BIM@60 is a national celebration of Barbados’ musical journey over 60 years of Independence.

At the heart of the initiative is the idea: 60 Years. 60 Songs. One Nation’s Soundtrack.

Led by the Barbados Museum & Historical Society in partnership with the National Cultural Foundation, the initiative invites Barbadians at home and across the diaspora to help identify the songs that have shaped our memories, reflected our experiences and told the story of who we are.

As Barbados gets ready to mark 60 years of Independence, this initiative invites Barbadians everywhere, at home, overseas, online, in schools, in communities, in studios, in boardrooms, on stages and in the stands to help tell the story of who we are.

This is not just another anniversary programme. BIM@60 is about turning national celebration into national participation.

It asks a simple but powerful question: What songs tell our story??

More than a playlist, BIM@60 will create a living cultural record of the music that has moved generations, marked defining moments and helped shape Barbadian identity. From the songs we grew up hearing, to the people who opened doors, broke through barriers, shifted culture, represented us proudly and quietly changed their communities, BIM@60 is a chance to celebrate the Barbados we know, love and continue to build.

It is history, but with energy.
It is heritage, but with rhythm.
It is national pride, but with room for everybody.
60 Years. 60 Songs. One Nation’s Soundtrack.

The Barbados Museum & Historical Society preserves, interprets and shares the stories that shape Barbados.

For generations, the Museum has preserved important parts of Barbados’ history. But BIM@60 is also about showing that history is not only found in display cases, old photographs or official records. It is also found in music, memories, language, style, sport, food, creativity, activism, community life and the everyday experiences that make Barbados feel like Barbados.

Through BIM@60, the Museum is expanding the way our national history is explored by recognising music as an important record of Barbadian life, identity and memory. 

We will guide the public engagement and voting process, support the research and verification of information, and preserve the final selection and associated stories for future generations.

BIM@60 gives Barbadians the chance to contribute to an archive that future generations can look back on and say:

This is what Barbados sounded like.
This is how we remembered ourselves at 60.

It gives younger generations a chance to discover, question and remix that legacy.

It gives the diaspora a way to stay connected to home.

And it gives the whole country a reason to talk, nominate, vote, debate, celebrate and learn together.

This milestone is not only about looking back with nostalgia. It is about recognising influence, understanding legacy, while creating space for every Barbadian, at home and abroad, young and old, to recognise themselves in the story of Barbados.

60 Years. 60 Songs. One Nation’s Soundtrack.

More Than Music. It's Our Story.

Barbadian identity isn't just one thing. It lives in the music we grew up with, the memories we share, and the moments that connect us.

A song can take you back to a place, a person or a time in your life. It reminds us of where we've been and how far we've come.

That's what BIM@60 is about.

As Barbados celebrates 60 years of Independence, we're inviting the nation to help choose the 60 songs that have shaped our story.

Vote for the songs that matter to you. Share your memories. Start conversations with your family, friends and community. Together, we'll create a soundtrack that reflects who we are as people.

Whether you live in Barbados or proudly call Bim home from abroad, this is your opportunity to be part of the story.

Because BIM@60 isn't just about looking back.

It's about celebrating who we are today and passing our story on to the next generation.

60 Years. 60 Songs. One Nation's Soundtrack.