Eighteen young Barbadian artistes (The Artistes’ Collective) have added their voices to the campaign initiated by IICA to pay tribute to all those persons who provide us with food, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic.
The song, the Farmer’s Anthem – “We’ve got the Earth in our hands” was written, composed, arranged and coordinated by Dale R. Rudder (Mistah Dale).
It features vocals by Mistah Dale, Donella Oliver, Paula Hinds, Leadpipe, Joel Brooks, Indra Rudder, David Kirton, Imani, Statement, Ronnie Morris, Peter Coxx, Ch’An, Kareem Agard, Troy “Special” Harper, Kevin “Sluggy” Marshall, Roche, Betty B and Adrian Greene, who wrote and performed spoken word.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Indar Weir indicated that the Ministry has been working closely with the farming community to boost food production long before the coronavirus outbreak began, and that a further increase was being pushed in light of the impact the novel coronavirus could have on the world’s food supply chain.
In commenting on the powerful message from the artistes that, “We will be stronger, live longer when we eat what we grow we will prosper”, he reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to repositioning the Agriculture Sector as a major driver for the economy of Barbados, and for food and nutrition security.
The Artistes’ Collective was organized by Barbados’ Minister of Creative Economy, Culture & Sport, John King MP, himself an experienced cultural practitioner who has travelled the world promoting Barbados as an entertainer.
Both Ministers readily welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with IICA to honour the farmers, the earth and our local foods.
IICA will continue to publish the contributions of the artists participating in the campaign on all its digital platforms and on those of its partners in this initiative.
