BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – SUGAR Mas 40:40 is finally here! The St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Celebration kicked off on Friday afternoon at Independence Square exhibiting some of Carnival’s bountiful explosions for the Federation’s 40th annual carnival splendour.
Many still dressed in work attire and children in school uniform swarmed the independence Square and patiently awaited the official launch of Sugar Mas 40:40.
The Humming Bird String Band that has been around for some thirteen years and the famous Mansion Bull entertained the crowd on the outskirts of the Independence Square.
The Carnival Blast was felt all over the venue.
On stage, the rising local group Dymanyzd swayed the crowd with their hit singles such as ‘Heart on the floor’, ‘Beat pon me drum’ and ‘Deh pon di phone again.’
The host, popular Wayne ‘Pizza man’ Phillip, entertained patrons with his hilarious jokes while the committee did their last preparations for the grand opening.
At approximately 5:45 p.m. Sugar Mas kicked off with a warm welcome by the Chairman of Carnival Shannon Hawley.
Shortly after, five groups of vibrant, young and energetic children took to the stage and introduced themselves to the audience as this year’s contestants in the Prince and Princess Scholarship Pageant.
‘Kaiso!Kaiso!’ King Starshield, donned in a gold and burgundy pant suit, wowed the crowd with a terrific performance.
He performed some of his greatest compositions such as ‘Hooray Mass’ during which he congratulated the committee and Federation for 40 years of a job well done and wished them a safe and happy carnival celebration.
The melody from Starshield’s calypsos allowed patrons to wave, rock and prance around as they exhibited their enjoyment of the calypsonians’s performance.
According to a lady, prancing around and waving a plastic bottle in favour of the song ‘Hooray Mass’, “Starshield is one of the best calypsonians...he is one that defines good calypso!”
His grand performance was followed by the Okolo Tegremantine Arts Theatre group.
“Come on out and witness beauty and talent!” exclaimed Basseterre High Scool representative Monique Johnson as she confidently invited the audience to witness herself and 6 other teen-beauty participants of the National Talent Teen pageant.
Subsequently an appearance by another veteran made the crowd shout in appreciation and support as Elston ‘King Ellie Mat’ Nero made his grand appearance after being absent for sometime due to his ongoing health condition.
Nevertheless, a happy and youthful Ellie Matt, performed well singing songs such as ‘Viva St. Kitts’ and ‘Poor can’t take no more’ just to name a few.
As a token of appreciation Nero was awarded a plaque honouring him as an artiste of the Federation.
The evening sky set in and the Carnival revellers came out as the 2011/2012 kiddies and adult Carnival costumes were displayed in awesome colours and creative designs.
The Master of Ceremony, St. Claire ‘GQ’ Liburd made a special announcement that the Soca Monarch Semi-finals date was changed from the 2nd of December to the 3rd of December.
Other appearances were by St. Kitts and Nevis National Bank and LIME who are main sponsors of this year’s 40th celebration.
Approximately at 11:10 p.m. the official launch came to an end with the Steel Band competition by the various High School Bands.
