BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - LEADER of the Grand Masters Band, Wingrove Hicks has complimented all the bands in the twin-island Federation for their consistency and sustainability.
Hicks extended the compliments during the release of the Grand Masters Band's Sugar Mas 42 album on Monday evening (Dec. 16) at ZIZ Radio Station and Radio St. Kitts-Nevis.
He said that bands across the region are becoming extinct but those in St. Kitts and Nevis' have managed to keep themselves going and have even multiplied.
"I want to compliment all of the bands in St. Kitts, and this is for a special reason. Small Axe Band, Nu Vybes Band, Kollision Band, Grand Masters Band, Excess Band, also KC5, Modern Image, Royalties, Foreplay and all the others which I might have missed.
"We realise that bands are dwindling, bands are diminishing, especially bands that take part in carnival and festivities of all nature. As a matter of fact, I compliment the bands in St. Kitts because we happen to be lucky to have a number of bands on the road on J'Ouvert Morning and Parade Day."
He said that some other countries have Deejays and no bands but St. Kitts and Nevis has many bands which are envied by the other countries.
"Many other countries in our region boast of Deejays on the road. You come down the road and you hear all Deejays. St. Kitts still maintains that tradition of having live music. We are envied by many other countries and all of the bands should be complimented."
The Grand Masters Band Leader encouraged the other bands in the Federation not to become satisfied with where they are now, but strive to be even better, adding that they are a part of what makes the Federation's National Carnival unique.
"That does not mean that bands or the musicians should become complacent. They always try to improve the art and they should be complimented. It is one of the things that make St. Kitts Carnival unique up to today. And because of that, many fans and well-wishers go out to these events on J'Ouvert Morning and Parade Day not only to view the troupes and revellers but also to listen to the bands," he added.
Hicks stressed that, in his opinion, all of the bands should be complimented for their gestures.
