‘Bajan’ Star Talent Perform at ‘Barbados on the Water’ in Toronto, May 27 – 29

TORONTO (May 13, 2016): In celebration of Barbados’ 50th year of independence, the three-day ‘Barbados on the Water’ festival will bring some of Barbados’ top musical talent to the Harbourfront Centre for all Torontonians and visitors to enjoy. From smooth Caribbean jazz, to upbeat soca and reggae, these musicians’ performances promise to inject ‘soca, spice and soul’ and to keep guests moving and grooving.

Many of the star ‘Bajan’ talent, as listed below, are available for interviews and on-air performances in advance of, or during, the festival.

Crowned the undisputed “Queen of SOCA” by fans worldwide, Alison Hinds’ powerful, emotional vocals and high-energy live shows are legendary in Caribbean music. Her first solo album entitled “Soca Queen” is a diverse selection of soca tunes with hot, pulsating rhythm-oriented anthems. It was in 2005, when Alison’s standout song “Roll It Gal” was broadly released, that she became a true international hit. With expanded appreciation for her music on new shores with new fans, she took her dynamic, energetic show worldwide.

Alison Hinds performs Saturday May 28, 2016 from 10 p.m. – 11 p.m. on the Concert Stage

Link to a past performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00aPyXXJwMA

Arturo Tappin Band

Available for interviews and on-air performances on May 29, 2016

Arturo Tappin is often referred to as the smoothest, “saxiest” horn-playing man the Caribbean has to offer. Known for his reggae jazz-fusion style, Arturo Tappin’s performances convey the influences of the roots culture. His dynamic, live performances and his reputation for putting on explosive, exciting shows, including at a number of international music festivals, such as the Edinburgh Festival and the Soho Jazz Festival.

Arturo Tappin performs Sunday, May 29, 2016 from 5:30p.m. – 6:30p.m. on the Concert Stage

Link to a past performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygrgy5PTGUQ

Biggie Irie

Available for interviews and on-air performances from May 26 – 29, 2016

Standing on a foundation of award-winning hit singles, Biggie Irie—affectionately called the Big Poppa of Groovy Soca and Lovers Rock—is a certified crowd pleaser and a man of action when performing on stage. Born in the United Kingdom, he moved to Barbados at the age of three and has since been integrated into the Caribbean lifestyle, allowing him to be surrounded by the passionate sounds of soca and reggae.

Biggie Irie performs Friday May 27, 2016 and Saturday May 28, 2016 from 11:30 p.m. – 12:10 a.m. at Lakeside Terrace

Link to a past performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLIhYZnVGlM

Eddie Bullen

Available for interviews and on-air performances throughout May 2016

A standout amongst his generation of multi-talented artists, Eddie Bullen is an award-winning contemporary jazz artist who offers his audience some Caribbean rhythms. From his first album, “Nocturnal Affair”, to his most recent “Spice Island”, Eddie Bullen has produced over 150 albums and is currently working on several new ventures through his company, Thunder Dome Sounds. Eddie also collaborates with his son, Quincy Bullen, who will also be featured at ‘Barbados on the Water’. The two are set to release a new album soon.

Eddie Bullen performs with Vita Chambers, along with Marisa Lindsay on Sunday May 29 from 4 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. at Studio Theatre

Link to a past performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuxjZ47MRhg

Spice & Company

Available for interviews and on-air performances from May 26 – 28, 2016

For their first performance in Canada in 21 years, Spice & Company (Spice & Co.) will give everyone a reason to dance. Founded in 1976 by four teenagers born in Barbados, Spice & Co. produced a catalogue of songs in the Caribbean between 1982 and 1995. After numerous hits, including the Disney Classic “In De Congaline”, Spice & Company disbanded in 1995 at the height of their career due to personal differences. Following a 15-year hiatus, they came together to produce one of the most-talked-about shows ever seen in Barbados at the Globe Drive-In, and as the relationship between the members rekindled, the band has performed during the last five years on selective occasions, making international appearances.

Spice & Co. performs Friday May 27, 2016 from 9 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. on the Concert Stage

Link to a past performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9XHHqW3zaw

Vita Chambers

Available for interviews and on-air performances throughout May 2016

Known for her dance hit “Fix You”, Vita Chambers is an all-star performer. Vita toured with Justin Bieber as one of his opening acts for 27 shows on his My World Tour in 2010 and performed with Estelle at the 2010 Soul Train Awards in Atlanta. She’s also opened the halftime show for the NFL’s Motown 50th Anniversary in Detroit in 2009. Her hit single, “Fix You” was nominated for the Best Dance Record at the 2013 JUNO Awards, and within three months entered the Top 40, went gold in Canada and sold over 350,000 copies worldwide.

Vita Chambers performs with Eddie Bullen, along with Marisa Lindsay on Sunday May 29, 2016 from 4 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. at the Studio Theatre

Link to a past performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYt3SGKuo6M

About Barbados

The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. 2016 marks a year of celebrations for Barbados, in honour of its 50 years of independence. Rated as one of the world’s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados’ Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travelers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Barbados has hosted several world class events including: The annual Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival; the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010, and the Rihanna LOUD concert in 2012. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S., making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor’s “2008 Travelers’ Choice Destination Awards” in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados.