BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – FROM fuchsia, to crimson red, to bright orange, to neon yellow, to the elaborate and mesmerising headpieces, Fhunn Vybz is offering and presenting a “exciting party in the streets” through its parade troupe Sea-Crets.
Following a one-year hiatus, Fhunn Vybz is back with its usual vibrant display and, according to Band Leader Ashley Allers, it promises to provide an opportunity that mas’ players would not soon forget.
A play on the words secret and sea, Sea-Crets comprises six exotic sections, each of which contains and tells a secret.
The secret of the Pink Section is that its members are mermaids, the Black Section is that its members are scardy cats of the sea, and the Yellow Section is that they are Merrow Fairies of the sea.
The Orange, Red and Green Sections also have secrets and that of the first is that its members are seafood lovers. The Red Section members’ secret is that they are Aphrodites (the sea goddess of love) and the Green Section members will bear the secret that they are Nerieds (the sea goddess of thoughtfulness and compassion).
Females have their pick of the six sections but - as Allers explained – male costumes were only being made for two of these sections. And because of popular demand, costumes for another section are being constructed.
Speaking of costume construction, this year, Fhunn Vybz is taking a home-grown approach and the band leader informed that all costumes would be created at the Fhunn Vybz Mas’ Camp to be located at the old Unity Friendly Society Hall at Wigley Avenue.
Currently undergoing a process of renovation, the Hall –Allers indicated – would remain occupied even after the Carnival 2012/2013 season concludes, and interested persons would receive costume production training at that centre.
A King of the Bands and a Queen of the Bands costumes would most definitely be a part of the Fhunn Vybz Carnival 2012/2013 experience, but Allers explained that this year he is giving consideration to adding a particular innovative flair to the troupe, the likes of which have not been seen in the country.
“We are considering introducing some frontline mas’ players and they would have some additional pieces which the other mas’ players would not have. If the demand is great enough we would do it.”
Unlimited food and drinks are just some of the goodies that Fhunn Vybz has in store for its troupe participants and, as Allers explained, it promises to be “a party in the streets”.
“Persons who know my affiliation with carnival and mas’ band, they always come back because they always have a wonderful time. It is about a party on the street and we give you that. For the first time mas’ players, it is the experience which we will have. We are going to have Ronnie Rascal’s sound system which gives a variety of music. He has the power to compete with any band and there is a variety of music. So what we are trying to promote is a party on the street unlike a band which plays one song continuously. We are listening to our patrons and they indicate that they really prefer a variety of songs and a good mix.”
The eye-catching costumes were released to the public via Fhunn Vybz’s Facebook page, but persons wishing to sign up for the troupe can do so at Ottley’s Enterprises, Walwyn Avenue or Brown Sugar on the Bay Road.
He however advised that only 300 costumes would be made, so interested persons should “hurry up and come”.
Winning the Largest Troupe title and capturing the runner-up spot for Most Colourful Troupe title in 2010, a confident Allers said Fhunn Vybz is “hoping to win everything this year. Fhunn Vybz...we are the real mas’ people”
