On Thursday, 26th February 2026, the intimate yet electric atmosphere of Bean N Bagel 2.0 came alive as 200 patrons gathered for the 2nd Annual PoeTree Barbados Buss Ah Rhyme Competition. By the end of the night, it was Mark Yearwood who would walk away with the coveted 2026 championship title.
Hosted by the dynamic duo Zoe Sunshine and Deo The Poet, the show officially got underway around 7:15 p.m., and from the very first performance, it was clear the audience was in for an exceptional evening of artistry.
Opening the stage was Deo The Poet, who delivered his NIFCA Bronze Award-winning piece The Rose That Grew From Concrete, setting a powerful tone. He was followed by Co-Founder of PoeTree Barbados, La Shawna Griffith, who performed her multiple award-winning poem The Belch of Racism Has A Pungent Odour, commanding the room with her signature intensity and conviction.
The pair then faced off in an exhibition match on the theme of Bajan Folklore the official theme for the night. After brief deliberation, La Shawna Griffith was declared the winner of the exhibition battle, much to the delight of supporters.
The performances continued with Serena Goddard-McClean, a new addition to the PoeTree cast, who delivered her raw and emotionally stirring piece Habituation. The audience sat stunned, absorbing the vulnerability and depth of her words.
Featured artiste R-Lando followed with his thought-provoking poem The New Militia, bringing his trademark fusion of rhythm and social commentary to the stage.
After his performance, Co-Founder Akeem “Stonedwithcupid” Chandler-Prescod formally introduced the judges: Sandra Sealy, Chief Judge Nailah Imoja, and General Manager of Bean N Bagel 2.0, Rachel Charles. With introductions complete, the highly anticipated competition segment began.
Contestants were required to write an original poem in February 2026, fully memorise it, and ensure it aligned with the theme of Bajan Folklore.
Ebonee Carter, one of two women in the competition, was the first competitor. Dressed in African garb, she delivered a riveting performance that radiated strength and power, earning the first standing ovation of the night.
Iyah Badd, widely known as a rapper and recording artiste, followed with a solid and confident showing. Lui The Bajan, though unwell, gave a commendable performance but opted not to have his piece adjudicated. His supporters, however, cheered him on loudly throughout.
Then came the performance that would ultimately secure the crown. Dressed sharply in a black and red suit, Mark Yearwood took to the stage with his poem HeartMan. From the moment he began, the audience was captivated. His lyrical mastery, embodiment of the folklore character, and commanding stage presence drew thunderous applause and the second standing ovation of the night.
Rae, who previously placed third at Wapax during CARIFESTA, delivered a strong, costumed performance. Raquon “Negus Knots” Hinds followed, engaging the crowd as they echoed his refrain in unison. Sese Nova gave a credible and heartfelt presentation, while Timon Howard electrified the audience with theatrical flair, weaving in the popular folk refrain “Pull dem oars men” from popular folk song De Fisherman.
Antoine Wynters Winters, better known as a singer-songwriter, stepped into the poetic arena with a commendable effort. Closing the competition was reigning champion Malachi Hope, whose imaginative poem a conversation between a steel donkey and the Heartman showcased precisely why he has held the title since 2024.
With such high-calibre performances, the judges had an undoubtedly difficult task. During deliberations, R-Lando returned to the stage, performing songs from his forthcoming album, including 9ine to 5ive, Circlesfeaturing Kam, and 5 Minutes to Bridgetown. The audience responded enthusiastically, urging him to release the project soon.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for.
Mark Yearwood was announced as the winner with 90 points. Malachi Hope and Timon Howard tied for second place with 77 points, while Ebonee Carter secured third with 76.33 points.
Speaking after his victory, an emotional Yearwood shared:
“Honestly, it still feels like a dream. I did not expect to get the response that I got… I am blown away, I am honored, and to be crowned PoeTree Barbados Buss Ah Rhyme champion, it’s an amazing feeling, I can’t even put it all into words.”
He revealed that he had initially doubted the strength of his piece, explaining that he felt unfamiliar with the character and theme. However, he affirmed his belief that “the job of the poet is to study the subject matter, and then make the subject matter,” a philosophy that clearly paid off.
Yearwood walked away with the $500 cash prize and trophy, securing the 2026 Buss Ah Rhyme championship title. Second and third place winners also received cash prizes and trophies. Reigning champion Malachi Hope graciously congratulated Yearwood on his win.
In closing remarks, Chief Judge Nailah Imoja commended the originality displayed across all performances and announced that a closed feedback session would be held to provide constructive guidance to the artistes.
All in all, the 2nd Annual PoeTree Barbados Buss Ah Rhyme Competition proved to be a phenomenal showcase of storytelling, cultural pride, and lyrical brilliance — a night where voices shone, folklore lived, and a new champion was crowned.