Image courtesy of Harbourfront Centre

For many, a visit to the Caribbean isn’t complete without taking in some of the festive music for which the region is known. Sipping drinks on the beach is almost incomplete without an upbeat reggae rhythm playing in the background.

This May, in celebration of its 50th anniversary, Barbados is bringing the distincitve "Bajan" sound to the Toronto waterfront for a three-day festival. “Barbados on the Water” unfolds May 27 – 29 at the Harbourfront Centre. From Caribbean jazz to upbeat soca and reggae, Bajan musicians will keep Canadians moving and grooving.

But more than just music, this festival celebrates Bajan culture. There will be food tastings, fashion, arts & crafts, literary events and kid’s activities. On Friday and Saturday nights, experience a traditional "Oistin's Fish Fry.” And be sure to catch the Iron Chef competition, which pits an award-winning Barbadian chef against one of Toronto's finest celebrity chefs. Plus, if you need a little liquid courage before the dancing starts, be sure to arrive early for the rum tastings.

The event is co-sponsored by Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. and the Consulate General of Barbados, in partnership with Harbourfront Centre. Included in this year’s music lineup are:

Alison Hinds
Called the “Queen of SOCA,” Alison Hinds standout song “Roll It Gal” was released in 2005, after which she became an international hit. Alison Hinds performs from 10-11 p.,m. Saturday May 28, 2016.

Arturo Tappin Band 
Known for his reggae jazz-fusion style, Arturo Tappin is often called the smoothest, “saxiest” horn-playing man in the Caribbean. With his reputation for putting on explosive, exciting shows, expect this performance to be a high energy one. Tappin has played at a number of world music festivals including the Edinburgh Festival and the Soho Jazz Festival.  Arturo Tappin performs from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sunday, May 29, 2016.

Biggie Irie 
The Big Poppa of Groovy Soca and Lovers Rock—Biggie Irie was born in the United Kingdom but moved to Barbados at the age of 3 and has since been integrated into the Caribbean lifestyle.  Biggie Irie performs from 11:30p.m.-12:10 a.m. Friday May 27, 2016and Saturday May 28, 201 at Lakeside Terrace.

Eddie Bullen
From his first album, "Nocturnal Affair," to his most recent "Spice Island," Eddie Bullen has produced more than 150 albums featuring contemporary jazz spiced with Caribbean rhythms. Eddie collaborates with his son, Quincy Bullen, who will also perform at “Barbados on the Water.” Eddie Bullen performs with Vita Chambers and Marisa Lindsay from 4-5:15 p.m. on Sunday May 29, 2016 at Studio Theatre.

Spice & Company
Returning to Canada for their first performance there in 21 years, Spice & Company (Spice & Co.) will have everyone in the audience dancing. Founded in 1976 by four teenagers born in Barbados, Spice & Co. produced numerous hits, including the Disney Classic "In De Congaline," before disbanding in 1995. After a 15-year hiatus, the band reunited, and still perform together, even making international appearances. Spice & Co. performs from 9:10:30 p.m, on Friday May 27, 2016 on Concert Stage.

Vita Chambers 
Vita Chambers is a well-known international performer. She toured with Justin Bieber in 2010 during his My World Tour and also performed with Estelle during the 2010 Soul Train Awards in Atlanta. She also opened the halftime show for the NFL’s Motown 50th Anniversary in Detroit in 2009. Her hit single, "Fix You" was nominated for the Best Dance Record at the 2013 JUNO Awards and went gold in Canada.  Vita Chambers performs with Eddie Bullen and Marisa Lindsay on from 4-5:15 p;.m. Sunday May 29, 2016 at the Studio Theatre.

For more information on “Barbados on the Water,” visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com/festivals/barbadosonthewater. To learn more about travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org.

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