This was high level; for the second consecutive year First Citizens Services Inc. hosted the ‘Literary Arts show’ that is provocative, entertaining and the elite presentation that showcases the artform in Crop Over that is expanding at the fastest rate. First Citizens seeks to be unique and classy and this show epitomizes the standard that they have established in their operations.

The ambience of The George Washington House was unparalleled and the chance to tour the house where America’s First President stayed and recuperated as a youth was welcomed. No pun intended, but the first citizens of Spoken Word were accorded the highest protocol to present a unique showing that included such dynamos as The Mighty Gabby, albeit in the role of folklorist and later  the maestro shared the stage with Hip Hop guru, the BMA Award winning Billy Kinkade. iDrani was another who showed a different face, The pint sized package of creative energy is remembered for her expressions at the Barbados Music Awards where she picked up the award for Best Female Artist in the Soca category, but on this night she was playful, incisive, pragmatic and ‘real’ in her character of the griot.

Adrian Green the recognized flag bearer for Spoken Word was tagged with DJ Simmons and they were a potent duo, beloved by their loyal following and marveled at by those hearing them for the first time. Mark Jason Welch was also impactful with his live props and Bajanesque style.

Overseas based Motion Live and Sean Field showed that no matter how far away from home a Bajan may be, the culture lives within. The First Citizens Crop Over Read In! was special for the artistes and for the audience yet another delectable treat on the Crop Over calendar.