Feature Story – Janelle Mitchell

When the National Cultural Foundation announced Daylight: A Tribute to Irving Burgie as part of CARIFESTA XV, it was more than just the unveiling of another theatrical production. Rather, it was a decision to spotlight one of the Caribbean’s most influential cultural figures on the world stage, and for cultural officer Janelle Mitchell, it was both a professional milestone and a deeply personal moment.

Mitchell explained “Irving Burgie would have been 101 this July. That number alone reminds us how far-reaching his legacy is. And it shows he was not only a songwriter but a visionary, who gave the Caribbean a voice in places we never imagined possible.”

Born in Brooklyn to Caribbean parents, Burgie grew up balancing multiple identities, and it was within that blend of cultures that he found inspiration. His music would go on to shape the soundtrack of the region, penning hits that Harry Belafonte later carried across the globe. Thirty-four of Belafonte’s top songs were written by Burgie, including the iconic “Day-O (Banana Boat Song),” which continues to echo through generations. For Barbadians, Burgie’s legacy runs even deeper as he gifted the island its National Anthem.

Yet for Mitchell, the play is not simply about retelling a familiar story. It focuses on widening the lens. “A lot of people know Burgie as the man behind the anthem, but they don’t know the person behind the music, the influences of his mother, his Brooklyn upbringing or how his heritage shaped his art. This production allows us to show all of that, while celebrating the man, the music, and the legacy in one,” she said.

Part of what excites Mitchell is the opportunity to place Barbados at the center of the conversation. At just 166 square miles, the island often surprises outsiders with the breadth of its cultural output. But, through the Tribute to Irving Burgie, Mitchell and her team are determined to capture that essence.

“Storytelling is part of who we are,” she said. “It’s in the way we talk, the way we celebrate and the way we carry our history forward. This play leans heavily into that tradition. By weaving together music and theatre elements we aim to  present Burgie’s life while ensuring we are showing the world how Barbados tells its stories.”

For all its historical weight, the production is pitched deliberately toward younger audiences and Mitchell is clear on why. In reflecting she said, “Burgie’s life is proof that you don’t always know where your path will lead, but if you believe in yourself, extraordinary things can happen. He was a soldier before he was a songwriter. He couldn’t have known that decades later, his music would be celebrated worldwide. That’s the message I want young people to take away: you can come from a small island and still leave your mark on history.”

For Mitchell, leading this production is more than a professional assignment. It’s a chance to contribute to the cultural conversation in a way that feels lasting. “This is my stamp as a producer,” she reflected. It’s about creating a space where the arts come together to tell a story that belongs to us, yet resonates globally. And it’s also about recognising the many brilliant creatives who have shaped this production alongside me. So really, honoring Burgie allows us to honor ourselves.”

As the curtain rises on August 30 at the new National Performing Arts Centre in Newton, Mitchell hopes audiences will not only enjoy the music and storytelling, but also leave with a renewed sense of cultural pride. She said “This is our moment. It is a celebration of Burgie, but also a celebration of Barbados, of the Caribbean, and of the stories we continue to tell.”