Internationally celebrated performer and Grenadian cultural ambassador Hollice Mapp (Mr Killa) delivered a powerful and engaging workshop session as part of CARIFESTA XV in Barbados, 22–31 August.
The workshop, held at Foundation Secondary School, Christ Church, provided participants with invaluable tools for mastering stage preparation, owning their artistic identity, and building strong crowd connections, fundamentals for success in the performance world.
In the 2-hour session titled “Mastering Stage Preparation, Presence, Crowd Engagement and Style,” Mr Killa drew from his decades-long international performance career to deliver tangible insights to an audience of aspiring performers, music educators, and cultural stakeholders.
“The stage is not just a platform, it is your home,” he declared, setting a powerful tone for the session.
The workshop was divided into focused segments that touched on 4 key areas:
- Preparing for stage: Covering mental readiness, vocal warm-ups, technical checks, and physical preparation
- Stage presence: Teaching how posture, movement, and presence influence audience perception
- Crowd engagement: Demonstrating techniques like call-and-response, cultural referencing, and reading audience energy
- Owning your style: Encouraging authenticity, branding, and carving out a distinct artistic identity
A lively interactive segment saw participants craft their own stage identity by selecting a stage name, choosing a song topic, and writing a short verse and chorus. Participants then performed their compositions for the group, using the performance tools taught earlier, transforming the space into a mini-concert of raw talent and energy.
Representing the CARIFESTA committee at the event was Aisha Butcher, Coordinator and Cultural Officer for Music Organisations with the National Cultural Foundation. “Mr Killa didn’t just teach performance today, he ignited purpose. His energy, realness, and cultural grounding made this an unforgettable experience for every young performer here.”
