BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE most anticipated event for Carnival, J’Ouvert did not fail yesterday (Dec. 27) to produce thousands of people who showed up to participate and listen to the latest carnival tracks.
This year however saw some changes which can dispel the belief that Grand Masters could win the Road March for a fourth consecutive time and that Ronnie Rascal’s Xtreme J’Ouvert Bacchanal Troupe could produce the largest amount of revellers.
Instead, ‘Unstoppable Force’ by King Konris and Red Devils J’Ouvert Troupe seemingly ruled the day with the most airplays and largest amount of revellers.
Over the past 11 years, Ronnie Rascal’s Xtreme J’Ouvert Troupe had ruled the roost, but this feat can only be repeated if the judges say so at the Grand Carnival Parade.
Seven other troupes participated in J’Ouvert - Mudsunami, Blue Devils, GM Addix, Small Axe Bed Rockers, Kollision/Carib Brewery Train, Phunn Vybes - A Splash of Purple and Love Parade.
King Konris, who was recently crowned Soca Monarch, has created a whirlwind with his hit song ‘Unstoppable Force’.
During the J’Ouvert Morning jam, ‘Unstoppable Force’ was on heavy rotation and equally had great response from the crowd as they jammed through the streets of Basseterre.
Konris Maynard, who had stated in a recent article on this website that he would be making guest appearances in all of the J’Ouvert troupes, said yesterday (Dec. 27) following the jam that he felt good about the response to his song.
“This is the first time I am actively trying to contest the Road March. I’ve learnt a lot and it went well,” he said.
In terms of what makes people gravitate to his song in such a major way, Maynard said he thought the song reflected what most persons felt about their country.
J’Ouvert is the first of a two-day judging for the Road March Title. The second will be held on January 1, 2011.
Judging points for the Road March on both days are at the National Museum (Old Treasury Building), Subway (Corner of Fort & Cayon Street), National Bank, (West Independence Square Street) and Development Bank (Church Street) on J'Ouvert and Education building on (Cayon Street), Lime office on (Cayon Street) and Circus Grill on Parade Day.
Each judge will award one point to the registered tune played at the judging points on J’Ouvert Morning between 5:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Carnival Parade.
Prizes for this morning’s event will be awarded for the Best Individual Mas and the Best J’Ouvert Troupe.
The winners of the Road March or Best J’Ouvert Troupe will not be revealed until Last Lap on Monday, January 3, 2011. However, from the activities of J’Ouvert, Unstoppable Force and Red Devils Jouvert Troupe seems to be leading.
The J’Ouvert celebrations ended a little after 11:00 a.m. and many people were seen milling downtown Basseterre enjoying music, while some made their way to the first ever J’Ouvert Beach Chill behind the National Museum.
