Crowning of Carnival’s Kings and Queens

Pre-judging of bands took place in the last two weeks, but if you follow carnival you will agree that the highlight of every band and the most intricate costumes to be designed are for the king and queen. They’re a hit in the road march, and the colourful and exotic creations compete in the Carnival King and Queen Competition. This year’s showdown was held on Saturday at the M.C.C. Grounds and featured more than twenty contestants in junior and senior categories. It was a display of energy, talent and vibrancy. Safiyyah Mohammad was there to bring you the highlights and the of course, the winners.

Safiyyah Mohammad, Reporting

The carnival king and queen competition 2010, which took place at the MCC grounds, was filled with color, shapes and of course stamina. The six Junior groups and 4 senior groups were ready to show off their leaders for the road march; their king and queens.

The competition began with the junior queens. Their themes ranged from Queen Cleopatra from Black Pearl to Queen Ashanti from Pickstock carnival band; from a diamond to a butterfly.

The junior king competition was second. The costumes they pulled were of various shapes and dimensions.  Jump Street posse kept it close to home by representing the Altun Ha. Sunshine Masqueraders represented the Lion Fish, King Flounder. A bumble Bee was also displayed by the Mahogany Masqueraders.

After the juniors were finished presenting their costumes, the crowd got a special treat with entertainment by Ernestine Carballo, Tanya Carter and Berne.

Then it was back to the competition and the senior queen took command of the stage. The first was Mother Nature’s Queen Belisa in her bright yellow and green representing the soul of the Belizean people.

She was followed by Mother Nature’s second Queen, Disturbia, dressed in dark colors to reflect her evil nature.

Up next was Eternity’s queen Amalia who was representing Banana Industry in Belize.

Then the Queen representing the Citrus Industry also from Eternity Mas Band.

Queen Beyonce was the next to take the stage. She represented Jump Street Posse.

In her angelic white costume Queen Magenta of Jam Jam took to the stage. Followed by Queen Alize of Jump street Posse. Then the second Jam Jam Queen Akasha.

When the queens had completed their reign of the stage, it was the kings turn. They were were just as pumped with energy and they drove the crowd wild.

After the fun was done, it was time for the results. The real rulers of the night were crowned. At the end of the night Sunshine Masqueraders took both King and Queen top position for the juniors. The senior Queen and King was dominated by Mother Nature’s Creation’s Queen Disturbia and King Tobo.

Before the night came to and end we got a quick word from the winners.

Safiyyah Muhammad

“How do you feel about this win tonight?”

Vernissa Flowers, 1st Place Jr. Queen Ashanti, Pickstock Carnival Band

“I feel great!”

Safiyyah Muhammad

“How do you feel about this win tonight?”

Shanina Merrit, 1st Place Sr. Queen Disturbia, Mother Nature

“Very, very good and excited. I’m so glad. This is my first year as queen and I really enjoyed it.”

Safiyyah Muhammad

“How do you feel about this win tonight?”

Leroy Greene, 1st Place Sr. King Tobo, Mother Nature

“I feel very excited considering that this year I said I wouldn’t dance again but I was challenged several times and I decided that ok I will go for it again. I feel very excited and I feel verified.”

Leroy Nunez, 1st Place Jr. King Flounder, Sunshine Masqueraders

“Well, I mi done come out with the mentality to win so I jus hype myself.”

If there is one thing that we learned Saturday night, it’s that these groups are ready for the road march and all want to take the top spots. We won’t know until Saturday 11th September which band will be the winners for 2010. Reporting for News Five, I am Safiyyah Muhammad.

In a note to viewers, don’t forget that this week’s Duets show will move to Wednesday night. Same time, same place when group B performers will take the stage in another round of competition. See you at the Bliss tomorrow night.