Caption: Stonedwithcupid showcased his versatility as he performed his comedic poem Sweet Girl Yuh Boyfriend Is A Clown which left the audience in stitches.
October 18th, 2024 Bridgetown, Barbados — The captivating atmosphere of Frank Collymore Hall was filled with anticipation as award-winning poet Stonedwithcupid took the stage at Cupid’s Lounge on October 18th, 2024, delivering a powerful performance that showcased why he remains one of Barbados’ most celebrated spoken word artists.
Stonedwithcupid, a NIFCA Gold Medalist and recipient of the prestigious Earl Warner Trophy for Excellence, has carved a prominent name in the world of spoken word. With over 20 national and regional awards, Stonedwithcupid has become a cornerstone of the Barbadian arts scene. His journey, which began with his award-winning poem Boys Will Be Boys in 2016, has since evolved into a legacy of transformative performances that bridge culture, identity, and activism.
At Cupid’s Lounge, Stonedwithcupid opened the show accompanied by award-winning dancers Saleem Small and Danico Martindale, performing the powerful pieces Ancestral Calling and They Call Me Poet . His performance of Burn The Witch, backed by a haunting instrumental track, was a standout, leaving the audience in awe of his ability to intertwine historical and cultural narratives with spoken word. Later in the night, he delivered a melody of his award-winning works, including Lost in Love & Cope, Body Count, and Sweet Girl Your Boyfriend Is a Clown and his NIFCA Gold Award winning piece Sucide Bomber, reminding the audience of his undeniable versatility and impact.
Stonedwithcupid accompanied by award-winning dancers Danico Martindale and Saleem Small gave a powerful performance of the piece Burn The Witch
While Stonedwithcupid’s performances were the heart of the night, the show also featured an exceptional cast of poets and spoken word artists. Malachi Hope, the 2024 Buss Ah Rhyme Champion, delivered a moving rendition of his piece There Was a Boy , a performance that captivated the audience with its emotional depth.
Other standout performances included Deo The Poet , whose Bronze award-winning poem The Rose That Grew From Concrete and newly penned Young People Been Struggling explored themes of resilience and youth struggles. Ashley Serieux electrified the room with her delivery of Society Likes to Police Women , a poem written by La Shawna Griffith. Her performance of Enough was emotional, at points her voice broke as she said the words ‘Am I enough for you?’
The night also featured remarkable performances from Finalist in the over 21 catergory of The Richard Stoute Teen Talent, Zoe Sunshine, who graced the stage with her original song The Garden of Me , and Iyah Badd , who performed his recently released tracks God He Knows and Find My Way , showcasing his blend of rap and spoken word. Rae performed Enigma, a thought-provoking piece on men’s mental health, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Prophet , the runner-up of Poetree Barbados‘ 2024 Buss Ah Rhyme competition, brought depth and intensity to his piece I Am Not Made in My Maker’s Image. Stonedwithcupid’s award-winning work and the performances of the talented lineup of poets served not only as a celebration of poetic mastery but as a testament to the power of words to inspire, challenge, and heal. The combination of heartfelt delivery, raw emotion, and powerful narratives made Cupid’s Lounge an unforgettable experience.
Guests left feeling deeply pleased with the show, further enriched by the evening’s refreshments, which included scrumptious sandwiches provided by Nourished by Natalee , decadent desserts from Whisked Away , and sponsored cran water from Western Wholesale. The blend of poetry and culinary delights made the night a memorable success for all in attendance.