We don’t mean to be spoilsports, but how are Barbadians able to attend the myriad high-profile entertainment shows that have proliferated the cultural landscape in the last three months and still make ends meet from day to day?
With an economy that is being buffeted by rising oil prices and the knock-on effect of slow economic growth in our major trading partners Britain and the United States, followed by not-too-favourable ratings by Moody’s Investment Services, is it unreasonable to expect Barbadians not to splurge?
Yet, whenever an international artiste graces these shores, the average person will not only pay the nominal entry fee of about $100 but sometimes the VIP price of $300 plus; and if it’s a woman, she will also seek to adorn herself in the latest and most exquisite outfit, topped by elaborate hairdo.
Back in April, Barbados hosted the effervescent Jennifer Hudson and Amber Rose; and in May, Wyclef Jean and Beenie Man headed the week-long Reggae Festival cast. Then, John Legend hosted his packed concert at the Gymnasium of the Garfield Sobers Complex last month; and tomorrow, Barbadian men and women from all walks of life will dress in their finest to salute former American Idol star Fantasia at the same venue.
All the while money is spinning, not only from patrons but from the shows’ promoters themselves, who must pay for police and private security, as well as accommodation, airfare and, of course, substantial artistes’ fees for these megastars.
It is now Crop Over, and the many limes, band launches and certain calypso tents will be bursting at the seams; and this should continue throughout the season until the hot Cohobblopot climax, followed by what should be the biggest show of the year – Rihanna In Concert.
Thousands are expected to pack Kensington Oval for this once-in-a-lifetime show featuring Barbados’ lone superstar on August 5.
How will they afford it, as the news pages, call-in programmes and websites churn out a surfeit of complaints about high food costs, rising gasoline prices, the drug dispensing fee, et al?
We have to ask: are Barbadians’ priorities in place, or does this phenomenon of complainers who spend $350 for a Kadooment costume – comprising a small piece of cloth and a few beads and feathers – reflect the long held view that people in crisis will find ways to release tension and entertain themselves, however costly?
Entertainment takes people’s minds off the problems at hand, for sure.
It could also, in this context, be an economic stabilizer, since shows like those mentioned provide jobs, help to promote Barbados, and give our own artistes important exposure.
Chairman of the Barbados Tourism Authority, Adrian Elcock, said in May that “the benefit of Barbados being the home of Rihanna, Shontelle, Livvy Franc and Hal Linton has helped to create a positive aura internationally about Barbados, especially among their colleagues in the industry”.
It is exposure a pressured economy like ours cannot buy. Hence the value of these shows being more than just a “feel good” commodity.
But the personal price!