By Dexter Mitchell


25 years of Mas, 25 years of Pan, 25 years of Calypso will form the foundation for what will be a great year of Carnival celebrations.

Those celebrations were launched gloriously on Saturday May 06th at the Tanteen Netball Court.

A wonderful evening of Mas, Pan Calypso and Soca kicked off the 25th anniversary of August Mas. “August is the Time” is the theme selected by the Grenada Carnival Committee to celebrate this significant milestone.

Memorable performances at the launch came from the Republic Bank Angel Harps Steel Orchestra with a sterling 25-minute set; Courts New Dimensions also gave the audience a classy set covering several genres of music.

Untamed, a fancy mas band in its second year of existence once again created some excitement with its prototypes of 2006 Carnival costumes. Traditional mas was adequately and energetically represented by the Hermitage Shortknee with their incessant chanting and orchestrated dance steps making full use of the entire Tanteen Netball Court.

From the Calypsonians and Soca Artistes one got the convincing feeling that a lot is in store for Carnival 2006.
Croqueta and Sour Serpent impressed with last year’s hits but garnered tremendous response for their 2006 offerings. Nnika, the lone female performer on the night, showed her increasing maturity with a commanding set including the 2005 hit “My Love”. Sheldon Douglas moved the ladies with his soothing voice and groovy tunes then turned up the heat with “Roof Gone” his hit from 2005. Since coming on the Soca scene in 2004, Four Brass continues to show tremendous potential both as a writer and performer. “Boot for Boot” got the crowd moving, but the taste of 2006 really got their attention. “Up the Alley” has everyone talking, from fans to other Artistes and this tune looks like another hit for Four Brass.
The 2005 Calypso Monarch, Scholar, was his usual thought-provoking self, even going back a bit with “They Ha They Belly”, with a few additional verses off course. King Ajamu thrilled as usual then mesmerized the audience by playing bass, the guitar, the drums and keyboards after his rendition of “Music Man”. Boogie B closed off a great evening of quality Grenadian entertainment, with an energetic set highlighted at the end by a fireworks display to bring the curtains down on the 2006 Carnival Launch.

The Grenada Carnival Committee encourages all to participate in what will be a memorable Carnival season, play mas, play pan, support the local Artistes.

Remember piracy is theft only purchase authentic copies of the Artistes music.

August Is The Time!


You can view pictures of the 2006 carnival launch by clicking on the photosgrenada link.