Batabano Carnival – Sweeping De Swanky Way

Posted on 18. May, 2011 by admin in Arts and Culture

Island Vibes Magazine was invited to cover this year’s Batabano Carnival by Cayman’s own Swanky International Mas Band. Swanky started its liming from the week prior to Batabano by attending Wet Fete @ the Grand Caymanian. The fete was a tantalizing precursor filled with firehouses, hot swimsuit clad bodies and plenty of ridiculous wet fun. My only criticism was with the music. I heard a ton of reggae but with carnival season in the air I expected to hear more new soca tunes.

Fast forward to Cinco de Mayo and when all of the real Swanky Batabano action started… Swanky revelers boarded the Valhalla from Downtown Grand Cayman to cruise, booze and lime to the sounds of DJ Eternal Vibes. From the boat the Swanky massive headed over to watch, my girl, Destra Garcia in concert at Margaritaville. As usual, Destra’s show was pure ‘Bacchanal’. After jumping with Destra, Swanky descended upon Elements for the after party. All I can remember thinking was… “This Swanky crew is nothing but pure energy”.

On the Friday night before Carnival was “One the Concert” featuring Kes The Band and Skinny Fabulous. The MC for the night was Giselle D’ Wassi One with DJ Eternal Vibes spinning and keeping the crowd hyped. The concert was nothing short of electric. Both artists put on good performances; however Kes had the crowd rocking with songs like “Ah Ting”, “Addicted”, “Come Gyal”, and their Groovy Soca Monarch winning tune “Wotless”. Band front-man Kees Dieffenthaller had the ladies going wild. All I kept hearing throughout the night was “Oh my God… he is so sexy”. Props go out to Over the Top Entertainment and promoter Craig Frederick (DJ Festa) for bringing Kes back to Cayman after what I believe was a six year hiatus.

When Carnival Saturday came everybody was ready for the road. Swanky was in full effect for the street parade and joined by none other than “Mr. Advantage” himself, Machel Montano. Machel joined Swanky as it swept the Batabano voting; winning awards for Band of the Year, Best Individual, and Spirit of Batabano.

Following are the extended Batabano results:

2011 Batabano Band Of The Year
1^st – Swanky International “Wild Wild West, Cowboy and Indians”
2^nd – LIME
3^rd – Reba Dilbert “Colours of Carnival”

Spirit of Batabano – Swanky International “Wild Wild West”
Best Individual – Swanky International “Geronimo”
Best Small Band – Chicken Run “Fowl”

The Cayman Batabano experience was incredible and IVM would like to thank Swanky International for hosting us in Grand Cayman. If you are looking to jump in Batabano next year, Swanky is you’re band. IVM is hooked and will be back for 2012!

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