After getting “Erotica” for the West Indian-American Day Carnival Parade last year, the Brooklyn-based Carnival Royal, formerly Antoine International, is making “A Visit To…” for Labor Day 2024.
By portraying “A Visit To…,” “you get a different flavor of every place you visit; you get a different experience,” Band leader and producer Trinidadian Kenneth Antoine told Caribbean Life at the mas camp at 245 East, 34th St., between Snyder and Church avenues, in Brooklyn, on Wednesday.
“Instead of going to Canada and other places, you get it right here,” he added.
A
s she assisted models in portraying costumes exclusively for Caribbean Life, assistant band leader Michelle Russell, also a Trinidadian native, chimed in.
“They are having carnival all over the place, so we want to give you a visit right here in Brooklyn – in one place,” she said.
Antoine, who has been producing mas in New York for over 25 years, said “A Visit To…” will portray six sections, of at least 25 masqueraders in each. They are: India, Africa, Trinidad, Argentina, Canada and Brazil.
“I hope to win,” said Antoine, expressing strong confidence in his perennial production.
Last year, he said the same thing: “They can’t beat me. We’ll be ready for Labor Day. We have a crew working on the costumes.”
Nyla Walbrook, who will portray “Canada” for this year’s Labor Day Carnival, said she was feeling “great.”
“An experience like no other!” she exclaimed about playing with Antoine for the second consecutive year. “We could expect the vibes, liveliness and the culture.”
Sisters Jada Elcock, and Jelan Weekes, Brooklyn residents, who were born in Orlando, Fl. to a St. Lucian mother, said they look forward to having a good time on Eastern Parkway.
“A lot of energy and good vibes,” said Jada, who will also play with Antoine for the second consecutive year, portraying “Argentina” this year.
Jelan, who will be representing Antoine for the third successive year, said the sisters also work with the band as section leaders.
“We look forward to the creativity and positivity,” said Jelan, who will portray “Trinidad.”
Antoine said masqueraders will sway and gyrate to the sweet soca rhythm of Syncopate Sounds.
Antoine can be reached at (347) 303-7857 and Russell at (347) 666-5829.
