The King and Queen of the Bands competition delivered an unforgettable showcase of artistic costumes as masqueraders took to the stage in a dazzling display of colour, craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.
Held at the Sab on Monday evening, the event once again proved why it remains one of the most anticipated spectacles of Lucian Carnival.
Commanding the spotlight this year was Tribe of Twel, whose entries captivated both the audience and judges alike with their elaborate, awe-inspiring designs. In the Queen of the Bands segment, Tribe of Twel’s presentation of Madame Vaval earned a commanding 431 points, securing the top prize of $18 000. Another of the band’s entries, La Wen La Woz, also left an impression, claiming the $15 000 second place with 411 points.
In the Kings category, Tribe of Twel further cemented its dominance with the powerful Unto Us a Child Was Born, which earned a staggering 453 points, the highest of the night. The entry stunned the crowd with its commanding presence and symbolic depth, walking away with the $18 000 grand prize. Tribe of Twel rounded out its presence with the unplaced Edwad, Wah Nagwit, adding yet another layer to their storytelling.
Another notable band was Xuvo Carnival Band, which also put on a strong showing with three entries. The band took third place in the Queen’s segment with Angel of Twilight with 409 points, earning $10,000. They delivered multiple standout performances in the King’s band, including the haunting Ghost of Mas Passed, Spirit of Mas Future, which secured second place with 409 points and $15 000, and Anti-Angel of Rebellion, which came in fourth with 398 points and received $5 000.
Xpressions with Papa Djab Toes came in third place with 408 points, only one point less than Xuvo’s Ghost of Mas Passed, Spirit of Mas Future. The band was awarded $10 000 for this entry.
Other entries in the queen’s segment included Fuzion Mas’ Zariah, which came in 4th place and $5 000, Royalites Extreme’s regal Queen of South Africa, Xpressions’ Wimen Pou Dolaw and CanBoulay, Island Tribe’s Meta, and Phoenix with the evocative A Piece of Me and Fuzion Mas, whose Zariah landed them in fourth place.
The rest of the Kings category: Island Tribe introduced The Cyborg, blending traditional mas with futuristic flair. Xpressions showcased additional pieces, such as Papa Bois and the tongue-in-cheek Pay Banan on Donkey Cart, while Royalites Extreme brought forward the fierce and imposing King Kongo Lo.
Each participant brought forward not just a costume, but a narrative, some rooted in history and culture and others in fantasy.
Tribe of Twel was extremely creative in their design and truly deserving of the prizes. In addition, for those of us who like classy – Tribe of Twel is the band for sure.