Today we begin the countdown to Carnival in Trinidad with the first in a week’s worth of features previewing the Caribbean’s biggest bacchanal.
Trinidad Carnival is seven days away, but if you’re lucky enough to be in Port of Spain, you’ve got a week’s worth of feting ahead before the start of J’Ouvert, not to mention the International Soca Monarch Finals on “Fantastic Friday.” From Machel Monday to Sunday-morning “breakfast parties,” we’ve got your pre-Carnival week planned out.
Thank God its Monday! Bet you never thought you’d hear that one. But its not just any Monday. Next to Carnival Monday, Machel Montano‘s Machel Monday must be the most highly anticipated of the year and it keeps getting better. The aspiring Minister of Road‘s annual concert at Hasely Crawford Stadium this year features a lineup of Major Lazer, Timaya, Patrice Roberts, Skinny Fabulous, Lyrikal and Kerwin Du Bois, among others.
A series of limes hosted at popular spots across Trinidad and Tobago have all led up to Kes the Band‘s first carnival fete. It’s only fitting that the “Bad Habits” charmer’s big show, dubbed Tuesday on the Rocks, after his hit of the same name, fits right between Machel Monday and Iwer on Wednesday. Attendees are in for a night of bacchanal, nostalgia and Caribbean pride with acts like Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon, 5-star Akil, Ravi B, Groovy Soca trendsetter Kerwin Du Bois, soca pioneer David Rudder and, direct from Jamaica, The Voice winner Tessane Chin.
Iwer George’s Iwer Wednesday is back for his second carnival season. The concert, a paradigm shift, promises all your favorite artistes including Sherwin Winchester, Kerwin Du Bois,, Shal Marshall, Jaiga, Cassie, Denise “Saucy Wow” Belfon, “Rolly Polly” conquistador Mr Killa and D Boss Man himself. (Also on the bill: Trini-born, NY-based deejay The Mad Stuntman of “I Like To Move It” fame). With George preparing to perform three decades of his hits, let’s just say Iwer Wednesday promises to be nothing short of a spectacle.
In case you missed Machel Monday, had to work during Tuesday on the Rocks, and tickets were sold out for Iwer Wednesday, ‘Doh Hot Yuh Head’ — Momentum 2014 promises to deliver pure vibes. Headliners Diplo and Walshy Fire won’t be alone: the Viking Bunji Garlin will be making an appearance along with Kes, Kerwin Du Bois, Jus Now and London Future.
Friday: The International Soca Monarch Finals
There’s only one place to be in Trinidad Friday night: The International Soca Monarch Finals. Machel Montano and SuperBlue will to defend their crown on “Fantastic Friday” against crowd favorites like boss Iwer George, 2014 artist to watch Erphaan Alves, Destra, Farmer Nappy and Ravi B, not to mention international upstarts Mr. Killa (Grenada) and Skinny Fabulous (St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Artists will be taking up their performances up a notch even from the already-raucous semi-finals last welk: With 2 million TTD up for grabs, we’re expecting their worst behavior.
Saturday: Canyaval, Scorch + Insomnia
Take your pick on Saturday, one of the busiest on Trinidad’s pre-Carnival calendar (which starts all the way back in December). This year, Project Runway winner (and No. 7 on our list of Trinidad’s loveliest ladies), Anya Ayoung Chee holds her first fete, dubbed cANYAval. If it has as much attitude and sex appeal as her designs, this is one you won’t want to miss. Scorch magazine’s annual street/house party has also gained momentum, landing on many Trinis’ Carnival go-to list, providing the perfect amount of intimacy with just the right amount of bacchanal. Finally, there’s Insomnia—the ultimate breakfast party’s theme this year is Soca Wondaland. Acts include rival soca powerhouses Machel Montano HD and the Asylum Family led by Viking and Vi-Queen, Bunji Garlin and Fay-Anne Lyons Alvarez.
Every Trini knows Sunday morning before Carnival is the calm before the storm. Fuel up for Jouvert with breakfast parties Shades or Sunny Side Up: Tuck into your morning favorite while warming up your waistline for the intense workout of the next two days.
Take all of our advice and you’re sure to have one busy week. Of course, its’ all just a prelude to the madness on Monday. Check back in with us later in the week, when we’ll have a guide to d road from a certain Trini soca superstar.
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