Jamaica Carnival: Beach Jouvert Review

Beach Jouvert
April 19, 2014
James Bond Beach
JMD$5500

I really did not enjoy Beach Jouvert 2013, but this year I felt it had redeemed itself with Bunji and Fay Ann as its headline act.  If you've been to Beach Jouvert several times, it is clear that the promoters use the same model every year- James Bond Beach, drinks inclusive, paint, and a performance; even the venue is set up the same.  And of course it wouldn't be a Beach Jouvert without the standard wining competition. Even with these elements, there's something about paint, soca, and the beach that lend to an awesome party.

It did take some time for the vibes to pick up, but once the paint was distributed there was a full on party.  Nuphoric from Trinidad and Richie RAS did not disappoint and had the crowd wining to all of the latest and some throwback hits.  Now you all know how I feel about Bambino, so I'm not going down that road again.  I'm just going to say that maybe one year the gods will be good to us and Bambino will lose his voice....

After the mess that was Shurlame Shurwayne last year, Bacchanal was smart to book Bunji and Fay Ann and the Asylum Vikings.  In Trinidad I was really disappointed with their performance which was very boring.  I assumed it was just at that particular fete and reserved judgment until I saw them at other events.  However, they didn't show up to the 3 events I attended where they had been scheduled to perform, so I was glad to see them in Jamaica.  The performance was good with Bunji and Fay Ann belting out tune after tune.  The most memorable aspect was seeing the entire crowd clapping and singing Carnival Tabanca.  Another aspect was Fay Ann telling the general section to move the barriers to the VIP. I really couldn't help thinking "that good fuh bacchanal" because there's absolutely no need for a VIP section at Beach Jouvert or at any Jouvert party in fact.



Photo credit: Bacchanal Jamaica's facebook page

At $5500 for drinks only, this party was overpriced, but it continues to attract patrons because the formula works...but hey, you can't go wrong with thousands of drunk people on a beach wining to good soca....

Ready to Advantage it???

There have been so many requests for Machel Montano by soca lovers here in Ja but Bacchanal responded that he was booked and could not accommodate Jamaica in his schedule....Yeah right because All Island Carnival has successfully booked Mr HD for their J'ouvert on April 29th. Who say Machel? So April 29th is going to be crazy with 3 J'ouvert events being advertised- Bacchanal's J'ouvert with Bunji, Faye Ann and the Asylum band; Joker's Wild and Island Mas' J'ouvert with no performers; and All Island with Machel.

It's obvious that Machel being a Bmobile spokesperson may not be able to perform with Bacchanal, a Digicel sponsored entity although 2 years ago, Machel did perform at Beach J'ouvert so probably at that time there was some break in the contract. But I don't think that Bacchanal is going to lose patrons to All Island. The Lime sponsored event has a non uptown following particularly the Byron Lee following who always come out in large numbers. But I'm impressed with the reasonably priced tickets. And I love the promo video; click here to see it....

Carnival this Weekend in Jamaica!

So folks the weekend is finally here with lots of events to choose from to get your Carnival fix. I heard that the Frenchmen's Blocko (not to be confused with the Bacchanal Jamaica Blocko) that was held last night was a success. The party had a good vibe and it was well worth the JA$2000. Later tonight, Shurwayne Winchester and Y.O.U. along with Imij and Company will be at The Bacchanal J'ouvert at mas camp. The paint will be distributed at mas camp before they go on the road in New Kingston. Some persons are opting to meet the band on the road without going to the show which is fun too. Bacchanal will also be providing water trucks for people to wash off the paint before they get home because of the water restrictions. I know that paint is necessary for J'ouvert but unlike the paint used in Trinidad, this paint is very difficult to wash off because I think it's not mixed properly. Considering the critical water situation, using valuable water to wash off J'ouvert paint seems selfish. Most importantly, I urge everyone to be careful on the road...there's usually very little security and it becomes a free for all kind of thing.

Apparently Joker's Wild J'ouvert has been cancelled and I don't why the people acting as if it was never on. It's a good thing I saw the flyer with my own eyes. But I am not surprised: how did they expect people to pay all that money to see no one perform?? Best of luck next year!

Tomorrow Island Mas will be hosting their WATA party, another sore issue with me. Firstly, there should be no water parties during this period even though they will be getting the water trucked from outside of Kingston. Guess what...it's still water being wasted...I don't care if the water coming from the moon...the fact is that there are people who have not received water since December and that water can be used by someone who actually needs it for their survival. In a later press release, Island mas claimed that they will abandon the water truck idea and it will now be a foam party because this needs less water....it's still a waste of water!

You can also do Bazodee on Saturday which is all inclusive and expensive but if you can afford it...I fully endorse this fete. They are even offering a Trip for 2 to Crop Over as the gate prize (keeping fingers crossed!). I collected by reserved tickets yesterday at the Pure Country Building on Deanery Rd. so I'm not sure how people will get tickets tomorrow. Will let you know how this one goes...

The road march is on Sunday from about 10am to 4:30pm but if you didn't get a costume, you can check out the Socamaloo Soca Road March Watch Party (the name real long boy). It will be held at the Keycard Beach Village on Trafalgar Rd. from 10am until 10pm complete with the whole beach vibes which include sand and Hellshire fish and lobster on sale. I get the feeling that this fete will attract a lot of persons because of its location.

Just a follow up to the last post: I still didn't get my complimentary bottle of Pure Country Orange Juice! Doh worry, there's still tomorrow!