BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - BANDS and artistes had hit the road early on Thursday (Dec .26) during the J’Ouvert morning jamming to get a head start in the judging for the Road March Title for Sugar Mas’ 42.
Often a controversial issue, the Road March Title, though not financially significant, often provides the winner with all year publicity and travel opportunities.
On J’Ouvert morning however, all guns were blazing as the bands and artistes circled the route since before 6: 00 blasting out their tunes in a bid to win the title.
Some of the top songs that were highlighted as contenders for the Road March Title are ‘Who Send Dem’ by the Grand Masters Band, ‘Wuk It’ by Mr. Hype, ‘Wuk Up Session’ by Kollision Band and ‘Hook on de Sugar’ by the Nu Vybes Band.
Defending Road March Champion Small Axe Band gave an excellent account in defence its title with the popular hit ‘Hardware’.
The Nu Vybes Band however once again attracted the majority of revellers, commanding hundreds if not thousands.
Some individuals were questioned about who they thought were the front-runners for Sugar Mas 42 Road March Title and, most, if not all, were convinced that the Grand Masters Band was ahead of the pack with Kollision and Small Axe closely on its heels.
One onlooker said: “I heard Grand Masters song a lot but I also heard Mr. Hype earlier on, but as the day wore on I did not hear much from him.”
Also being judged on J’Ouvert morning were the various troupes with Xtreme and Red Devils leading the way with the largest crowd.
In an interview with Carnival Chairman Sylvester Anthony, he disclosed that the criteria for judging the Road March are practically the same as in previous years, except for the addition of two roaming judges.
“The only thing we did different this year is that in addition to the four judging points, we added two more that are referred to as roaming judges in an effort to get some balance in the overall score.
“Because they are roaming, they will stay out of the way of the other four judges so that we do not have a duplication.”
Judging for Road March will continue on Wednesday (Jan. 1) during the New Year’s Parade Day Celebration and the winner is expected to be announced on the following Day
The Road March Title will be given to the person or band with the musical composition played most often at the judging points along the parade route during Carnival.
