NEW YORK – As the twin-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago begins its warm-up for Carnival 2008 in less than two months, BET J whets viewers appetites with another opportunity to see this year’s production of the world famous festival.
In response to popular demand after two successful showings of its 30 minute special in October and November, BET J will repeat the segment showcasing “the greatest show on earth” on both Saturday, December 15 and on Saturday, December 29 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET/ PT.
Trinidadian nationals in New York City, including Yolanda Lezama-Clark, president of the West Indian American Day Carnival Association – organizers of the 40-year Carnival in New York City – have high praise for the network’s production.
“This segment was a great way of providing a sense of home away from home, ” she said. “The show gave a great opportunity for us Trinbagonians across the globe to connect with our homeland in a real and exciting way,” Lezama-Clark added.
Steel band enthusiasts were particularly pleased with the segment which showed the rudiments of making and tuning the steel pan – the only musical instrument invented in the 20th Century.
Ralph Ramsey is one of the pre-eminent steel pan show producers in New York City. He described the steel band segment as “inspiring,” adding “the images of the steel band reminded people in the Diaspora and at home that the potential of this instrument is limitless,” he said. “BET J should be commended for putting the spotlight on steel pan and opening up the fraternity to a world view.”
Raymond Luke, president of Sesame Flyers International, proud winners of the “Band of the Year” title in New York’s Carnival for the past nine years, urged his fellow nationals not to miss the next showing of the special. “The masquerade segment was breathtaking, but the entire 30-minute special is well worth viewing,” he said. “It captures the true essence of Trinidad and Tobago’s culture and is something of which we all, as nationals, can feel very proud.”
Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Tourism commissioned the documentary which was produced in partnership with BET Digital Networks and the Tourism Development Company of Trinidad and Tobago. The show is hosted by American comedian and actor Chris Spencer and features fun segments on parties, costume and steel pan making, indigenous foods as well as the big street parade. The island’s natural beauty and vibrant energy were also captured.
“We have received very encouraging feedback from this Carnival special,” said Cybelle Brown, BET J’s Vice President of Sales and Business Development. “I am anticipating that there will be new viewer ship of this month’s airings now that people are already gearing up for an early edition of Carnival next year,” she said.
In 2008, the annual Carnival season will climax on Monday, February 4 and Tuesday, February 5, when thousands of costumed revelers take to the streets to “play mas.”
