July 31st 2010
FREE TO PLAY MAS
By Kendell Scady Eugene

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This year has been like no other, we had our carnival open late, and mediocre music took over the airwaves and if some people had their way artistes would be at war with each other. That last part is for another show. Let’s move away from all the negative and think two days of no worries, pressure and stress.

We call these two days the revellers time. Carnival Monday and Tuesday went and it seemed like all the drama leading up to the two days never existed. That’s the beauty of carnival. Say what you may about the way we opened our season, the artistes who were “robbed” from their title or the royalty that shouldn’t be. At the end of the two days all that really mattered to the people who made carnival what it is (the reveller) was having a time on the road and getting their money’s worth of party.

Honestly, tell me when you are jumping on the streets Monday and Tuesday isn’t the only thing on your mind what will the next song tell me to do and when will I get another drink of lucozade? Well that’s how I think. It isn’t about whose song didn’t get the most airplay or who was king on a night; it was all about having fun with my band and friends.

Now, mind you this year, some revellers didn’t realise how bad our music was until they started hearing the same songs in circulation for hours. This isn’t any fault of the band, but artistes, we blame you. Next year you should take it upon yourself to flood the market with music, GOOD music. Blend those creative juices with other artistes, producers, writers and studios if you have to but make it happen.

Let’s move on. I am not sure how many people loved it but the rain is always a welcomed guest at my carnival. As a matter of fact, rain can come party for free anytime she feels like. I heard a rumour that there was a code of conduct going around. I guess all that went out the window when songs like Bend Down, De Fence, Ok There, Cyah Stop It, Pa Mele and Ready For Dem were played over the loud speakers of bands that were fortunate enough to have a sound system working for them on both days.

Yes that was truly a problem for some bands as their music truck broke down on the route of carnival. Should the revellers blame them? Absolutely not! Who then? Ask your band leader for the sound man’s number and have a little chat with him. He can best explain what happened.

Hopefully next year we won’t have many of the hiccups that almost cost us half of our carnival season. Kudos to all the officials at C.D.F. that went the extra mile to ensure we had a fun and safe carnival. Big up to the Band of The Year, Mas Action…The Band. To revellers and potential revellers, I can guarantee you that whatever band you play mas with from Royalites xTreme to Red Unlimited; you will have the time of your life, because St. Lucia Carnival is one I will be in again, like the song says. I IN DAT…I NOT MISSING DAT!! See ya’ll next year.

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