Trinidad: Red City Downtown Carnival launch marks huge success

Tuesday, 23rd January 2024

Trinidad and Tobago: The launch of the much-anticipated Red City Downtown Carnival at Woodford Square, Port of Spain, was a massive success. Thousands and hundreds of individuals got together to enjoy the spectacular event. The event observed an amazing showcase of Soca by the D All Starz Band featuring College Boy Jesse, Viking Ding Dong, and Mical Teja. Their collaboration of hit songs like DNA (Mical Teja), Head Gone (Viking Ding Dong), and Pump (College Boy Jesse) had everyone on their feet. [caption id="attachment_66848" align="alignnone" width="2048"]

Huge turnout at the Red City Downtown Carnival launch (PC - Facebook)[/caption] Wadicks's surprise performance and his big hit for the season, Beat Rum Bad, were crowd favourites. In addition to this, kaiso performances by Andre Nelson with his song 'Trinidad is Home', and Bethany "Trinity" Lightbourne with her hit 'Rhythm', added to the vibrant atmosphere. The beautiful performance by the Phoenix Steel Orchestra was a testament to the rich musical heritage of our city. The event was expertly hosted by John Benoit, presenter and Deputy Marketing Manager at I95.5 FM. The highlight of the evening was the Downtown Cultural Legacy Awards ceremony, where the Downtown Carnival Committee honoured outstanding citizens who have contributed to our city's cultural legacy. This year's recipients included the following:

Renowned musical genius, producer, and arranger Leston Paul, with Sherisse Collymore collecting on his behalf
The former Culture Minister and a champion of the Arts and Community Development, Joan Yuille-Williams
former and longest-serving Mayor of Port-of-Spain, Murchison Brown
Invaders Steel Orchestra, the oldest existing steelband in the world
Crystal Benthum, Financial Officer of Invaders Steel Orchestra, collected the award on behalf of the band

The event was opened by Alderman Chinua Alleyne, Mayor of Port-of-Spain, and the Port-of-Spain Corporation Downtown Carnival Committee Chairman, Councillor Jenneil Frederick, with the Downtown Cultural Legacy Awards presentation hosted by Deputy Mayor, Councillor Abena Hartley. Moreover, as the country gears up for the 2024 Carnival, the organisers reminded everyone to celebrate responsibly and make the 2024 Carnival a safe and memorable one.