Living Barbados Magazine November 2014 Edition November 2014 edition | Page 62

HONEY JAM
SWEET LIKE

HONEY JAM AND HONEY JAZZ PHOTOS BY AMLEYA CLARKE

F

Last year recording artists Vita Chambers and Shontelle Layne flew
or those of you who may not be familiar with the
origins of Honey Jam, it was founded in Canada in 1995 in for the workshop and concert, even joining the artists on stage during
by Barbadian Ebonnie Rowe as an all female, multi- the freestyle finale! Sweeter than ever this year, Honey Jam grows from
cultural, multi-genre developmental programme for young strength to strength and the announcement of the 2014 Ladies of Honey
women interested in pursuing careers in the music industry. Jam was revealed in October to an eager fan base.
As one of the shows sponsors, Diamonds International has been
The objectives were for the artists to gain exposure and benefit
from mentoring, education and networking opportunities. a devoted supporter of these talented ladies. Managing Director of
Internationally recognized sensation Nelly Furtado is a Honey Jam Diamonds International Michal Hassid had this to say, “It is a privilege
for Diamonds International to be a part of the Honey Jam programme
Canada alum!

The Honey Jam concept was introduced to Barbados in Feb- again this year. It is a great platform for young, talented women to
ruary 2011 to rave reviews and has been a popular annual event gain exposure, education, mentoring and networking opportunities in
ever since. Every year the programme starts with a launch, at- the music industry and truly inspiring to see them later excelling in
tended by sponsors, judges, media and of course the aspiring other productions both in Barbados as well as overseas.” Indeed last
year one of the Honey Jam singers Lynette
artists and which outlines plans for the
“Avion” Lynch was invited to join the cast and
upcoming season. This is followed by
perform onstage in the Broadway to Barbados
the auditions where judges from withproduction. This was an amazing opportunity
in the music industry choose the artists
and the first time a local singer had joined
who will appear in the lineup.
the cast of this prestigious production.

The artists also go through a series
Show Producer Ebonnie Rowe is excited
of workshops. International celebrity
vocal coach Elaine Overholt is flown in to train the local artists about what the future holds for Honey Jam and for the artists; “I am
in an all day workshop, and successful songwriters and experts always blown away by the talent of the young artists we have in Barbados
in copyright, publishing and music industry share their tips and and I can’t wait to see their careers blossom. Nothing is overnight so
they have a lot of hard work ahead of them, and we will be cheering
advice, providing valuable information about their career path.

The culmination of the series of events is the big concert which them on all the way!” The much-anticipated Honey Jam Barbados
features all young local female artists
Concert 2014 was held at the Frank Collymore
in a variety of genres including country, Kristen Walker on stage with other performers
Hall on 8th November. Hosted by Alex Jordan,
Nov 2013
opera, alternative, folk, rnb, hip hop
fans were treated to stellar live performances
rock, reggae, spoken word, jazz, gospel
and an amazing live band followed by a lively
etc. An offshoot called Honey Jazz is
after-party. If you missed it, some of these
also produced and takes place annually
same artists will also be part of the lineup for
at the Frank Collymore Hall.
the Honey Jazz concert coming up January 24
also at Frank Collymore Hall.

e
Honey Jam, the namt,
alone sounds swee r.
like music to the ea

Gigi Ma’at in action
at Honey Jazz
Jan 2014

Freestyle finale at Honey Jam
Nov 2013

Left to right: Honey Jam founder Ebonnie Rowe, Michal Hassid
of Diamonds International and Lynette “Avion” Lynch
Photo by Studio Studio

62 LIVING BARBADOS NOVEMBER 2014 - MARCH 2015