�arnival 2016
CARNIVAL MEMORIES 12 Credits
14 From the Editor 16 Winner’s Row
17 Your Favourite Celebrities 18 Were You Well-Behaved? 19 Carnival Headlines
On The Cover
"Photographer Eva Abraham captured the true essence of the festival with this cover shot. Unbridled joy is experienced by a masquerader who is as beautiful as the costume she portrays. There is something to be admired about the fact that she is enjoying the spectacle she is immersed in when she is in fact part of the spectacle. This is an acknowledgement that the spirit of Carnival is alive"
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
9
FAVOURITE FETES 23 Tribe Ignite 24 Soka In Moka 25 Army Fete 26 Frost 27 Evolve 28 Out In South 29 IUP 30 PREStige 31 Black To Blue 32 Yorke 33 YUMA Neon 34 Machel Monday 36 La Barge 37 Stumped 38 Jamboree 39 Soca Brainwash 40 Kiddies Carnival 43 Jouvert Jumbies 47 On De Road Monday 57 On De Road Tuesday
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
11
Editor in Chief - Anthony
Gomez
Director of Production - Marvin Mason Director of Photography - Cleon Henry Copy Editor - Pauline Philip Design Director - Richard Lyder Art Director - Richard Lyder
FEATURES Senior Editors: Marvin Mason, Pauline Philip Photographers: Cleon Henry, Alana Stanislaus, Kelton Francis, Trevor Goddard, Eva Abraham, Hadiya Hassan, Akil Bailey, Roger Jackson
OPERATIONS President and CEO ANTHONY GOMEZ Executive Vice President/Editorial Manager MARVIN MASON Executive Vice President/Operations Manager KERRI INNISS Executive Vice President/ Financial Manager FAYOLA BRAITHWAITE Lead Coordinator – Events Division CLEON HENRY Production Assistant NIGEL ROSALEZ
Advertising Offices PO Box 1879 P.O.S. Trinidad WI. TEL/FAX: 868 638 1156-9 and 638 1160
www.amgtt.com The ETNT magazine is published by Abstract Media Group Company Ltd in the island of Trinidad and Tobago and is protected by strict copyright laws and is not to be reproduced in full or in part without the written consent from the management of Abstract publishing.
www.amgtt.com
12
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
from the editor
CHEERS TO C2K16!!!
C
arnivals come and Carnivals go, but the memories live on forever. Who would have thought that a season this short could be so spectacular? I am sure that all of us would have taken away some precious moments for our mental archives, because there were definitely a lot of them. Some new and exciting talents emerged. We said Cheers to Life with voice; we rocked it with Salty and we reanalyzed what life is like in this Paradise with Helon Francis. The veterans did their things as well. Minshall made his mark with a refreshing return while Extempo legend Gypsy came back after an extended hiatus to cop the crown for the 9th time. The Carnival King, Queen and Downtown Ole Mas titles were family affairs featuring clans with rich history in the business. Big up to the Pierre, Dallsingh and Eustace families on their achievements. Also, we would be remiss to speak about mas without paying homage to the Band of the Year winners Ronnie and Caro. Their portrayal of ‘Tears Of’ was terrific. We are sure they shed a few tears of joy for the victory. We must congratulate Desperadoes, Pan Elders and Arima Golden Symphony for their Panorama victories and we hope they continue to keep pan alive. Last, but not least, huge shout out to Machel Montano. We waited and anticipated the stage whole year and we were happy to cross it with his Road March winning tune in the background. This signaled a treble for the MONK. Now that the dust has settled and the populace begrudgingly goes back to work, we wish you adieu till next year and we look forward to a 2017 filled with similar memories. In the meantime, enjoy this FREE Carnival collectible.
Anthony Gomez Editor in Chief
14
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
l a v i n r a �Memorieś CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
15
Winner’s Row Short season plus recession sounds like trouble right? This didn’t seem to affect anything in a big way as all the major competitive events took place without a hitch. There was much hullabaloo about the changed format of the soca monarch this year, but at the end of it all, it wasn’t bad when it was all said and done. What was noticeable was the high level of competition throughout. Some say the quality of the soca music and costumes declined, but the battle for victory was still fierce among those who came good. Of course, there were some surprises at the end of the day but as we all know the 16
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
judge’s decision is final. Despite the current financial recession, those who were lucky enough to walk away with titles usually received big purses due to the high investments from several private entities as well as the government. Here are some of the people who stand proud in Winner’s Row. Carnival BAND OF THE YEAR Ronnie and Caro (Tears Of)
YOUNG KING Helon Francis (Paradise) EXTEMPO MONARCH Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters POLITICAL COMMENTARY Duane O’Connor (Modern Nursery Rhymes) SOCIAL COMMENTARY Karene Asche (Bring Back the Love) INTERNATIONAL SOCA MONARCH – Voice (Cheers to Life) CHUTNEY SOCA MONARCH KI Persad – (Same Gyal Twice) PANORAMA CHAMPS (Large) Witco Desperadoes (Different Me)
Carnival KING Ted Eustace (Psychedelic Nightmares)
PANORAMA CHAMPS (Medium) Pan Elders (Me Eh Fighting)
Carnival QUEEN Gloria Dallsingh (Artemisia the Warrior Queen)
PANORAMA CHAMPS (Small) Arima Golden Symphony (The Greatest Invention)
CALYPSO MONARCH Devon Seales (Spirit of Carnival, Respect God’s Voice)
ROAD MARCH CHAMPION Machel Montano (Waiting On The Stage)
www.amgtt.com
PAPARAZZI
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
17
LOOSER DAN LUCY
EVEN FORMER BEAUTY QUEENS KNOW HOW TO GET DOWN AND DIRTY.
IN FULL FREE UP MODE.
WINING ON A POLE. THAT IS FOUNDATION LOOSENESS.
LOOSE E WITH TH LOOK E AND TH . R BEHAVIO
TH TYPE IS TEAM OF ING UP CA ONL N DESC Y BE RIB AS LO ED OSE.
18
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
WHEN THE WINE SO SWEET YUH FEELING TO FALL.
SOMETIMES LOOSENESS IS JUST SPREADING YOUR ARMS AND LETTING GO. OH LAWDY. IT’S PURE LOOSENESS WHEN THE LEGS UP.
www.amgtt.com
C2K16’s Top Talking Points
A
mid all the revelry and constant carefree behavior that constantly permeate Carnival, there were some moments that made us pause and ponder if only for a split second. These headlining moments will stand out after the snake oil has washed down the drains and we get ready for Carnival again. Here are some of 2014’s biggest stories in no particular order.
an honourary doctorate by the University of the West Indies. He also received the Humming Bird Medal (Silver) and the Chaconia Medal (silver). The self-confessed “Slave to Steelpan” was most notably the arranger for BP Renegades and won the Panorama title on several occasions including the first hattrick by a steel orchestra (95, 96, 97). In all, he won the Panorama title nine times. He also took part in and won the ping pong solo category of the Steel Band Music Festival in 1972.
PAN LEGEND JIT SAMAROO DIES There is no disputing the legacy the iconic Jit Samaroo will leave behind. The versatile composer and instrumentalist died at age 65 on January 7th 2016. However, before he left this earth the pan legend accomplished several great things. He was given
DESPERS REGAINS ITS GLORY The Witco Desperadoes steel orchestra is the most storied steel band in Trinidad and Tobago. Originally hailing from the birthplace of Carnival, the Laventille band had ten titles to its name going into C2K16. However, it has been 16 barren years without significant success for the band. Plus,
www.amgtt.com
the orchestra had to move from its homebase in Picton a few years ago due to rising crime. Speaking of crime, the Laventille community lost two school boys to violence in the lead up to the Carnival so a victory for Despers would have done wonders for the spirits of the East Port of Spain contingent. Celebrating 50 years of success, the band led by Carlton ‘Zanda’ Alexander brought home the victory in this year’s large band category. They won with a rendition of 5 Star Akil’s Different Me and brought Despers back into many a discussion again.
ISM CHANGES ITS FORMAT The International Soca Monarch experienced its share of trials and tribulations over the years and on several occasions seemed like it might die. However, the event has also produced some of Carnival’s most memorable moments and star-making inCARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
19
C2K16’S TOP TALKING POINTS stances. There was large doubt surrounding ISM 2016 as Machel Montano opted not to defend his Power Soca title. The organizers revamped the event by removing the distinction between the Power and Groovy categories. Also, the event would be aired a day late instead of live to facilitate a better presentation. The promoters did take the public interest at heart by withholding the results of the competition until after the airing. ISM posted notices that any videos or photos posted before the airing time would result in prosecution. All of these changes resulted in a whole heap of talk from the general public.
hostess for Ash Wednesday’s popular Baewatch beach party. They also played mas with Tribe, but did their part well before that to give T&T a publicity boost when they posted photos of themselves in bikinis styled in our national colours.
JOEY LEWIS PASSES AWAY Many of you reading this will not be familiar with the concept of the “Big Band Era.” However, it was a magical time for music and the arts in Trinidad and Tobago. The Pal Joey Lewis orchestra is the longest surviving entity of its kind from that period and if you’ve ever been to a wedding or backin-times party locally you’ll know of their impact. In fact, the band was the first to perform on local television. An ace guitarist, the band’s founder Joey received many accolades, among them the Hummingbird Medal (Gold) in 2002 on the nation’s 40th Independence anniversary. Unfortunately, the legend succumbed to colon cancer during the height of Carnival on February 8th. He was 78 at the time of his passing.
A CELEBRATION OF YOUTH When it comes to A-List artistes Trinidad and Tobago has a few of them (even on a regional level). However, it was some of the lesser known entities who made the most noise this year. Twenty-two year old Helon Francis was a few points away from the Young king and Calypso Monarch double, only to be defeated by Devon Seales at Dimanche Gras. Chuck Gordon and Karene Asche- both youths – came 3rd and 4th respectively in the Monarch finals. Soca Monarch saw more of the same with Voice and Preedy – both in their early twenties
A ROSE AMONG THORNS Amber Rose came back to Trinidad for the festival and this time she brought one of her friends. Fellow former stripper Black Chyna accompanied Rose in the capacity of event
20
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
– walk away with first and second. Patrice Roberts also came third which bodes well for the future of the artforms. Also, there’s no denying Aaron Duncan’s breakout year. It was all quite refreshing.
A FETE RECESSION? It was a short season, but there were so many fetes it felt as long as it normally does. Yet, there were a lot fewer fetes than there usually were. The popular Ladies First was one of a bunch of events that were not even advertised while some events got scaled down or cancelled. Zante went from premium all-inclusive to premium Dutch inclusive while Kerwin Dubois’ follow up to his open air Carnival concert was held in an acoustic setting at Ruststreet. Both Fire fete and Fantasy Cooler party saw their dates moved around a few times before being cancelled. Destra’s QoB fete was also one of the more anticipated shows to get the last minute axe. Maybe the recession is realer than most Trinis think.
MINSHALL RETURNS TO MAS Peter Minshall did not bring back his band, but he collaborated with K2K Alliance to create one of the most talked-about Carnival King costumes in recent history. The work of art was as simple as it was brilliant and people stood in awe of its movement across the Queens Park Savannah stage. Entitled "The Dying Swan - Ras Nijinsky in drag as Pavlova," the costume featured Jha-whan Thomas on stilts dressed as a ballerina, while doing delicate and artful ballet dances and poses. The piece was polarizing as some blasted Minshall for his piece, but it definitely got people talking again. There were other buzz-worthy moments this year. However, these are just a few of the big talking points. Here’s to looking forward to the 2017 madness.
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
e t e � ś e t i r u o v a � CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
21
HYDRATION
the key to skin that glows from within Introducing Neutrogena@ Hydro Boost Water Gel. Has your skin started to lose its get up and glow? Dehydration is a common culprit. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, new Hydro Boost is clinically proven to quench skin instantly and release continuous hydration all day. Skin is plump, deeply hydrated, and back to its glowing self. • Lightweight gel texture WHAT IS
• Oil free
HYALURONIC ACID?
Hyaluronic acid (HA), naturally found in skin, is a powerful hydrator that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It plays a critical role in keeping skin cells* hydrated and “plumped,” resulting in supple, youthful-looking skin. We lose Hyaluronic acid over time, but the added HA in Hydro Boost works to help keep skin hydrated and smooth, with a healthy-looking glow.
neutrogena.com/hydroboost
*stratum corneum layer Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. 2016
TRIBE IGNITE
Premium drinks and artistes like whoa! The promoters asked patrons to get ready to explode. That’s exactly what they did. They touched down to the strains of Machel Montano and full band, Kes the Band and many more. Tribe events usually have an exclusive crowd so attendees party knowing it is one big family affair. This party was no exception. ET&T was glad to be present.
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
23
SOKA IN MOKA XVII
The seventeenth edition of the popular early-Carnival event Soka in Moka took place at Trinity Courts on January 3rd. Questions of a short season and the financial recession created doubts about the success of the event. However, all doubts were allayed when gates opened and people came pouring into the all-inclusive. Speaking of all-inclusive, there were all types of food and drinks available to patrons and they did not hesitate to oblige. The entertainment was also top-notch with several soca bands hitting the stage and not showing an ounce of rust. ET&T was there for the action and here we share a few photos. Check our Facebook page for more.
24
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
ARMY FETE
The safest fete in the country was also one of the best fetes for the Carnival this year. The event drew one of the largest crowds of the Carnival. The best thing about this party was it definitely was not one of the stush events. This fete featured the true essence of jammishness and people were unafraid to jump and wave the night away to one of the biggest casts outside of Machel Monday and Ladies Night Out. Here is a look at some of the action.
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
25
FROST
Popular mas band Ronnie and Caro took things up a notch with their pre mas party called Frost at Venture Credit Union’s carpark. It was the 8th annual extravaganza of the sort and it grew every year. The party had a well-mixed crowd and speaking of well-mixed, the selection of drinks at the all-inclusive was top-notch. The food was spectacular and patrons had little to worry about. This meant their focus could have been strictly on fun. All proceeds from the event went to the Venture Children’s Fund.
26
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
EVOLVE
Once again the promoters of Evolve were able to put up a Facebook post thanking patrons for another sold out year. The all-inclusive event featured top-notch performances by entertainers such as Kerwin DuBois and Patrice Roberts while DJ’s Private Ryan and Jugglers were among the mixmasters on hand to keep the tempo pumping. The event hosted at Evolution Park, Chaguanas also saw improved food choices available with a plethora of drinks stations offering a fine selection of premium drinks for patrons who feted hard enough to merit a few thirst quenchers well. ET&T was happy to be at this Presentation College event and here is a bit of what took place.
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
27
OUT IN SOUTH
28
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
SAPA carpark was the venue for a cooler experience to behold in the southern part of the island. A vast array or artistes took the stage to thrill the patrons and even the DJ’s got into the performance action with sets delivered from a crane. The Air Committee did well to put this event together and keep attendees pleased. I’m sure people will be heading back out to the 2017 version of the party next year.
www.amgtt.com
IUP
www.amgtt.com
iUP followed up the wildly successful Soca and Sunrise event in 2015 with its 2016 version at Pier 1. The patrons clearly came with an agenda to get on bad from the get-go and that was evident from very early on in the party. The early morning event was a cooler party that closed off with some good ole water truck action. The water didn’t cool down the feters who only left when the party was truly over. Here is a bit of the action that occurred. For more, check our Facebook page.
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
29
PRESTIGE
This party was prestigious indeed. It was non-stop fun from the word go, While it wasn’t the wild out type of event, the event was one of the best to be held in the southland this year. Kes the Band, Asylum, David Rudder, Farmer Nappy and more performed and the food and drink on hand were something special. Presentation College San Fernando is well represented in this event.
30
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
BLACK TO BLUE
Couva’s coolest fete took place once again without a hitch at the Ato Boldon Stadium in early January. The aforementioned event is none other than Black 2 Blue and faithful fete-a-holics came out with drinks in tow for the festivities. The party featured a decent entertainment cast and vibes turned up exponentially when water was unleashed on the masses who were just getting acclimated to the morning sun. Our photographers covered their hardware and headed straight into the action for these pics. For more, see our Facebook page and visit www.amgtt.com.
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
31
YORKE ALL INCLUSIVE
Sunday 17th January was the day Yorke All-Inclusive took place at Trinity College East in Trincity. Anyone who knows about all-inclusives knows that Yorke is unquestionably one of the most renown and prestigious events at the Carnival. The food was outstanding and the layout was fabulous (meaning no long lines to access the food and drink). The crowd was mixed with a nice level of maturity on the inside. What cannot be disputed is the amount of vibes throughout. This is definitely a must-attend event.
32
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
YUMA NEON
www.amgtt.com
Queens Royal College was again the venue for YUMA Neon. The drinks inclusive affair took place on January 30th and though the event is usually a good one, it was especially spectacular this year. We think the short season increased the hype so much that people turned up their feting experiences to new levels. If you weren’t there to experience what we are talking about, take a look what went down.
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
33
MACHEL MONDAY THE MONK EVOLUTION MMXVI
The Monk continued his epic run of magnificent shows with his latest installment of the Machel Monday series. Having graduated from the Alternative concept, this mega concert experience has surpassed the International Soca Monarch to become the biggest event of the Carnival. This year, the show featured its usual laundry list of top international acts amid a spectacular stage backdrop. A standout moment was a sound set from legendary local DJ’s Chinese Laundry and Signal to Noise. All in all, the event is one that is unlikely to be forgotten.
34
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
LA BARGE
Though it wasn’t on the actual barge this year, but down the islands, La Barge didn’t lose any of the elements that made it stand out. A VIP drinks inclusive section was there for those who chose to attend, but for the folks who like the BYOB vibe, coolers were allowed. The party wasn’t dictated by the drinks on hand, but moreso the enjoyment shared by the patrons. This event was a strictly DJ affair with no performers on hand, but it was definitely still top notch entertainment. Two thumbs up!
36
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
STUMPED
The QPCC was the venue once again for the Red Ants Carnival staple Stumped. The event drew a large crowd as anticipated and they were all down for the ribaldry that ensued. Drinks flowed and waistlines rotated to the strains of soca throughout. There was no problem getting shots of hot babes at the event and there were also a few male cuties in attendance. Here is a peek.
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
37
JAMBOREE
Queens Park Oval was the venue for Jamboree. This party was so highly anticipated that it ended up being oversold. A huge portion of would-be patrons could be seen outside the event trying to get access to no avail. On the inside though‌ PACE!!! Big artistes with bigger performances and girls galore‌ DAT was fete!
38
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
SOCA BRAINWASH
Hands down this was the best all-inclusive of the year. It had the vibes of the traditional fetes and food and drinks galore. In fact, the food and drinks lasted the entire event despite the sold- out crowd. Foreigners were out in their numbers for this fete which also featured a game zone. Imagine partying with hot girls and guys and playing twister. Words can barely express what went down well enough so just take our word for it and enjoy these few photos.
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
39
KIDDIES CARNIVAL
There were a lot of Big People Parties for Carnival this year. However, it wasn’t all about the mature crowd. ET&T loves the kids. That is why we had to dedicate a segment of the magazine to the young ones. Many of us enjoy our first Carnival experiences on Carnival Saturday and Sunday morning for Kiddies Carnival. Here, we share some of these experiences as they were enjoyed by the junior masqueraders.
40
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
KIDDIES CARNIVAL
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
41
www.amgtt.com
t r e v u o �’ CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
43
44
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
45
46
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
d a o � e no d onday M CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
47
© 2016 Revlon
CHOOSE TO CAPTIVATE CHOOSE LOVE NEW REVLON ULTRA HD MATTE LIPCOLOR™ High-definition color meets velvety matte. With a unique gel formula that delivers a lightweight, moisturizing feel. For love that draws you in—in 8 shades. ALEJANDRA ESPINOZA WEARS HD ADDICTION CHOOSE YOUR SHADE AT REVLON.COM
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
49
50
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
51
52
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
53
54
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
55
d a o � e no duesday T
58
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
59
60
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
61
62
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
63
64
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
65
66
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
67
68
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
69
70
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
www.amgtt.com
CARNIVAL 2016 ET&T
71
72
ET&T CARNIVAL 2016
www.amgtt.com
BILL PAYMENT
TOP UP