veteran calypsonians Might Gabby and Red Plastic Bag gave fans multiple slices of their various hits and then came together to do Gabby's ever-fresh Hit It.

by Yvette Best

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my land!

There was no cake at the National Stadium on Wednesday night, but the fireworks, entertainment package and all the other trappings were befitting of a 40th anniversary celebration.

No big bash is ever truly complete without the corresponding big crowd, but that cannot be a reflection on the producers, the National Cultural Foundation (NCF), who undertook a major marketing exercise in the weeks leading up to the show.

The free gift of an Independence Gala celebration on Wednesday night was an excellent production, and while only a few thousands turned up, the entire event was broadcast live on CBC-TV Channel 8 to tens of thousands more.

It started on an impressive note with a video presentation highlighting the country's achievements over the years, starting with Independence in 1966.

The nostalgia surrounding the entire event might have down-played the significance, but another mark was made on history's page.

It was the first time two of the island's foremost entertainers in Edwin Yearwood and Alison Hinds would sing together. The two did the age-old Island In the Sun, but if that was any indication of things to come, it could very well be one of the things in the "world class future" the jingle talks about.

Barbadians who missed the show also missed the opportunity to see the cultural gift from Botswana – two traditional songs from one of their top female singers.

Botswana celebrated its 40th anniversary of Independence on September 30.

Most of the elements of our rich cultural heritage were on show. There was the tuk band, shaggy bears, folk-singing and dancing by combined orchestras, dance troupes and mass folk choirs.

The beat had feet and bodies moving. It was truly a spectacle well worth seeing.