The build-up to the eruption featured a lava flow with the rumblings of the drums. The same rhythmic beats punctuated the delivery of the spoken word, a cultural dance and drama.
The flute’s high shrieks were the call to the masquerades, who continue to corral the attention of patrons to the Grand Market.
King Craig showed his skill with calypso and soca. When he crooned out the timeless piece “You looking for horn”, there was a sense of increased seismic activity and several lava flows were snaking their way through the enraptured audience.
During his presentation, the audience was officially introduced to our national wear and another major cultural feature of St. Kitts and Nevis- the bull.
Queen Independent was introduced onstage after and her vocals, blended with the horns and the steel pan, sent plumes of smoke and ash into the air, signs of the imminent eruption.
Soca star Deli Ranks burst on to the stage and rumblings were more pronounced. His presence triggered increased activity in the volcanic cultural cone. By the time the masquerades joined him onstage and the tempo of the music increased there was an implosion as Kittitians and Nevisians converged around the stage.
Rucas HE, another soca star, took the stage and the energy of the presentation could only be described as magma bursting into the air. There was no denying the cultural eruption.
The two soca artistes then combined, and the eruption was in full force as the energy, vibes and infectious spirit of St. Kitts and Nevis culture spewed all over the Grand Market.
The power and magnitude of the eruption engulfed everything in its wake. This was evident as Claudette Peters joined the performers on stage for a brief “dance cameo.”
Calypso Craig returned to the stage in what appeared to be some respite for the heated audience with a soothing medley featuring God Bless our Country, Nevis nice and Viva St. Kitts.
However, just when the patrons thought the eruption was over, Rucas and Deli Ranks re-emerged and caused another massive eruption.
The energy, vibes and captivating powers of St. Kitts and Nevis’ country night performance was evident and as geologists say in the wake of an eruption, the Carifesta landscape was transformed.
St. Kitts and Nevis brought rags, flags and bags with souvenirs and other paraphernalia and four lucky patrons won tickets to the National Carnival, Nevis Culturama, and St. Kitts Music Festival.
The contingent left an indelible mark on the regional super-stage with a well-organized production.
