Traditional Mas marred by sound system woes

The traditional and conventional individuals competition at Victoria Square last night started 20 minutes late, but this was just a foretaste of things to come in a show that was destined to go beyond midnight and which was marred by trouble with the sound system. Scores of patrons were in the stands and others stood at the sides of Victoria Square and near the end of the stage to catch a glimpse of the masqueraders.

This year, the National Carnival Bandleaders’ Association blocked each end of the stage to prevent a crowd from assembling in these areas. An NCBA official said this action was taken because of complaints from competitors. The show started 8.20 pm with the National Anthem and proceeded to the first competitor, Rasheed Hosein, portraying a Robber — “Sitting Bull” from the band “Sitting Bull returns from the Sioux Graveyard.”  

His robber talk was interrupted when the microphone went dead. Attempts to get it working resulted in loud feedback. There was further delay in the show as a new microphone was set up. Brian Honore was second on stage with his robber portrayal “The Jolly Banker.” Complimenting his broad white and black robber hat was a suit half white and black. The banking sector was not the only butt of criticism.

The recent hike in the prices of flour and rice also caused the National Flour Mills to be included. Anthony Collymore followed with his portrayal of “The Melancholy Marauder.” Crowd favourite was Esau Millington, the “Midnight Killer” whose robber talk was full of all the fantastic boasts and bravado associated with the art-form. But he was soon being given signals to conclude as he was going over time. The lone minstrel duo, portraying Ricky Nelson, were also reminded of time constraints but in a less tactful manner as the microphone was removed as they were singing. An NCBA stage crew member had to hold a microphone because the standing one was not working. This caused some parts of their rendition to be inaudible.
 
Sound system woes continued with breaks in music even while some masqueraders were on stage parading before the judges. An all black bat who had not yet had his chance was overheard threatening to beat the DJ if the music stopped while he was on stage. He wondered if the DJ was playing records. The masqueraders themselves made the most of their time on stage, with Pierrot Grenades entertaining with their spelling, and Jab Jabs with their whips cracking. Authentic Indians and Dame Lorraines were in abundance. They were a colourful spectacle enjoyed by scores of patrons.

After 11 pm, Devils were crossing the stage and there were still several Fancy Sailors and conventional individuals waiting to have their moment on stage.