By Andrew Clunis,
Freelance Writer
JAMAICA CARNIVAL 2001 got off to a flying start on Sunday night at Chukka Cove in St. Ann. The traditional blast-off event of the Carnival season outclassed previous stagings in terms of quality of the presentation and crowd support.
Dubbed 'Blast Off 2001', it attracted an estimated patronage of over 15,000 persons. And it was almost like kindergarten school as the massive crowd obeyed the commands of the musical conductors on the stage.
Byron Lee and the Dragonaires were in characteristic splendid form. The performers from the Eastern Caribbean left no stone unturned in ensuring that Jamaica got a real taste of bacchanal. As usual, most of the performers sang the same songs over and over, but the frenetic revellers did not seem to mind.
Trinidad's calypso star David Rudder helped to balance the affair with his cultural, yet vivacious, tunes. He proved his premium value with songs like High Mas, Man With The Hammer and Dust In Your Face. With the awesome Charlie's Roots band supporting him, Rudder displayed the kind of stage presence which has made him the Caribbean musical superstar he is.
Jamaica Carnival had to provide 10 additional acres of parking space than in previous years. Kingston's party-goers rolled into town in their finest automobiles. Ocho Rios was like the entertainment magnet for the weekend and those who journeyed to the town were not dissatisfied.
Newcomer TC took control of the night. She was undoubtedly the choice artiste, winning full crowd support with her smash hit, Who The Hell Is Kim. She was one of two females on the package, the other being Senelle Dempster who stamped her authority with her river song.
Favourites Machel Montano and Xtatik did well and were bubbling with energy. That group of young men has a way of capturing the imagination and had Chukka Cove soft on Sunday night. Leon Coldero made a bold statement as a solo act. He continues to grow in popularity, especially among the women.
Byron Lee and the Dragonaires showed that they rule the Jamaican soca scene. New lead singer Jumo is doing extremely well. He adds zest to the group and works really well with the more established Oscar B and Audra.
Byron Lee was a happy man when he spoke to The Gleaner after the event. He was overjoyed that this Carnival season had got off to such a great start.
"After 12 years Carnival truly belongs to the Jamaican people. What is important is that the young audience has realised that Carnival is here for them to enjoy. They are not caught up with distinctions in culture. We have spread the music and people have accepted it. Carnival will continue long after I have gone," he told The Gleaner.
