Shipwrecked: The Africa Edition

There have been so many band launches recently that I am officially behind on blogging but bear with me, my next blog will feature the theme of TOO MANY DAM SMALL BANDS and the need for unity within the environs of Notting Hill Carnival. Can you imagine if all these small bands join up what a glorious spectacle it would be to see 5 large sized bands on the road, uniform, bursting with winery on Carnival Day?

Anyway that's another blogpost. I went to Busspepper after I was consoled with a few complimentary tickets and because I wanted to see Shipwrecked. The theme for the first two years have been boss, and last year the Asian spin was so welcome that this year I guess it was imperative to have Shipwrecked in Africa. I was very impressed with the spin on the costuming- the leopard print is hawt hawt hawt and because I truly believe in the half way house of the fun mas as a midway point between full on costume and what I hate- TSHIRT mas- I have to give them their kudos. Patrons can opt for leggings or short shorts and the costumes are complete- hat, gloves, the works!

I jammed with Shipwrecked last year and I must say I think they have a bit of a reputation as some stoosh Trinis but go see for yuhself! They were all cool in the band in my opinion but the circle seems tight, almost impenetrable to be honest. Everybody in de band know everybody either from Convent or Bishops or elsewhere so if you looking to make friends or for a man for de day yuh might be in the wrong place.

Contact the bandleader for details including pricing etc.

Pics to follow.

De Pan Drama

I promised to be back when I had more news- according to the reports from my insider, there are many things which militated against the Panorama competition this year. Allegedly, funding was cut by 10,000 because it was felt that the event was not generating enough revenue! So the Greater London Authority said they would fund it but this cut was imperative.This information was relayed to the pan association by Chris Boothman who told the panmen that this year no appearance fees were to be paid because the amount equated to the figure budgeted for appearance fees.  The Pan Association pushed back and said utter disrespect- we want all our money, thanks! As Paul Keens say... who tell them do that? GLA removed all the funding! A few weeks later, the PanMen decided to backtrack and said they would accept the reduced figure- the GLA said no.

To provide some context to this whole debate, Mas and other entities (Calypso etc). do not really receive appearance fees. Pan was the only association who received appearance fees- and there had been some issues of lack of proper accounting procedures (as there always ultimately is in these kinds of things).

My take on the whole issue is as follows:

First of all, this underlies the need for effective representation for all aspects of our culture. We need a cadre of professionals fighting and battling our corners. We need negotiators and persons versed in procurement and marketing and sponsorship. To do so, we need to move away from the "Association" mentality, and run our industries like businesses.

Secondly, we cannot continue to have issues with accounting and management of funds. Accountability is the new buzz word and post recession, this will increasingly become a criteria to justify slashing budgets. If there are a few crooked people involved, they absolutely NEED to go.

Thirdly, organisations need to get less lazy about their own survival. Lots of other Carnival organisations obtain Lottery funding or Arts Council funding. Was Pan so complacent that it thought it was entitled to GLA funding? Can some of the monies received be used to hire an administrator who would submit application forms in time to ensure that there is no such disaster.

Apparently its back to Kensal Rise this year. Which might not be a bad thing, given that at last it is out of Hyde Park because we all know that the Notting Hill bougies don't like the fact that for two days their streets become West Indian again. My sources also tell me that they are considering moving Carnival to the Olympic Village. Not over we dead body! This is no Brazil velodrome style carnival- we play street marse!

A group of concerned individuals have started a group called SOCA- Save Our Carnival Associations- with a view to increase dialogue and to provide professional and networking services for our carnival associations. Anyone wishing to join should email the Griot and I would put you in contact.

Big Bad Bachanal Mas

All yuh Bachanal Mas is HUGE this year. I have been reliably informed that the band boasts over 500 costumes and there are 80 people in Blue Devils alone.

So all of all yuh who sticking, doh get leff:

Sunday Liquid Gold:


£25.00 for first 100 £30.00 after that

Includes: Tshirt, Bandana, Cup, Body Paint, Full Premium Bar, Soft Drinks, Security and Music Truck
Here is their sold out list so far:

ADULTS

ARAWAK OPTION A - £130.00

ARAWAK OPTION B - £160.00 (SOLD OUT)

ARAWAK MALE - £120.00 (SOLD OUT)

ARAWAK FRONTLINE - £220.00 (SOLD OUT)



FANCY INDIAN OPTION A - £130.00 (SOLD OUT)

FANCY INDIAN OPTION B - £160.00 (SOLD OUT)

FACNY INDIAN MALE - £130.00 (SOLD OUT)

FANCY INDIAN FRONTLINE - £220.00 (SOLD OUT)



MIDNIGHT ROBBER OPTION A - £125.00

MIDNIGHT ROBBER OPTION B - £155.00

MIDNIGHT ROBBER MALE - £115.00

MIDNIGHT ROBBER FRONTLINE - £210.00 (SOLD OUT)



BLUE DEVIL OPTION A - £125.00 (SOLD OUT)

BLUE DEVIL OPTION B - £160.00 (SOLD OUT)

BLUE DEVIL MALE - £120.00 (SOLD OUT)

BLUE DEVIL FRONTLINE - £215.00 (SOLD OUT)



JABMOLASSI OPTION A - £125.00 (SOLD OUT)

JABMOLASSI OPTION B - £160.00 (SOLD OUT)

JABMOLASSI MALE £110.00 (SOLD OUT)

JABMOLASSI FRONTLINE - £225.00 (SOLD OUT)



PIERROT GRENADE OPTION A - £125.00

PIERROT GRENADE OPTION B - £155.00

PIERROT GRENADE FRONTLINE - £210.00 (SOLD OUT)



SOUCOUYANT OPTION A - £130.00 (SOLD OUT)

SOUCOUYANT OPTION B - £160.00 (SOLD OUT)

SOUCOUYANT FRONTLINE - £215.00 (SOLD OUT)



YOUNG PEOPLES COSTUMES 14 TO 17YRS

ALL SECTIONS - £85.00



CHILDREN

IMP MALE AND FEMALE - £60.00

IMP FRONTLINE £100.00



BABY DOLL FEMALE ONLY - £55.00

BABY DOLL FRONTLINE - £100.00 (SOLD OUT)

ALL CHILDREN 5 AND UNDER £30.00