After a decade-long break, one of Barbados Crop Over festival’s beloved music competitions is back – and two talented artists have walked away with joint top honors in the 2026 revived Jam Tunes contest. LaStacia, one of this year’s breakout Crop Over stars, has spoken of her overwhelming excitement after being named co-winner, calling her victory a perfect milestone for the competition’s long-awaited comeback.
The official award presentation took place on Wednesday at the launch of sponsor Berger Paints’ new showroom, hosted at Blades & Williams on Tweedside Road, where contest winners were formally honored by organizers and industry partners. LaStacia shared that sharing the first-place title with fellow Barbadian artist Leadpipe makes the win even more special, against the backdrop of the contest’s 10-year absence from the festival calendar.
“I am overjoyed. No words can explain the fact that this competition was not going on for 10 years, and now to come back after 10 years and be first place… it’s an amazing feeling,” LaStacia said in an interview after the ceremony. She also extended public recognition to Leadpipe, who was unable to attend the in-person presentation event, noting that she is confident he shares in the excitement of their shared win. “I just want to say big up my brother Leadpipe. Although he cannot be here, I’m sure that he’s very, very excited as well. We thank Berger very much, and we look forward to the competition again next year,” she added.
Omar Beckles, marketing officer for festivals and events at Barbados’ National Cultural Foundation (NCF), explained that Jam Tunes was reintegrated into the Crop Over festival’s Foreday Morning lineup this year for the first time since 2016, with Berger Paints stepping in as the official sponsor. Beckles outlined that while the original competition rules planned for a single first-place prize of $7,500, organizers made the decision to split the top honor after determining LaStacia and Leadpipe delivered equally outstanding entries. This adjustment resulted in each artist receiving a $5,000 cash prize.
Beckles thanked Berger Paints for its financial and institutional support, and commended all participating artists for their role in nurturing and sustaining the unique cultural spirit of the Crop Over festival through their original music. Tameka Thompson, market development manager at Berger Paints Barbados Limited, used the event as an opportunity to reaffirm the company’s long-term dedication to uplifting and supporting Barbadian cultural traditions. “Our commitment continues to be committed to the culture in Barbados. That’s our responsibility, and we will continue to do so,” Thompson stated.