Controversy Surrounding Edwin Yearwood's Inclusion in Hennessy Artistry Line-up: A Closer Look

The inclusion of top local talent Edwin The General Yearwood in the line-up of this year’s Hennessy Artistry show caused a bit of stir on social media in some quarters.

These shows, held across the world, always include local acts – and for that we thank Hennessy.

However, some were of the view that he should not have been on the show which featured international artiste Ne-Yo from the United States, and Beres Hammond, Popcaan and Koffee from Jamaica.

Although the show has always been about top talent and not just focusing on one specific genre of music, many were doubtful as to how the island’s soca general would “defend” home territory.

Many, who said openly that soca is not their thing, argued that Crop Over had long gone and there was no place for that genre on the Hennessy Artistry stage which has a heavy dancehall presence.

Ironically, in July, in the heart of the Crop Over Festival, the same producers of Hennessy Artistry, Twisted Entertainment, staged their annual Tipsy show and included Grammy Award-winning artiste Buju in the line-up.

So, those in strong defence of Edwin’s inclusion questioned how it was acceptable for Buju to sing during Crop Over yet there was objection to Edwin being included in a dancehall-centred line-up.

Well, by the end of the Hennessy Artistry show Sunday morning and for the past few days, the majority of people, some who admitted they felt Edwin should not have been there, are singing the praises of the only triple-crown winner.

From all accounts, traditional media reports included, Edwin was “world-class” on stage and did fitting tributes to both the late godfather of entertainment Richard Stoute and Antiguan entertainer Ricardo Drue.

He entertained the thousands, commanded the crowd and was pitch-perfect. Clips of his performance garnered thousands of views as people reacted with the like and love buttons on both Facebook and Instagram.

We agree with the sentiments echoed on social media. It is time to give Edwin Yearwood his flowers. It is time to salute and officially recognise this gifted Bajan who has used his God-given talent to the best of his ability.

Recently, at his father Richard Soute’s funeral, Kevin Stoute said: “We need to acknowledge people more when they are alive…. We have too much talent in Barbados.…”

He, too, is correct. Why do we find it so difficult to celebrate our own? Why would Bajans oppose a fellow Bajan on the show?

Edwin started singing at 14 years old, winning the Richard Stoute Teen Talent Competition in 1983, on his first try. Then in 1995, he created history when he won all three crowns during Crop Over.

However, his achievements are not limited to Barbados. He is consistently travelling, representing Barbados; yet, he is still not named as an official Cultural Ambassador and has never received a single national honour for his outstanding contribution to the entertainment sector.

Edwin was honoured by the city of Boston when he was awarded the keys to the city by the Mayor’s office. In 2006, he was presented with a Corner Stone Award for his 20-year contribution to entertainment. Later that year, he won Best Soca Compilation with Bunji Garlin for the song All Aboard, which he wrote, at the Broward Centre for Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Miami. More recently, he received the Proclamation & Commendation – Atlanta from Senator Isakson in 2018.

He not only sings and has hit songs, but he wrote all of them. He was an integral part of the Bajan Invasion of Trinidad in the 90s. Edwin has travelled the world performing throughout the Caribbean, including Dutch, Spanish and French-speaking territories. He has been on world stages in Dubai, Holland, Belgium, United Kingdom and Canada, singing a genre of music that is not even recognised by the Grammy Awards.

After his Hennessy Artistry performance, Edwin wrote on social media: “I’m truly grateful. I felt as if I was representing a nation and a genre often looked down upon and not appreciated as much, especially coming out of Barbados, and I hope what little was seen and heard will send that message that our talent and music deserves that chance and respect.”

We endorse his message.

But we take it further and challenge the powers that be to start sending the message of respect, at home, by ensuring that Edwin Yearwood’s name is on the next National Honours list. He has more than paid his dues and has certainly earned it.