The Richard Stoute Amphitheatre came alive in spectacular fashion as the Richard Stoute Youth Showcase took centre stage at CARIFESTA XV.
From the first note, the amphitheatre brimmed with excitement. The crowd was excited, knowing they were about to witness the next generation of stars step boldly into the spotlight.
The show opened with a strong sense of pride as Barbados’ Kyrique Alleyne kicked things off with
Bridgetown Market, making sure he did justice to the Mighty Gabby piece.
The British Virgin Islands followed with a double offering from Shamoy Smith, whose stirring renditions of The Prayer and A Million Dreams showed vocal power and youthful determination.
Aaliyah Webster Robinson of Anguilla charmed with Do You Remember, while Annalise Simon from The Bahamas touched on themes of resilience in her original piece, Stress.
Representing St Kitts and Nevis, Edward Williams ( Mighty J) delivered a heartfelt Love In The Dark, before Trinidad’s Xhaiden Darius lifted spirits with Calypso Will Survive – a reminder of the enduring power of the region’s musical heartbeat.
Kyra-Jaye of Bermuda brought a soulful edge with Break and Barbados’ Kenaz Bit Bit Walker shifted gears with Vehicle by our very own Stoute, after whom the space is fittingly named. Rounding out the half, Ge’Eve of Antigua tugged at emotions with Daughter Come, a performance that lingered with the audience long after the final note.
If the first half set the stage, the second half proved the Caribbean’s future is in excellent hands.
Barbados again opened with Yahandje Daniel performing a soaring To Love You More, before Anguilla’s Webster Robinson returned for Valerie, showcasing impressive versatility. St Kitts and Nevis’ Mighty J was back also, this time
bringing Whitney Houston’s Saving All My Love to life.
Alleyne showed range with his second entry, Lightning, before the spotlight shifted to St Vincent and the Grenadines. Hanna Archibald’s Tears on My Pillow hushed the crowd with its sincerity, and Matthew John thrilled with his steel pan mastery on Engine Room and Come Again.
Other memorable highlights included Simon returning for Good Old Days,
Trinidad’s Xhaiden Darius with Melody of Chutney and Ge’Eve back to perform
Prescription.
Closing the night, Omaiah Hall of Guyana lifted the energy with Break Away, an anthem of freedom and hope – the perfect finale for a show all about young people claiming their space.
The event was more than a talent show; it was a celebration of Stoute’s enduring legacy. For decades, his platform has nurtured young voices and given them the confidence to step boldly into the entertainment world.
And if this night was any indication, that future is dazzling. (NS)
