Celebrating rasta sistas

THE TALENTS and achievements of I-queens (Rastafarian women) became the centre of attention last this week during the second annual I-Queen Royal last Sunday.Several creative disciplines came together in the heart of The City to accompany Rachelle Gray’s portraits of contemporary Barbadian Rastafari sisters. The anthology, which was on display for one night only in the Grande Salle of the Central Bank of Barbados, featured over 20 unique photographs.The exhibition was also a learning experience for the viewer, as below each photograph was a short description of the woman, along with her views on Rastafarianism.Subjects included artist Azizah Onifa, educator Nailah Imoja and artist Tempu Nefertari.Meanwhile, a small but appreciative crowd, made up largely of I-queens, their “kingmen” and families, gathered in the Cathedral Courtyard to see live performances from several “conscious” artistes. A traditional African libation or tribute to the ancestors paved the way for the Jakuta Drummers who sought to make the audience “feel something”.The free-flowing entertainment session also included Tabitha and Buggy of the band Fully Loaded, the Trinity Family, the multi-talented Blak Kla Soyl, spoken word artist Adrian Green and poet Sonia Williams.Patrons were also able to purchase food, jewellery, art and craft on the terrace of the Frank Collymore Hall. (NB)