themes - but that's not all there is to me.  Passion encompasses anger, pain, grief, hate ... all intense emotions which I touch on in my writing.  Poetry is in my blood. I eat, sleep, dream poetry.  As I say in my email tagline, "I inhale words and exhale poetry."  I think  in verse. It's much easier for me to write a piece of free verse than it is to write an essay these days. Lol!

Tripp: I know you currently work as an IT Professional and I can only imagine how demanding a job like that can be. How do you find the time to develop your craft?

PassionPoet: I write whenever and wherever the mood strikes – even stopping in the middle of my work day to write a piece and then get back to work! I REFUSE to get an Android phone because I am too accustomed to typing poetry on the go on my Blackberry and I'm afraid I'll lose the thought that comes when I'm trying to fumble with a touch-screen phone.  I also attend poetry or writing workshops whenever possible and, of course, open mics help me with my stage presence. I  spend a lot of time reciting pieces online to international audiences - websites like BlogTalkRadio.com are avenues to be featured internationally and have my work reach beyond the Caribbean.

Tripp: Let's talk about your new book Erotic. Well, the title does speak for itself. Where did the idea for this book come from and what is it that you intend to communicate through this collection of poetry?

PassionPoet: In fact, the title came from a writing workshop I attended hosted by Dorothea Smartt. She spoke about Aubrey Lorde and her use of the erotic and it gripped me. Aubrey was a feminist and writer, among other things, who argued that erotic wasn't just to be confined to the sexual, but was to encompass all of life.  I really gripped on to that. True, my poems are focusing on the sensual (the traditional meaning of the word) but the idea was to show LIFE in my work. I try to do that even though most of the pieces are still of a sexual nature.  I knew I reached my goal when a co-worker said that my book went deeper than the sex – I was so happy someone outside my creative circle ‘got it’ that I was almost tempted to give him a free copy on the spot! (My bottom line kicked some sense into me, though….) LOL!

Tripp: My favourite piece was the poem 'True Beauty' on page 89. I noticed that you published quite a few collaborations in the book also.

PassionPoet: Wow - collabs!  There are several collaborations in my book Erotic - friends like DJ Simmons, Mariposa Reina, Iris Flow, Shanika Thompson (who is also the model on the cover!), Michelle Cox and Troubles FirstLady have contributed.  I have collaborated with some of my online friends on Facebook as well.

Tripp: Tell us more about your achievements as a writer and poet.

PassionPoet: Well of course, writing and publishing my first book! Having my first international feature on BlogTalk radio last year on Valentine's Day that sorta sprung me into the limelight so to speak - that interview was downloaded over 3000 times, I was told! In 2011, at my first ever NIFCA, I received one silver, two bronze and the Most Promising Poet (Adult) incentive award. I got a bronze for my next literary submission at NIFCA in 2012. I have also had poems published in local and regional anthologies – the current Winning Words anthology published by the NCF has all the poems I have entered in NIFCA, as all of them have received awards; there is also the Caribbean Writer and the online e-zine St. Somewhere Journal that have published poems as well.

Tripp: I find that most performing and creative artists that you meet in Barbados have passed through NIFCA at some point in their creative life. I have to admit I am one of those persons. Tell me about your NCF/NIFCA experience? Do you see the festival as a stepping stone? Do you think it assisted with your development as an artist?

PassionPoet: I did enjoy my NIFCA experience in 2011 - both literary and performance categories. It opened me up to a whole new realm of possibilities. As I said earlier, I entered the literal competition again in 2012, but a personal loss made me unable to compete in the performance component. I couldn't concentrate; I was in too much emotional pain.  

NIFCA did put me into the national spotlight, but the fact that NIFCA had never before had spoken word as a category and they were still putting it in the performance category and judging it as such - I still don't understand what blocking is!  There have been improvements with changes in NCF personnel but I have not yet been back to competition.  Personally, I think it is a stepping stone, but I don't think it's the only one. If I go back now, it would just be for the joy of being on stage. I don't relish the competition aspect and being judged for something that's coming from inside me, but having my work seen by hundreds of Barbadians is my appeal.

Tripp: Fair enough. Apart from NIFCA there is really nothing else happening at a national level.

PassionPoet: As a performing artist, the lack of space to showcase my art has always been an issue - for me and all the other artists I come into contact with. Thankfully, with spaces like De Vibe open mic at the Good Life Cafe and D Arts Lime at Jagos in Paynes Bay I have been able to have consistent practice.  Trying to start my own open mic, however, has been less than satisfying - we need more performing spaces, but if the issues aren't with trying to get those spots, it would be with neighbors who would argue we're too loud, or with owners who don't respect you and your craft, or want you to do all the work to promote their location while giving scant attention to you trying to promote the event.

Tripp: So what have you been doing as an artist to contribute to dealing with this problem? What is your vision for your art form?

PassionPoet:   Well, I'm building my name PassionPoet into a multi-faceted empire."What will we do tonight, poet?" "Try to take over the WORLD!" I have more books in me begging to come out. I want more performing spaces and more opportunities to see Barbadian spoken word on national and international stages. We're already underway on seeing that vision realized with the recent spoken word showcase held by the Frank Collymore Hall featuring the LXP, of which I am one of the directors. It allowed spoken word to be seen on a national scale outside of NIFCA, and got some great reviews.  We are already meeting to decide on our next steps.

Tripp: I have an interesting question for you. Who do you create for? Do you see something wrong with creating for purely commercial purposes or should there be some deeper philosophical meaning behind your work?  

No, I see nothing wrong with creating for commercial purposes.  Do I write for myself? Yes. Do I have meaning for my work? Heck yes! But I also see it as a business too. There's nothing wrong with me trying to take what I love and make a living off of it.  Yes I can get into the philosophical reasons for all my poems - but I fully intend on doing things just because it might sell and I can get some profit.  I reblogged and posted links on Facebook to UEAF's new estore because I am doing my part to spread the word ... cute little bears and a message about not supporting the arts with just talk. It seems like my posts have been removed from the groups I posted them in by their admins.

 I got a long comment from one of the admins saying things like she does not like the idea of telling people that they should put their money where their mouth is or support the artist financially and the comment also said art should be done for the individual who is creating and for its aesthetic value. I don't want to misquote her, but as I said the posts are now removed. This caused a string of assent among other creatives.

So what should I tell Artremis Arts? What should I tell Rhaj Paul?  What should I tell MYSELF? Sure I can give a reason for my hashtag comments of #LivePassionately, #IamPassion and #PassionEndorsed, but my decision to "commercialize" and put those slogans on shirts is not just a philosophical one - it is commercial, too ... the fact that I want to make panties with a Passion label is commercial - but it's still ART.

Why should I be demonized for supporting artists financially? Won't the same artists / creatives who were so quick to jump on the bandwagon (again I can't quote anyone effectively because I can't find the "offending" post or the comments anymore!) want me to buy their products? So what's different about me supporting a way for another creative to fund her festival that will benefit EVERYONE? I love cute teddy bears. They make good gifts!  Or is it that the slogan of "Support the arts with more than just talk" is too close to home?

Tripp: The slogan 'Support the arts with more than just talk' was actually coined by Nala the $2 Philosopher. I only borrowed it. lol! But I think this is a topic that would make an interesting discussion and I plan to dedicate a blog post specifically to it.

PassionPoet: I write to express my joys, my hunger (I have a lot of poems about food!), my hormones.... I write as therapy and just for fun. However, I also like that what I write has appeal, so I craft my words for the maximum effect because I know I probably will put them out there. 

Tripp: If you examine this particular discussion it is really not as simplistic as it seems though. It raises many questions including that of the quality of your content. This, of course, is not specific to spoken word but how do you respond to the fact that the spoken word community needs to take a critical look at itself, especially where the quality of content and performance is concerned?

PassionPoet: Yes, critical review is necessary. Personally, within the community I find that some people are too sensitive and they get upset when they are given critical review. I would never class myself with Adrian Green, he has years of experience and I am still very much developing as a writer and performance poet. People go to two performances, they get paid, and they are now the next Adrian Green. Really?

Dealing with this issue is one of the primary reasons why LXP was formed and our recent Frank Collymore Hall Showcase was a step in the right direction. It was a nationwide showcase of spoken word and not simply a performance to or peers.

However, you have to look at the other side of the coin. I have been trying for years to get people that I work with to come to our performances and they brand it as 'boring' before they even experience it. So we also have to work on developing an audience.  It’s not fair that people say we are performing to our own little clique, but then you invite them to come and they give excuses.  Hopefully both creatives and potential audience members will look at themselves critically and grow up.  I want to see spoken word cement itself into the national psyche. I really do – so I hope that things can change and become better for all concerned.

Tripp: I see what you are saying. I strongly believe that it is something worth discussing. Well before we close would you care to tell us something most people don't know about the PassionPoet?

PassionPoet: I can cook. Not as well as Rebel Glam, but ... I can feed myself ...  I can sing as well (whenever I sing at karaoke people are shocked! I tell them you don't show all your talents all at once! *grin*)

Tripp: Lol! What are your plans for the future and is there anything you would like to leave aspiring creators with?

PassionPoet:   More books, a spoken word CD, spoken word videos, a LadyPassion's Intimates line of panties ... ok, I'll admit it.... I wanna have a #PassionEmpire! As I say in my poem Invocation, "...the sky is not our limitation / but our position of origin / and we can only go higher...."

Never give up. Follow your dreams.  Or, in true PassionPoet style -  #LivePassionately!!!!!!!

Just in case you did not have a chance to do any clicking above you can find the book Erotic in paperback at
http://tinyurl.com/pt2y5gu or get your copy on Kindle at http://tinyurl.com/np5bptm. If you are like me and you simply want to lay back and enjoy a nice night of poetry then let PassionPoet aurally entice you https://soundcloud.com/PassionPoet. Keep up with his latest musings via his blog http://poetwhispers.wordpress.com and of course you can find both PassionPoet http://www.facebook.com/PassionPoet246 and his new book Erotic http://www.facebook.com/EroticaAnthology on Facebook. See more of PassionPoet's erotic personality here http://www.mscreoleness.com/index.php/interviews/item/219-robertpassionpoetgibson-passionpoet-robertgibson ('This one is not for the faint hearted' he says) lol!

Well that brings us to the end of another exciting interview in The Spotlight. A very big thank you to PassionPoet and, of course, to you for joining us. Find us on facebook and don't forget to subscribe to our blog.


Until next time....Happy Trippin'!!!

The month of love has left us and I hope that all of Cupid’s lucky, or not so lucky, victims have found their happy endings. This month’s artist in ‘The Spotlight’ is guaranteed to be just as engaging as Narkissos was last month and, since we are currently celebrating Women’s History Month, I decided to sit down with one of our many female artists who has spent most of her life committed to the arts and creative development.

For the next few minutes you will spend your time interacting with a Queen of Rastafari who has penetrated local and international markets with her music. Leaving Sweden and coming to Barbados with her Barbadian father in the mid 80’s when she was a child, Empress Roli Roachford has been an ambassador for the country and mentor for young artists through both her music and, believe it or not, equestrianism. Her courage, love and commitment in dealing with horses are definitely the very same dominant characteristics that come out in the passion of her music.

It is important for me to reproduce the interview, as much as possible, in the voice of the artist and, as Bajans would say, 'Empress Roli don't hide she mout'. For those of you not familiar with Rastafari I have included a few notes to help to place things into context for you. This brings me to note number one:

**There is a difference between a salon dread and a follower of Rastafari. Rastafarianism is a way of life not a hair style.

With that said, it is now my pleasure to introduce you to Empress Roli Roachford.

Tripp: Empress Roli welcome to 'The Spotlight'. There is so much to talk about where you are concerned that I honestly had problems figuring out where the hell to start. You are a performing artist and an equestrian expert how did you manage to end up with that combination?

Empress Roli:  My father John Roachford was a Bajan and an Artist. we moved because Sweden is too cold and he wanted his children to get in tune with their Roots. My Mother Elizabeth Roachford is a Swedish horse expert. My mother use to knit and my father had a studio downstairs. Artists lived in our house.....like a big family.

Tripp: Well it is quite obvious that growing up in that environment had a profound  impact on you. When did you realize that you wanted to be an artist?

Empress Roli: Yea man Art is it....I create...hmm how long now....since I Spirit is the eternal force. I will say from Birth. I always loved music. I knew from the arrival of self-awareness. I use to sing and dance with my twin Akoele at a young age for fun. We use to dress up n' ting. Sang in the choir at school in Sweden also.

Tripp: Let us turn for a bit to the other part of your life. You are the first Rastafarian woman to compete and represent her country in Equestrian Dressage. How did your interaction with horses develop?

Empress Roli: I have been riding horses since age 3 and been working with horses for more than 30  years. Yes I've been blessed. I have been ranked #1 in the Region in the FEI World Challenge Cup more than twice. I competed in Canada in show jumping and our team took silver and I also got an award at the same show for best sportsmanship. I have represented Barbados in Dressage on many occasions also. I have maybe 100 trophies or so. My students also  do very well. It is hard work to stay on top but horses are naturally I and I feel blessed to be the first Rastafari Woman to represent. It was a long journey...... gotta hold firm.

Tripp: What I find interesting is the way you use your music and experience with horses for a greater purpose. Both you and your business,  Jahworks Nature Walk Tours, have been providing therapy for the disabled through the Barbados Equestrian Association For Riders With Disabilities for quite some time and the message coming from your music is always one encouraging peace, love and respect.

Empress Roli: I founded the Barbados Equestrian Association For Riders With Disabilities (BEARD) because I see the need for more activities and sports for our special needs community. Equestrian is an Olympic sport and we have good enough trainers here in the Island. It brings great joy and happiness for the families while interacting with different cultures also. I do for them as I would like for people to do for each other. I have provided therapy for more than 15 years and it has been amazing. We now have a full ongoing therapy program at Jah Works and have had a number of shows already. Jahworks full 100!

Tripp: What about the vibes coming from your music?

Empress Roli: My music and lyrics come from the source The Most High**. As a woman and mother it hurts to see how people are so cruel to each other and creation. Then you find out they are possessed by demonic activities.

Rule one: How to run a demon? MAKE A BETTER EARTH!

Music sooths the savage beast. It is true as it is written. When one can replace aggression with love we have made a huge step to peace.

I also find in the Caribbean women are seriously treated inferior and disrespectfully. It is not in the culture that we females are progressive and independent. We must be brainless and dependant. Jah nevah mek it so! It is a lie they feed us so the unfairness can go on.

Many women - young girls outside late nights,  abuse verbal and physical - all of this they dish out because we are to be less. Noways de Empress says!!  A woman is a blessing and respect must be due right now! No more abuse it is utter foolishness and it shows how brainwashing has shrunk people's brain and being. To the Mother of your children is respect due! So in my music I share the strength of woman as Jah made us to be. Free and strong with love. No aggression.........burn fire pon dem who does chop up dem woman when dem don't get what dem want!  Run de heathen outta creation! I don't see no other animal getting on so possessed. Jah send HIM** Angels in all forms. I am one of them.

*The Most High is His Imperial Majesty Emperor Halie Selassie I also referred to as King of Kings, Lord of Lords and Conquering Lion of Judah. He is the Devine being central to Rastafarianism. 

* HIM is the acronym for His Imperial Majesty.

Tripp: Respect is definitely a key ingredient. You yourself have  been with a significant other for almost as long as I have been alive. How do you maintain the balance in your relationship/marriage.

Empress Roli: The balance comes when one remains who you are as an individual. Married I am not but spiritually we are connected.  I don't believe in marriage and I feel if we were married for real, like in the world, we would not have lasted the 20 years. This is a good way to live. We are both artist so sparks will fly. Always be considerate to the other's expressions.

Tripp: I don't think that it would take anyone listening to your music for the first time very long to see that positive messages like these are a large part of your signature as an artist. You have also done a number of major collaborations.

Empress Roli: To date- with Courtney Melody, LRG, Supa Frost and Orakle. My newest is with Jamaican reggae sensation Kashmar.

Tripp: You have been nominated at least twice at the Barbados Music Awards (BMA's) for Best Reggae Artist and  you have also had the opportunity to perform at Reggae on the Hill which is regarded as Barbados' biggest reggae festival.

Empress Roli: I was Nominated and went on to be the first Rasta to win the People's Choice Award in 2012-2013. I was also nominated for Best Reggae Artist in that Year and in 2013-2014 I was nominated for Best Reggae Artist of the year again. Reggae on the Hill I loved! It was awesome.....had a blast. I love the band..the people the sound system..top class..I LOVE!!

Tripp: What would you consider to be your biggest achievement to date?

Empress Roli: No trophies or awards can ever match being in tune with Jah Jah and knowing that the real force behind 'representing' is my greatest achievement. Being a woman in Barbados, holding firm with Natty Dreads** and representing my sistas, holding true to my music regardless of people's opinions. Freedom and Love.... that's real.

**Natty Dreads refers to locs but in this context it also means holding firm to Rastafari

Tripp:  What would you say are some of the major issues happening with regards to your art form today?

Empress Roli: Well reggae from Bajans seems to be not accepted....brainwashing again. We are as a people to keep ignorant which is really un cool. They have decided that Calypso is we only music which is not true. We have so many multi genre talents in Barbados including spoken word. We need a proper infrastructure.

They say they play local music? What percentage? because to I they only play the same 4 artist over again every day? How is that? How de youth gine be heard?

Also are we not sexual enough? "Bajan ladies are beautiful.....the men don't get enough nukie"? In nearly every tune that gets push we gotta 'pat' we Royal parts and 'back shot' it or crawl round like a dog and piss. Music? Nah that's foolishness! Now they are complaining the girls are slack but what yuh think? That is all they hear like if those songs are BIG TUNES.

If de man was not buying slackness de woman won't be selling it simple!

Bashment Dance Hall I love but lyrics need improvement. We don't need to tell our ladies and people that bad is good and cool because people push bad as though it is good and cool. In fact reset the minds......strong and clean is good. Dance yuh sexy dance it's all good. Love yuh man it's all good. Dissing yah Royal self? nahhh! error! Be true to your Creator and Creation. Watch de youths dem. No porn needed in public.

I am also in the process of setting up a Sports, Culture and Community Centre so we in Barbados can get a better structure in music in Barbados. This centre will also be the first of its kind to cater to special needs people and has received the endorsement of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth. The reality is we need pro managers and a team. It is the same problem for all artist......we need dollars backing us not talk! To do a tour you must get out there. If yuh nah there it aint gine happen.

why we don't plan a Barbados oriented concert in reggae in the UK or Europe as well? Any place but here. They do it for Calypso and Soca. Raise the reggae artist please! I wonder as one of the only Reggae female artists in Barbados why my music aint getting played every day?

 I would like to see financial support to those studios who assist the youth to help push record and market their product. A mobile recording unit that comes around the ghetto and records artist for free....next day they bring back a cd with their tune which the artist owns. No scams, no tricks, just pure love and forward. Our concerts should not be genre based but should include some of everyone. Music is a unity thing. No more boxing we off in folders!  You get me sis? I have 100 ways to make it better.

I feel because I am a woman they don't want I to lead the massive but the reality is that every day Bajan artists reach out to I on Facebook and other networks for assistance in all aspects including managing and marketing. I do what I can but it takes money to make things right. Hard to push an artist in a pair of jeans that are 100 years old......hard to push myself in them also. I am lucky enough to be at a point where persons sponsor me but I need a team for my Bajans. Personally I now have Destines Media in the UK who now represents I in the UK, USA and Europe and in place for late summer there are plans for an Empress Tour.....more info to come.

Tripp: So there is really not a lot of support for the female reggae artist in Barbados is there? 

Empress Roli: I wanna see the daughters** get forward. Kings support yuh Queens! Get your head out yuh ass it aint about you.....it's about Jah's music and a bigger mission. Don't make her life harder by not being supportive. Respect her as a messenger.

SURPRISE! Yes Jah speaks to woman also. Not only man is the messenger.

I try not to get pissed off but it happens. It pisses me off that promoters and males feel we have to spread legs to get a forward  with our music. Pisses me off that disk jockeys play mainly male reggae music. Pisses me off that people feel I born rich because my skin aint as dark as yours. I started working at 12....no hand outs.

It pisses me off that I crack my back at Jahworks to make a better tomorrow for Bajans and the special needs, including, rescue horses, and there is no assistance. It pisses me off to know I am such a positive asset for Barbados as an ambassador and I aint travel to represent because I don't kiss ass....dirty ting to do.

It pisses me off that our special needs community aint feel welcome to come and socialize with us. It pisses me off that music plays on air dissing women. It pisses me off that Barbados has so much red tape to have an event or party. How we can push our culture when people broke and now gotta pay for licenses etc? It pisses I off that the mentality here is still enslaved....the rest of the world moved on and we are stuck in 1932

**'daughters' refers to females/women.

Tripp: What advice do you have for artists and aspiring artists?

Empress Roli: Life is for living. Make the most of it. We all live and then move on. Make a better tomorrow. Always keep positive. One must remain free and know how to love one's self. We need to stress less and realize that a lot of our worries are fabricated for us to fit in the world. If we don't do it their way we are wrong. Once you are doing good you're right as far as I am concerned. Live your life share the love and be thankful.

for my fellow artist out there.....do your art because that's who you are....because it makes you feel good and allows you to be free to express. Many times your work might not be appreciated but if you love it it does not matter. One day people will grow to your vibe and then you will smile. Make sure your production is tops and work with some of the well know producers and disk jockeys. They have a lot to teach.

Make sure your stage performance is good and clean and that you sound just as good live as you do in the studio. Make sure to be open minded to positive growth and learn people skills. Try to market and push yourself as much as you can on your own. Create a good on line product and production. Many times you will meet great connections on line, broaden your horizons, allow the growth and to it all have faith in your talents because YOU ROCK!

ONE LOVE!

Courageous, committed, straight forward. I did warn you that the Empress don't hold she mout'. Thank you all for joining me in this month's edition of 'The Spotlight'. I hope you enjoyed interacting with Empress Roli Roachford as much as I did. Don't forget to check out Empress Roli's music video below and show some love by sharing the video. You can also follow Empress Roli on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EmpressRoliRoachford and https://www.facebook.com/roil.roachford. Access more of Empress Roli's music at http://www.unitymusik.com/empressroli.html and  http://www.reverbnation.com/RoliRoachford?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav

Don't forget to subscribe to our blog and like us on Facebook. Come back next month to see who will be in The Spotlight for the month of April. You never know......it could be you.

As promised, every month we will be getting up close and personal with an artist from the Caribbean and I could not have been more excited when Corey 'Narkissos' Springer or, as we like to call him, Narq agreed to be this month's featured artist. I mean after all, Oh My God! it is Corey 'Narkissos' Springer.......Ladies have you seen his body?

 But on a more serious note; it is not often that you have the opportunity to sit down one on one with a successful multi-business owner who is a writer and published author, singer, classically trained pianist, spoken word artist and professional fitness guru who, I might add, is still climbing the ladder.

 What is the method to his madness? I have an opinion: take a lot of confidence, mix it with equal amounts of will power and determination, top it off with a positive attitude and along with that you can add a dash of humility with a heart full of compassion and you will have Corey 'Narkissos' Springer.  The persistent entrepreneur and perfect role model for young and aspiring artists.

 However, you don't have to take my word for it. Take a look below and see what Narq has to say. After that I am sure you are going to agree that Corey 'Narkissos' Springer has got 'The Write Idea'.

Tripp: Corey, it is my pleasure to big you up! Now for those who are hearing about you for the first time just tell us your name and how you became Narq.
Narq: I was Christened "Corey Fabian Springer". When I started doing spoken word, I did so under the name 'Narkissos'. This was later shortened to 'Narq', because it was easier for people to pronounce. Now, that's what most people call me.

Tripp: Where were you born and how old are you?
Narq: I am Barbados born and I am 31 years at this time.

Tripp: Let's talk a little more about you as an artist. In what areas of the arts do you specialize?
Narq: The answer to that would depend on who you ask. Some consider me a great writer. Some consider me a good vocalist. Many who've been exposed to one side of my artistry, have no knowledge of any other aspect. Me personally? I can't fathom trying to confine myself to one box.

Tripp: So how long have you been an artist?
Narq: I can't remember a time when I wasn't. Truthfully, I consider myself a student of life. Art, for me, is knowledge. And, for as long as I've had breath, I've craved knowledge.

Tripp: When did you realize that art was going to play a major role in your life. When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
Narq: Childhood I'd say. I did the same things other kids did, mind you. But, I was also training in the piano, dance, and singing. In addition to that, my mother had fed my voracious appetite for knowledge with literature and my father fostered an interest in tinkering (as he was a top technician).

I've excelled at academia my entire life. But, while my mother, teachers and others  with whom I'd interacted always thought that I'd stick with a typical profession, the truth is... I liked school because I enjoyed learning. When learning ceased to be enjoyable, I stepped away from the classroom.

When kids around me were asked "what do you want to be when you grow up", I'm the only one in my age group that didn't have an answer. I still don't know. All I know is, I'm here to learn and excel: to destroy, discard, assimilate, build, and grow. Art facilitates this.

Tripp: Interesting, so how would you describe yourself as a writer and vocalist?
Narq: For the arts, poetry is my bread and butter. I dabble in prose as well, but it wasn't until last year that my mentor confirmed that my prose was as strong as my poetry. I would never have guessed honestly. Outside of the arts, I write articles for different demographics. This satisfies the other areas of my brain, and keeps me sane. In either sphere, I'd hazard to label my writing 'observational'. I'm a people watcher. I like to reinterpret things I see: be it gender interactions, a sunset, or a rock... I just like to filter it through my brain for the world.

Musically, I'm a classically trained pianist. 26 years of piano to be exact. Vocally, I was trained in a choir and then by a vocal teacher who had gospel influences. The structure of the aforementioned influenced my style heavily, right up until maybe 10 years ago when my father (who is a great musician/vocalist in his own right) actively deconstructed my style and challenged me to throw away many of my inflections. I'm not sure how successful that's been to be honest. The process did teach me many things about my voice, as well as taught me new skills, but it also strengthened my convictions in other related areas.

I'm currently working on releasing my first single. I am told that the content, writing, inflections et. al. are unique... and impossible to confine to any category.
So, stay tuned.

Tripp: We definitely will, but I have to say that I have been following your progress as an artist for some time and one can get the impression that fitness is really your passion. They say 'the arts is a jealous mistress'. Where do you find the time to do both?
Narq: I have been a chronic insomniac for 13 years now. When people ask me where I find the time, I always chuckle. As for fitness... Yes, it is one of my passions as well as my primary business. It is also, in my mind, art. Through my work as a fitness consultant, I carve bodies, soothe minds, bolster psyches, and make people identify with something deeper. If that isn't art, I don't know what is.

My body is my business. It is my calling card. It is the sum of my work, as well as an exercise in perpetuity. I am art.

Tripp: Yes but I am sure many ask why be an artist. We all have met the purist at some point in time who believes it should be the arts or nothing else. But what about the pressure, from those who label us as hobbyists, to focus more on your 'real job'? There is hardly a market in Barbados for the arts. Especially writers. 
Narq: Why be anything at all? When I was at school, I wanted to do my degree in English Literature. I was discouraged. I was told "How you gine find work with that?"Mind you, the majority of the people I know here who've graduated with degrees don't work in fields related to the said degrees. Others are unemployed, or have been working temp jobs within the government for the last 13+ years. I've digressed however.

[*any profession *] can excel in [*any economic environment*] if they apply humility and intelligence. Barbados is a hard place to live, period. I believe artists and entrepreneurs alike should read the footnotes left behind by 'Joe Average'. The average Joe diversifies his income stream so as to be able to live comfortably... whereas the average artist/entrepreneur wears hunger like a badge of courage. I know what hunger feels like, so I suffer from no such self-righteousness.

I came from a poor family of hard workers. My mother had 3 jobs at the time while I was growing up. One of them was picking cotton. Mid-day sun, we're sitting in a tent watching her break her back. Images like that, of my hard-working parents, embedded something in me that manifested in my manner of approaching life: Hard work. Make things happen. Put contingencies in place, so one hand shakes the other... so to speak.

The 'hardly a market' thing is a cop-out, in my humble opinion. The WORLD is a free market. Carve your niche. Extend your fingers around the globe. It won't be easy, but it certainly is doable... and fulfilling.

Tripp: Well said, I could not agree more. So tell us about your preference for poetry gospel and alternative where your career is concerned.
Narq: Poetry is how I see words. Everything is poetry. Gospel is the most beautiful music ever written. Alternative is tinged heavily with the one instrument I've tried to learn but couldn't: The guitar.

Tripp: I know you have already given us some insight into your experience as a performing and creative artist but tell us a little more about what you have done.
Narq: What's there to say? I studied piano from the age of 5 until I was a teen. As a teen I met Janice Millington-Robertson, who thought I was pretty good...and who inspired me to be better. She was SUCH a beautiful person. Many never got to see that side of her. That I did, was a blessing. At my Alma Mater Harrison College, where she taught, I met a huge crop of talent: Damian Marvay, Garvie Griffith, Phelan Lowe, Wesu Wallace, Barry Griffith, and too many other names... many of whom went on to do big things in the arts. I used to jam with them almost daily in the music room after school. It was brilliant!

I've digressed though. Yea... structured piano for a decade, and then I went on to teach myself and develop my own style. I played percussion instruments in a band as a pre-teen. We represented our school at NIFCA. During that time, I also did ballroom dancing... and went on to represent Barbados against Trinidad in the Rising stars competition. There was African dancing in there and street dancing in the years after that should probably also get a passing mention.

Where singing is concerned, I did structured vocal training with Dionne Lashley between 2000-2004. Prior, I sang with Children of Promise: A gospel group.When I decided to go completely solo, I entered NIFCA as a spoken word artist... performing a piece that fused poetry with singing. That piece "Music used to be" earned me a bronze, as well as an invitation to perform at the NIFCA Gala, and a gig at the Crane Hotel. Since then, I've been awarded one silver and 2 bronze awards at NIFCA.

Tripp: With regard to your NIFCA experience. Do you see this national festival as a stepping stone and do you think it has assisted in any way in your development as an artist?
Narq: I don't think see NIFCA as a stepping stone. Neither do I see it as a conduit for the development of the arts. I know many other artists feel the same. But, as I plan on entering again, I will refrain from commenting  further.

Tripp: Your recently published book, 'Like A Sunset Over De Gully', tells about the experiences of a boy becoming a man in Barbados. We see a very straightforward description of his life and what makes it more interesting and graphic is that it is about the reality of becoming a man from the perspective of a man. Does this book reflect your experiences growing up in Barbados?
Narq: It does....Intimately.

Tripp: Why share your intimate details with the world?
Narq: Art is supposed to be honest. Art is supposed to evoke emotion (whether said emotion is positive or negative). I censor nothing I think or have experienced. In that way, I can be true to what art is.

Besides, a lot of the stuff I write about, nobody says. People think it. Men think it. It never reaches the atmosphere however, because men aren't stereotypically supposed to express certain sentiments. I've never been good with stereotypes however.

Tripp: What are the major collaborations you have done?
Narq: To date, I've only collaborated with one artist: Ayesha Nura. Before her, I did not believe in collaborations. But, her spirit resonated on a similar frequency to my own... so everything we've done together has been magic. At least one of our pieces can be found in my book 'Like a Sunset Over De Gully'. We've performed it on a number of occasions as well... to a great reception.

Tripp: What are your major achievements to date?
Narq: I'd have to say that publishing, and selling my book has been my most major one... at least in the sphere of the arts. The NIFCA awards, and being paid to perform, have been pretty huge for me as well.

Tripp:What has your journey been like while pursuing your career in the arts? We all know that the lack of adequate infrastructure is but one of the unfortunately necessary evils we face in this country as serious artists.
Narq: The arts community is rife with facetiousness, fakeness, and a general lack of support. At one point, I had stopped performing entirely... mainly because I could no longer generate truth in that cloud of fake finger-snapping pseudo-support. It was suffocating.

With regard to support, artists don't help each other generally speaking. I mean, there are some legitimate gems out there who bend over backwards to provide a platform for the arts... but even they complain about the lack of support. Small things like showing up at events, and supporting the bar. Or, buying high-quality work produced by their peers, instead of just talking about it.

"Oh, your work is SO HARD. I can't wait to buy your CD." - CD comes out, and you can't find any of the people who reserved a copy. They call for more events, and then don't show up. Non-artsy people actually support events more ardently than artsy people do.

And, personally, seeing that the arts may not be the average Joe's cup of tea, I think that needs to be commended. I have so much love and support for the average Joe. A lot of Joes don't even know the arts exist though. They just come to support a friend who's an artist, and they get wowed and keep coming back.

Speaking about 'not knowing', infrastructure here is weak. Corporate Barbados does not respect the arts. It sees it as a tax break solely. We are still a funding liability... which is something I learned firsthand when I was looking for funding for my first book. Every door I turned to for funding was slammed shut in my face. One of them was slammed gently, but slammed all the same. In the end, I had to depend on a personal loan from a friend. Without it, I would have had to wait additional years to publish.

Believe me. There is SO much empty talk floating around Barbados. A lot of wishful thinking and empty hand gestures. In the end, all the Barbadian artist has is his/her talent, close friends, family, and inherent tenacity.

Tripp: What pisses you off the most in your profession? Both art and fitness.
Narq: Fitness: Excuses; Entitlement; Shady Characters... both in the form of clients and peers.

Arts: Facetiousness; Dishonesty. Destructiveness. With regard to dishonesty, we have supporters who are total 'yes-men'. They surround artists, tell them everything they do is spectacular... even the bad stuff. This limits growth. Then, with regard to destructiveness, we have people whose sole goal in life is to destroy others... to bring them 'down to earth', by urinating on their artistry. The biggest irony is, I find many of these destructive people sitting on the boards of institutions that are supposed to be building the arts.

Tripp: On that note, what is your vision for your art form; what would you like to see happen in Barbados for persons like yourself?
Narq: My art, should God continue to grant me life, will grow and continue to evolve. I will not set a limit on its form. Barbadian art, equally, I would love to see follow suit. More festivals. More plays. More home-grown movies like 'Pay Day'. More liaising with other Caribbean countries. Less polarizing. I would LOVE to see the day that someone in Trinidad calls up the Bajan community and says 'Ay hoss. Allyuh want to come down this weekend to vibes?'

I see so many festivals through-out the Caribbean that I would LOVE to perform at. Right now though, it's a pipe dream... but a dream all the same. What we need here is unity. Here. Barbados. Through-out the Caribbean. That is what I would love to see most.

Tripp: I hope you don't mind me getting a little more personal, but you are an artist dating an artist or, at the very least, an artistic woman. That must be crazy. Tell me more about her.
Narq: It's a funny thing honestly. I think creatives understand other creatives, but they don't date well. Something about the random energies, mood swings, outburts... the things inherent to the creative process. These things, in my opinion, need to be balanced with a personality that processes information in a totally different manner. A cooler intellect so to speak. My best friend is that 'yin' for me. But, even though I can quantify what would work best in a utopic relationship, I'm only attracted to creatives. Which brings me to my girlfriend.

She's a beautiful person. Our relationship has always been laser beams and lightning... which has made for some absolutely mind-blowingly-delicious moments, as well as for some very rough spots.

She writes, she sings, she models. She too is art... and I love her.

Tripp: I know that your name is mostly associated with being a fitness guru and performing and creative artist. Share something with us that is not common knowledge about yourself.
Narq: I'm great with kids and animals. I have a thing for strays. I love to cook, and do so for the people I love as well as clients. Apparently very good at that. The problem with being good at the things I try is, as a chronic entrepreneur, I turn all hobbies in to money-making ventures...and, thus, have to go look to learn a new hobby from scratch each time.

But yea... I love cooking.

Tripp: You are a very vocal and outspoken person. Tell us more about your philosophy and your views on life.
Narq: My life view: I may die at any moment; Why waste a second? My dad has a morbid fixation on death. I hated it growing up. He'd always say "I don't think I'll live long. I'm giving myself til 60." It hurt to hear. But, in the same vein, it shaped his approach to everything...and made him a very epic man, with shoes I find impossible to fill.

Likewise, I live each day to the fullest. I say what I have to say. I work til my fingers bleed, and love til my testicles ache. I don't believe I have any limits. Sometimes my brain or joints disagree though.

Tripp: Go into a little more detail about your love for natural black women. Depending on one's cultural reality, it is considered a rare quality. After all, the lighter the skin and the less kink you have the more media worthy and attractive you become.
Narq: I love women. I love intelligent, well-groomed, ambitious, confident women.

I dislike, and say 'dislike' instead of 'hate' (because I would never be intentionally ambiguous), faux-beauty and pretentiousness. This isn't to say that women who choose not to be natural are automatically 'fake' but, rather, that there is a lot of fakeness inherent with the sub-culture.

That said, I do have many friends who are not natural, but are ambitious, intelligent, articulate, and all of the other traits I admire... but, we're friends as opposed to more because there's something 'more' than just isn't there for me.

I love the smell of a woman. A natural woman. Her hair, her skin... it's just different. The texture of her hair on my chest when I roll over in the morning. The coils. The depth. The confidence it takes to wear it, care it, and love it... I love.

Did I mention the smell?  Smell is big thing for me.

Yum!

Tripp: What are your plans for the future?
Narq: My plans. To conquer? No, but seriously, I started a small publishing company called 'The Write Idea', and I'm right now mentoring a young writer, as well as building a team. The goal here is to work with other artists, to get their work published. Me personally, I have 7 more personal titles in the works. The goal is to release a book per year... or every other year... growing in my craft from year to year. I'm also finally getting in to recording. So, I hope to have a full CD out in the near future.

In my non-arts life, I'm expanding my businesses. I just assembled a new team, and with their help I'm hoping that I can open a new branch of my fitness business within the next 4 months.

That's me: ever-forward.

Tripp: What advice do you have for young artists?
Narq: READ. WRITE/Draw/Express. READ SOME MORE. Try.
Don't think about limits. Listen to advice. Discard what isn't relevant. Put one foot in front of the other. Keep moving. Create honest art. Don't create for other people. Doing so, creating for 'likes', cheapens your art. Art at its truest, is art at its most powerful. At the end of the day, it does not matter if your friends and family don't support you. They'll either come around, or they won't. Be true to you.

Learn the rules of your art form. Break them.

The End!

Well, what can I say, I warned you didn't I? If you have enjoyed hanging out with Corey 'Narkissos' Springer as much as I did don't despair,  you can keep up with what he is doing. Just go to http://www.getnarked.net/forum/index.php. However, just in case you did not get a chance to click on any links while you were engrossed in what he was saying or you may even be interested in something specific, I have provided the links again for you.

For sure 'Like A Sunset Over De Gully' is one of those books you just have to read. Get your copy here
https://www.createspace.com/4301175 or just go toNarq's page where you can contact him directly and find more than just his book. If you are like me and you are a sucker for good poetry then here is the place to find it
https://www.facebook.com/Narkissos/notes  or watch his videos here https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=vb.295812410439389. Better yet, see him in person. If there is anyone in Barbados that knows about fitness and can help you achieve that perfect body it is Narq himself. Get that info here https://www.facebook.com/NarkSide.

Thanks for getting Narqed with me! Come back next month to see who the next special personality will be and please don't forget to subscribe.

Who is your favorite Caribbean performing or creative artist? Why? Do you even know of any artists from the Caribbean or that live and work in the Caribbean?

Well....luckily you have come to the right place. Every month we will feature an artist here on our blog. Gain insights into the world of dance, theater, spoken word, the visual arts, music, writing and much more.

Who knows, this special person may live right next to you.

If it is about the arts then Tripp is about it.

Anya 'Tripp' Lorde