The Pelican Lifestyle Centre in Barbados was alive with cultural energy on Thursday evening as the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) hosted the prestigious Crop Over Awards ceremony. The event, a cornerstone of the island’s ‘Sweetest Summer Festival,’ brought together artists, musicians, designers, and key stakeholders to honor the creative forces behind this beloved national tradition. Chief Cultural Officer Andrea Wells, alongside NCF Chair Jasmine Babb, Deputy Chairman Sheldon Hope, and representatives from Affinity Plus Credit Union, UNICEF, Sunshine Snacks, Flow Barbados, and the Sandy Lane Charitable Trust, were among the distinguished attendees. In her opening remarks, Wells praised the resilience and innovation of Barbados’ creative community, emphasizing their pivotal role in making Crop Over a cultural and economic highlight from May to August each year. She also underscored the festival’s growing influence, describing it as the ‘jewel in our suite of festivals.’ The evening’s festivities began with the Pic-O-De-Crop Speciality Awards, recognizing the island’s top songwriters and performers. Anderson ‘Mr Blood’ Armstrong won Best Nation-Building Song, while Billboard Murrell was named Best Songwriter of the Festival. Osvaldo ‘Leadpipe’ Reid took home the Song of the Year award for ‘Tek Charge.’ UNICEF’s Anti-Violence Prize – Calypso Voices of Change went to Damario Foster for ‘Voices of Change,’ and Zarie B received the UNICEF Anti-Violence Soca Prize for ‘Celebrating Life.’ The Junior Kadooment Awards followed, showcasing the talents of young creatives with environmental themes and craftsmanship. Pinelands Creative Workshop dominated the awards, while Wesley Hall Infant School won the UNICEF Best Anti-Violence Message Award. The Grand Kadooment Awards concluded the night, celebrating seasoned designers and bandleaders. Betty West Productions secured multiple accolades, including the HIV/AIDS Award and Best Presentation Heritage Award. Zenobia was named Large Band of the Year, and Rashad Goring from Zenobia won Best Individual Male Heritage. The ceremony ended with electrifying performances by steelpanist Hashim Durant, Mr Showman, Blood, and Leadpipe, leaving attendees in high spirits.