Carnival Jamaican Style

           Last weekend the UWI Campus came alive for UWI Carnival 2K11. The theme this year was  "Birds of A Feather". It was celebrated over a 4 day period  started with Carnival Integration, followed by J'ouvert, the annual Road March on Ring Road and culminating on Sunday with the beach party at Sugarman's Beach in Portmore.It was quite interesting to observe Carnival outside the Eastern Caribbean where its at home such as Carnival in Trinidad, Crop Over in Barbados and Vincy Mas in St. Vincent.
          The Jamaican version was a whole different experience. The first major difference is the downplay of Soca. The music tends to be a blend with more Hip-Hop, Dance Hall and Pop played over Soca. While this adds a Jamaican flair to the party it tends to make the experience not as authentic as those in the Eastern Caribbean . J'ouvert which was an overcrowded party delivered as a water and paint fete but was unable to deliver on the promise morning jump up on the road. However there was a lack of elements such as the red and blue devils as well as the social commentary which is evident in other carnivals. The Road March (better know to those from the Eastern Caribbean as the "Jump Up") was a great experience. The "Alumni Attack" Band which I jumped with delivered a most memorable experience with a Trinidadian DJ who delivered the best Soca experience I have had in Jamaica. Coupled with a few drinks and the beautiful ladies from Cluster 8 of Rex Nettleford Hall, it was a great experience. The Beach Party was a good experience as it was held in a beautiful spot in Portmore. However there are some logistical issues that need to be re-worked so as to deliver a holistic party experience.
    The weekend turned out to be a memorable one and one that has left good experiences of Carnival on UWI in my mind to reflect on for years to come. I look forward to next year's which should be even bigger and better!

Check out my video from Road March 2K11: UWI Carnival Road March 2K11