Admiral gives Vincy Mas three stripes
âCongratulations to St.Vincent and the Grenadinesâ.
What are we being congratulated about?
A fantastic Carnival production, Kevin Little and Soca Monarch and Road March King 2004 Orande âBomaniâ Charles, among many other persons and things associated with SVG. {{more}}
This recognition comes from Barbadian Anthony âAdmiral Nelsonâ Nelson.
Admiral Nelson, as he is widely known in Barbados, is a popular Disc Jockey, radio personality, television host and journalist who has been covering the various regional Carnivals since 1981. Part of his activities include covering the various carnivals that the region has to offer.
This year his activities brought him to SVG to cover Vincy Mas 2004. His coverage was aired on various radio stations and CBC TV 8 last Monday night, after which he returned to SVG to finish his undertaking.
SEARCHLIGHT caught up with the versatile entertainer at Carnival City Victoria Park last Tuesday during Mardi Gras, the last event for Vincy Mas.
âI put a lot of emphasis on Vincy Mas because itâs fantastic,â said Admiral Nelson who also stated that, in his opinion, Vincy Mas is bringing back the reality of what carnival is all about.
âCarnival is the things that affect the community and are seen in rivalry and colour,â he said. Admiral Nelson also commended SVG for not being carried away by the Brazilian way of playing Carnival. In his own words, the Admiral thinks that Vincentian revellers are more than happy to bedeck themselves in full costume attire.
He also commended SVG on the standard of their steel band, saying that, in his opinion, steel band in SVG is on good footing. Covering Carnivals in St.Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad, St. Kitts and Antigua, Admiral was able to stress again that the presentation of Vincy Mas is very commendable and that a lot of people take part in the celebrations. However, he was of the opinion that the annual festival lacks the proper promotion and that it should be advertised more on a regional level.
Admiral Nelson also boasts of having one of the largest musical archives in the Caribbean. He has over EC$300,000 worth of music which includes over 8000 records, about 7000 albums and over 4500 CDs.
In his collection, one can find Kevin Lyttle and his âTurn me onâ, Pat Ralphâs âI got you whippedâ, Destraâs âBonny and Clydeâ and Machel Montanoâs âCrazinessâ among others. The latest hit from Bomani âWho am Iâ, according to Admiral Nelson is just as good as these songs, which he says are exceptional party songs.
âEvery time I hear âWho am Iâ I get goose bumps,â says Nelson.
Admiral Nelson says that in his opinion, the fact that Kevin Lyttleâs hit âTurn Me Onâ was first recorded in SVG, he should be allowed to record his other tunes here because SVG has shown the world that, âthey got the formula to produce good musicâ.
He also thinks that Kevin Lyttle should, âhave stuck with his Vincy connectionâ, therefore helping expose other local artistes.
He however acknowledges, âthose guys have made the Caribbean proudâ, as he reveals that he fully supports the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).