Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Children in performance at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Children's Jonkunnu and Mento Band competition at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre on Saturday, December 9. - photos by Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's (JCDC) Children's Jonkunnu and School's Mento Band competition got off to a late start last Saturday at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre on Hope Road.

Combined with the sweltering heat, the almost two hour late start made more than a few guests uncomfortable, yet they stayed to watch the talented young jonkunnu performers.

It was a whole-day event and parents and students came out to support the contestants.

Traditionally, performed at Christmas, Jonkunnu bands feature characters such as 'Belly Woman', 'Sailor', 'Policeman' and more, disguising their identity from onlookers.

The competition, which started in 2002, is intended to introduce children to the traditional folk form.

The competition got under way with individuals from the different classes (based on age groups) showcasing costumes for the judges and audience.

Many costumes were eye catching, with intricate designs and performers dance cheerfully to the mento accompaniment. While some performances were energetic and fun filled, others were lacklustre.

In Class One (ages 3-6) the 'Set Girls' came out first strutting on the stage looking adorable.

Energetic debut

After Class One contestants paraded on stage the West St Andrew Jonkunnu Band made an energetic debut, showing the audience how the dance was to be done. Holy Spirit Basic won the best 'Jack in the Green', 'Police Man', 'House Boat', 'Sailor' and 'Wild Indian', while Little Angels School won best 'Pitchy Patchy', 'Devil', and 'Belly Woman'.

Little Angels had the largest supporting crowd, which enthusiastically cheered on their little cham-pions. Liberty Learning Centre won best 'Cow Head', Zion Hill Primary won best 'Set Girl' and St. Theresa's Preparatory won best 'Bride and Groom'.

During the performances a merry 'Santa Claus' took pictures with the children.

Up next was Class Two (ages 7-9), for Set Girls third place was Zion Hill Primary, second place was Liberty Learning Centre and first place went to Little Angels. Little Angels dominated Class Two, they also nabbed best 'House Boat', second place in best 'Jack in the Green', best 'Madame', best 'Wild Indian' best 'Cow Head' and best 'Sailor'. Liberty Learning Centre won best 'Pitchy Patchy'.

After a performance from the Clarendon Burru Band, Class Three (ages 7-11) performances followed and Ocho Rios Primary won for 'House Boat', 'Devil', 'Jack in the Green' and 'Cow Head'. Little Angels came second for 'Belly Woman' and won for the best Policeman. Exced Learning Centre won for best 'Belly Woman' and 'Devil' and Middleton Primary won best 'Horse Head'.