SOCA music has taken over the radio stations and there are billboards everywhere, indicating that Carnival shows are here. With this year's Carnival coming early, on Monday, February 19 and Tuesday, February 20, the band leaders, masqueraders, calypsonians, music producers and chutney artistes and orchestras are busy preparing to get the best out of this occasion.
Trinidad Carnival dubbed, 'The Greatest Show on Earth,' will see hot competition in Calypso, costumes for Kings and Queens, old mas characters, bands, Soca, Chutney Soca, steelpan, and groovy Soca. Many of the leading bands in the land have already introduced their themes this year. And many of the top Soca stars have released their party tunes for the competitive stage. Among them are the reigning Soca and Groovy Soca Monarch Shurwayne Winchester with 'Open the Gates' and 'Akaylaa,' Machel Montano with Light It Up and Higher than High, Destra with Soca or Die, Bunji Garlin with Pan and Soca Crazy with Cold Sweat and Patrice Roberts with Sugar Sugar.
The band Legacy is going with the theme 'Hiawatha' which is the fictitious life-story of a Native American Indian, who is courageous and proud, noble and wise, peace-loving and one with nature. The band pays tribute to the strength, spirit and culture of this civilization which is also represented in traditional mas form. Island People Mas is going with the theme of 'Sahara'. It says, out of the vast emptiness comes the rays of 'Le Soleil Brule' which inspire strength and diligence. Then comes the 'Oasis' to quench every desire. The grains of the Sacred Sand remind you even the smallest moments must be treasured
Hidden within you is the Jewel of the Nile. Arabian Nights celebrate in the beauty and splendor of life.
The wings of the Goddesses and Defenders protect and comfort us as we fly above our troubles.
Source: Trinidad and Tobago's News Day
