Created: Jun 03, 2025 06:11 PM (Updated: Jun 03, 2025 06:13 PM)
Culture club: performer Dat Bie Daz mingled with his young audience at the Chatmore International School (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
A group of artists and performers are touring schools around the island using music to tell students about the history of Bermuda.
Next Gen Productions, in collaboration with Fire Wayne, Ponaflex and De Onion Patch Band, have visited nine schools across the island last year and hope to visit more with their 2025 ComUnity School Tour.
Dez Thomas, founder of Next Gen Productions, said the group was dedicated to shaping Bermuda’s future and empowering the youth through the platforms of art and culture.
Mr Thomas said: “Our mission is to empower and inspire the next generation by bringing vibrant cultural experiences directly to the youth.”
Referring to last year’s tour, Mr Thomas said: “These events immersed students in the dynamic spirit of Bermuda’s culture, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from educators and students alike.
“Building on this success, we are proud to announce the 2025 ComUnity School Tour —an expanded initiative aimed at reaching even more schools and community spaces.”
The group put on a performance at the Chatmore British International School in Smith’s yesterday.
Britanni Butterworth, a director at the school, described the performance as inspiring.
She said: “It was absolutely fantastic. Our students and teachers were up dancing.
“Some of our students took the initiative to make connections with group members, because they were so inspired and are thinking about careers in music.
“It was so positive for our students to be able to celebrate local talent and learn more about our story.”
Smoking: singer Fire Wayne was a hot favourite with the audience (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
All smiles: Ponaflex enjoyed the experience as much as the young audience (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Centre stage: Dat Bie Daz was the centre of attention (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Point man: Fire Wayne (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Community spirit: Mr Fotogenik gets up close and personal with the crowd (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
Important message: Dat Bie Daz (Photograph by Akil Simmons)
