BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - THE activities for this year's Carnival, dubbed ‘Sugar Mas 42', are scheduled to begin on Saturday (Nov. 23). And while fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the songs by their favourite artiste and band, this publication sought to get the public's view on the 10 most popular songs for 2012.
Taking to the streets of downtown Basseterre, SKNVibes interviewed 130 individuals; the majority (25%) of whom was undecided but some were unable to choose just one song as the most popular in their view, while others claimed not to remember the songs from the past year.
However, 20 percent proudly stated that their choice for the most popular song was the one that taught them a lesson they would not soon forget - 'Do de DCH' by Small Axe Band.
Last December, when the band moved through the streets of Basseterre with its fans dancing with gusto, they were reminded to “Drop, Cover and Hold on” in the event of an earthquake.
For this song, the Small Axe Band won the coveted title of Road March King.
Eighteen percent chose King Konris' 'By De Breath' as the number two most popular song for that year, which, metaphorically, had many people gasping when it hit the airwaves. The song speaks of the King's long standing victory in the calypso arena and the competitors' continued failure to remove him from the top.
Coming in third with 16 percent was Nu Vybes International Band’s (De Sugar Band) song about peace, love and unity - 'One Order'. The song questions the reason for the fighting down of each other and reminds people that they are one family and should act accordingly.
'Finish De Song' is another popular tune penned and sung by King Konris that had the crowd going wild on Calypso Night. The song speaks to him delaying the completion of his pieces for the competition.
It also spoke to some of the issues affecting the Federation and eight percent judged it as the fourth most popular.
This fifth song, chosen by five percent of those interviewed, steamed its way into people's minds, leaving all in its path hot, bothered and out of breath. The song is called 'Oxygen' by the Nu Vybes Band International and is a witty tune that talks about women needing air following the rise in body temperature from being on the dance floor. Although the words are not sexual in nature, many believe it speaks to that subject.
There was a tie for sixth place among 'Big Shake' by the Kollision Band, Ali Dee’s ‘Party’ and ‘Cook Pon Wood’ by Fantistic Thunder with two percent each.
While ‘Big Shake’ is centered on the popular "big shake" dance and had many fans and non-fans of that band shaking as big as possible whenever the song was played, Ali Dee’s ‘Party’ speaks to the love of partying and having fun. And while ‘Cook Pon Wood’ appears to mirror what the title speaks to, many people claim that it is very suggestive.
There was another tie, and this time it was for ninth place between the Small Axe Band’s ‘My Riddim’ and Ali Dee’s ‘We Belong’, with both gaining one percent.
'My Riddim' speaks to other bands and artistes using Small Axe's songs. A line in that song states that "people jumping up and down to my riddim" without knowing where it originated, while Ali Dee’s ‘We Belong’ talks about her love affair with Carnival in which she said "we and Carnival belong together".
There are many other songs that came out of the 2012-2013 Carnival season. However, those in the order mentioned are what the individuals interviewed chose. Therefore, while some of you will either agree or disagree with their choices, this publication would like to know what are yours?
