BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – IF you missed the ‘Characters’ of the December 26 J’Ouvert Jam, then keep your eyes peeled today (Jan. 2) during the Last Lap jam because we have a sneaking suspicion that they would be out and about.
And for the benefit of those who may not have seen them, this article aims at highlighting just a few of the memorable characters and their costumes.
From coloured wigs to Middle Eastern garb, from masks to oversized glasses, the men and women of the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis brought out their creative side for J’Ouvert.
This publication observed a large number of individuals who, although did not wear outfits provided by the troupes, did attract attention with their extreme attire.
Their outfits ranged from outrageous to unusual to downright funny as many went 'all out' for this year's J'Ouvert jam. And boy, did they entertain!
Some young ladies were seen wearing primary and high school tunics turned skirts, and complimenting this unusual attire were multi-coloured socks.
One male was seen covered from head to toe with blue paint. At first glance he appears to be just another painted body, that is, until he smiles and one realises the crooked rotten teeth costume that covered his actual teeth.
Another male was seen wearing an all-in-one suit designed for women. The apparel was red in colour and tight fitting with designer cuts that lead from the sides to the back.
Other men wore long flannel nightgowns topped with straight wigs.
A number of luminous wigs were also seen throughout the jam session, worn by both men and women. The colours ranged from pink to green to blue, while oversized glasses were also worn by a number of persons.
SKNVibes met Mr. Cola Stopper. Wigs and masks could not cut it for this young man. Oh no, that was so yesterday! He found a more intriguing way to draw attention - cola stoppers.
This young man made hair accessories by taking cola stoppers, bending them in two and clipping them to his hair.
When asked about the genesis of his creation, he simply said, "I just wanted to do something different". And different it was.
This media house also met the devil. A young man painted from top to bottom with red paint and short horns. To top off his attire, he donned bright red contacts that really brought his devilish look to life.
Undoubtedly, J’Ouvert would not be complete without an appearance by these characters.
And though the aforementioned were intriguing, the list of characters is far more extensive and diverse.
If one were not prepared, first glance of some of the masks donned by a number of the revellers could have had the effect of one’s heart skipping a beat.
From goons to goblins to fanged animals to indescribable creatures, the Halloween masks were varied and intriguing.
The dance moves and gyrations seen at J’Ouvert were a far cry from those seen at ballets; but some of the outfits were reminiscent of a ballet recital. Pink and multi-coloured tutus could have been seen dotted across the landscape of thousands of revellers.
Some took their ballerina costumes a step further by adding wings and transforming themselves into fairies.
This next character was seen last year, and while the basic theme of his costume was maintained, it had a very noticeable difference.
The costume featured more than one national flag, which began at the individual’s shoulders and flowed towards the ground. The beauty of the flags were not seen until he extended his arms directly outwards.
But what was missing from his costume this year? The panties! On the previous year’s costume, a variety of types of panties were attached to it. The reason for ditching the panties this year is unknown to this media house, but their absence was more than noticeable.
Speaking of undergarments, one individual sported a brazier while another girded his loins with what appeared to be a pamper. Oh, the laughter which was drawn from some, having observed a grown man whose garment of choice for the J’Ouvert Jam was one designed to collect waste!
Exaggerated waist movements and elevated lower limbs were commonplace, but what drew our attention had nothing to do with an individual’s clothing, shoes or his headwear. But suspended by strings were two fuzzy puppets that he manipulated to mimic the gyrations of revellers.
Judging from people’s reaction, this last one may have taken the cake!
Its main component was a donkey and a placard that hung from its left side which read, “Finally…the jackass running out of time!” And while an individual led the donkey by reigns, another individual, dressed in what appeared to be Middle Eastern garb, walked next to it bearing a placard which read, “And if he think…’pouf He’ll be in Dubai without us, he lie!”
The cast for this display was completed by yet another individual whose placard indicated that “Dis Jackass D…Fault The country gone from riches to rags”.
Today presents a final opportunity – perhaps until Sugar Mas’ 42 rolls around – for the characters to publicly display their creativity in ways which only Sugar Mas’ could allow. So keep your eyes peeled, they just might be wandering about.
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