FANTASY BARBADOS recently launched their Crop Over 2012 premium band, Warriors of Africa, in the Walcott Warner Theatre at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination, UWI, Cave Hill.
The band, led by Amanda Reifer, is in its second year and contains four sections, all of which pay homage to the African continent and some of its indigenous inhabitants. They are The Mandingo Warriors of Africa; Amazon; Zulu Warriors, which contains two female sections, and last but not least; The Maasai People, which also contains two female designs.
With all lights spotted on the runway, well sculpted men and women walked down the catwalk displaying the vibrant colours and designs of each of the costumes. Camille McDonald of America’s Next Top Model (ANTM) Cycle 2 fame displayed the last costume in the Maasai section, which seemed to have the flare, attitude and arrogance that McDonald has come to be known for after her famous idiosyncratic walk and attitude while on the ANTM. But they all worked out fine on the night.
Moreover, Reifer believes that the Crop Over experience goes beyond the few hours of jumping because there is so much more that can be exploited from the festival for all parties involved.
She declared: “We view our band as ambassadors in trying to get more people to come to Barbados for mass. I mean 10 000 people on the road, to me, is only a drop in the bucket of what we can do. The potential is great!” she said.
“We have a lot of attractive things . . . but it has to be the right package; that’s what the people are looking for.”
With that said, Reifer promises this year will be even better than the last, as Fantasy has many things in store for those who choose to jump through the streets with them.
She says: “I guarantee you that there will be something new on the road for Fantasy this year; something that has never been done anywhere in the region for carnival.”
The band launch did not only see the costumes being revealed, but those present, including principal of UWI’s Cave Hill campus, Sir Hilary Beckles were entertained by dancers and poet, Carolyn Brathwaite, who’s piece lauded the new black woman.
The band was launched in a partnership with UWI, as the educational facility plans to commence a master’s degree programme in African studies from next year. As a result, Professor Frederick Ochieng’-Odhiambo spoke about the programme encouraging those present to not only jump in the African-themed band but also get to know more the about the continent’s rich culture. (DP)
