Entertainment
Ouida’s Comeback: Defying Setbacks with the Release of ‘Fresh Air’
Imagine yourself on a sun-kissed beach, toes buried in the warm sand, with the gentle breeze carrying melodies that speak to your soul—that’s the essence of “Fresh Air” the latest single release by Virgin Islands Songstress Ouida Nisbett-Turnbull. It’s not just another song but a testament to resilience, renewal and the pursuit of passion.
Ouida’s collaboration with 2x Grammy-nominated producer Drew “Druski” Scott has birthed a stripped ballad that resonates with a raw authenticity.
When asked about the inspiration behind “Fresh Air,” she candidly shared that it stemmed from a period of change and introspection in her life. “It was written around a time when I was making some changes in my life,” she explained, “So he [Scott] honed in on the discussions and brought it to life, through this song.”
The decision to release “Fresh Air” marks a significant milestone for Ouida, who had taken a hiatus from music due to various setbacks and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. “After a series of setbacks, the COVID situation and the lockdowns taking center stage, it was difficult to do the usual music videos, singing, and entertainment as I liked,” she shared. However, driven by her unwavering passion for music and spurred on by the encouragement of her fans, Ouida resolved to make a comeback.
With meticulous attention to detail, Ouida crafted “Fresh Air” to stand out sonically and lyrically from her previous works. Emphasising vocals and keyboard melodies, the song offers a clean and refreshing perspective, echoing its title. Lyrically, it speaks to universal themes of renewal in new beginnings. “The song talks about ‘suffocating until I met you…till you flew in like…oh oh…breath of fresh air’,” Ouida elaborated, “It’s a story of being in a position where you feel like you’re stifled…then you experience a new situation, someone new comes into your life…that becomes that breath of fresh air.”
For Ouida, “Fresh Air” embodies not only a musical evolution but also a personal growth journey. Reflecting on her creative process, she shared, “Since my last release, I keep striving to maximise my talents…creatively, I immerse myself more into the outcome, the overall sound, the videos, etc.” Despite facing challenges during production, Ouida approached them with a mindset of growth and perseverance, viewing each obstacle as an opportunity to refine her skills.
With the release of “Fresh Air,” Ouida aims to inspire listeners to embrace change and seek out moments of renewal in their own lives. “The message for the song…find that breath of ‘Fresh Air’,” she emphasised, “No matter what, you can pull yourself up and out…of any suffocating situation.”
Looking ahead, Nisbett teased that “Fresh Air” is just the beginning of her musical journey in 2024. “This year I will be releasing more singles/music, so stay tuned,” she revealed, hinting at a wave of new releases that promise to captivate audiences with their authenticity and soulful resonance.
Excitement is in the air as the British Virgin Islands gears up to celebrate the official launch of 70th anniversary of Virgin Islands Festival. The event slated for Friday, April 26, 2024 promising an evening filled with culture, heritage and lots of fun.
The festivities which kicks off at the Road Town Market Square at 5 pm will feature a wide array of activities and entertainment from live music by acclaimed bands like The Razor Blades, The Shooting Stars, and the Steel Orchestra, to electrifying performances by the Purse Drive Squad and BVi Optimum Skydancers – something for everyone to enjoy.
But that’s not all! Food lovers will be delighted by the selection of local delicacies on offer, including local fried fish and the official festival cocktail. And for those craving something sweet, there will be plenty of treats to indulge in including offerings from Ethan Farm and a local wine tasting experience.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the unveiling of the Festival Slogan, setting the tone for the celebrations to come. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the members of all the festival committees, who have been working tirelessly to ensure that this year’s event is one to remember.
Entertainment
Let the games begin: Cultural Thursdays in Carrot Bay Teams with VICA for Cultural Games
The Cultural Thursdays Committee is teaming up with the Virgin Islands Communal Association (VICA) for Cultural Thursdays in Carrot Bay on April 18th.
This Thursday’s event will feature games and contests in which young people from the 1st district, as well as other parts of the island, will participate.
President of the Cultural Thursdays Committee, Monica Howson, expressed excitement about the collaboration with VICA for this special event. “I am well aware of VICA’s goals and reputation for cultural preservation, so when the opportunity arose for us to work together, I saw only positive benefits arising,” Ms. Howson stated.
Echoing her sentiment, VICA President Melissa Potter praised the Cultural Thursdays initiative, stating, “I like to see the community spirit behind the event and the authentic expressions of Virgin Islands culture. It aligns very much with the goals of VICA.”
This week’s Cultural Thursday coincides with school vacation, focusing the games and activities on children, although there are activities aimed at adults as well. Planned games and contests include fish cleaning competitions, three-legged races, cotta bundle races, can races, needle and thread races, lime and spoon races, and tug of war. The activities will kick off at 3 pm at the Carrot Bay Field.
In a significant announcement, the Cultural Thursday Group revealed a shift in the event’s frequency to once a month. First District Representative, Hon. Dr. Karl Dawson, explained that periodic reviews were built into the initial plan for Cultural Thursdays. According to him, the committee and vendors agreed that monthly occurrences would be more practical and may build more momentum for each event.
For more information, please contact: Hon. Dr. Karl Dawson at karldawson@gov.vg or telephone 284-468-9983.
The British Virgin Islands Food and Wine Festival is set to host an event that promises to tantalise the taste buds while supporting a noble cause.
On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, the culinary world’s luminaries will converge for an evening of culinary mastery in support of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Culinary Studies Program.
Leading the charge are the esteemed Chef Brent Lettsome, Chef Michael Ferrero, Chef Freddy Money, Chef Josie Smith Malave and Chef Andrew Gaskin, a dream team of world-renowned culinary masters. Each brings their unique expertise and flair to the table, ensuring an unforgettable experience.
The event, organised by The Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation, aims to bolster the Culinary Studies Program at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, nurturing the next generation of culinary talents in the British Virgin Islands.
But the evening is not just about food; it’s about community and education. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Culinary Studies Program, providing students with access to essential resources, scholarships and opportunities for growth in the culinary arts.
To ensure an unforgettable experience for all attendees, a charter boat will depart from Road Town at 4:30 PM, ferrying guests to Rosewood Little Dix Bay.
Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at $300 per person or $500 for couples, with all proceeds going towards supporting culinary education in the British Virgin Islands.
Reserve your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience at The Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation Dinner.
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