Tribe c2k9 - Shake your tail feather ladies!

I am not a 'Triber' as some people who identify with the super Trinidadian Carnival band, Tribe, call themselves. But I became one in spirit last night, when I attended their private media and band launch at Pier 1, Trinidad, as they revealed their c2k9 presentation 'Birds of a Feather.'

One word: FIERCE! Lets say it again, folks: F-I-E-R-C-E!!! As was expected, the Tribe designers made all the plume distributors and merchants very happy people with bulging wallets, as the costumes fluttered and flounced with a multiplicity of feathers, just as the very birds who inspired the designs.

One costume out of the lot stood out to me - that fantastic pink feathered creation called 'The Caged Canary'. Look out for it amongst my favourites above. Fierceness, indeed people; that pink is going to be absolutely radiant under the Carnival Monday & Tuesday sun, like a perpetual blush!

Now, I'm not one for flights of fancy in my posts - pardon the semi pun - but if you'd like a more detailed, albeit subjective view of the launch, check out Saucy Trini's blog for the scoop. I will tell you this, however, the launch displayed exactly why 'Tribers' gladly give up the lion's share of, or their entire salary in some instances to play with the band - the Tribe team has a finesse about how they do what they do.

Let me elaborate a bit: as patrons entered the grounds that was transformed to resemble an aviary of sorts, there was either an actual parrot or a recording that cackled "Welcome to Tribe! Welcome to Tribe!" There were various exotic birds in cages amongst the foliage, peeking out at patrons, and the decor was all about keeping that 'winged' vibe alive.

Indeed, I have to agree with the dynamic duo - Blaze & Jason of Red 96.7fm - hosts of the media launch, when they observed that a few of Trinidad's most beloved and revered birds were missing from the Tribe band launch.

Where was the 'Yard Fowl'?! And what about the Wet, Game or Frizzle Fowl, the Duck, the Pigeon, the Parrot, the Egret, and the Corbeaux, or as we tend to say 'De Cobo'?! It's almost as if the Tribe folks are indicating that the 'Birds of a Feather' are only a select set, and not the usual fare that hangs around POS. Hmmm... Something to think about, people?

Anyways, I'll be posting a more detailed review with some choice pics across on My Caribbean Gateway , so look out for that. In the meantime, check out the pics and links, and enjoy!

L.M.N. Harris

N.b Photos courtesy Trinidad Carnival Diary