Experiencing Real people doing positive things in their communities through Nature, Culture, Individualism, Events and Entertainment; all coming from the Caribbean Islands especially Dominica.
Three nights of pulsating riddims and rythms featuring powerful artists like Romain Virgo, Etana, Asa Bantan, and even the well know legendary Buju Banton! Yes guys! Buju Banton made it to the Dominica World Creole Music Festival stage! This is they hypest time in the Caribbean by a large margin where you have individuals from all across the world descending on Dominica as it brings music and great melody to the WCMF brand. In this article, we actually have all three nights and give you a full scope as to what it is like at the Creole Music Festival guys so do enjoy but keep in mind... though you get to witness this through BrBpTV lens, nothing compares to being there in the flesh and in person. The experience is totally different.
Mr Alex Bruno, a political science major, gave a powerful speech in Houston in light of Dominica's 41 years of Independence. He stressed on the thought and asked the question, "what really does it mean to be dominican?" Not only just dominican, but a Dominican after 41 years of Independence? Are we living up to the standards and expectations of growth society of both in self awarenes and/or country? Are we falling by the wayside or building the way? Are we claiming defeat in the eyes of adversities or are we learning to build strength for a better tomorrow? What does it mean to be dominican in this world we all are living in, even amongst other nationalities? Do we stand out or have we stood down and been ashamed? These are the questions I believe every Dominican should ask themselves as we ponder on FORTY-ONE YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE. One question that I would like to ask though and that is are we truly independent as a people and a country after 41 years of Independence? What are your thoughts Mr Alex Bruno?
Dominica Asa Bantan came to Houston to do what he does best and that is to expand the reach of Bouyon music to the masses. Dominica is its originator and Asa is the vehicle that brings it every where he goes. Bouyon has got to be the hypest music in the Caribbean and even in the world and for Asa Bantan to be the Ambassador, which better person is there at present? The Bouyon boss he is known to be and if you scroll down just a little, you will understand why he has this title. This has got to be the hypest most craziest parties that we got to be a part of and we are sharing it with you as well. So do enjoy
I am sure we all love to see the displays and the dances and the rythms of different cultures across the world. None of which, in my opinion, compares to the love and untouched respect that the Dominican people have for their culture. The way they move and act, it is almost impossible to miss a beat. In every way, shape, age, size, color and yes... rhythm, Dominica takes the cake for culture in the Caribbean. Dominica is one of the best places to witness this why? well... unlike other islands, Dominica dedicated a whole month of competition between themselves to bring forth the best of the best on this Cultural Gala Stage. So yes, Dominica takes it but you don't have to take my word for it, see for yourself below.
Dominica's Independence is hands down one of the best times to be in the Nature Isle of the Caribbean. Why? because leading up to this prestigious event is a whole month of pulsating culture and rhythm that showcases the best of the best of what makes Dominica, Dominica. The Independence marks a finale to this and to visitors both from Dominica and/or abroad, it cements what it truly means to be Dominican. Though we are still very much on the road to recovery, it does not stop us from shining and shining as brightly as possible with what we have been given. Dominica to the World!!! Happy Independence Dominica.
Wonderful! Is the word that comes to mind when I think of the World Creole Music Festival 2018 and this is as a result of a job well done! Considering Dominica, the country the festival is held, faced a category 5 hurricane that almost wiped out the island just over a year ago! Facing the destruction of over 95% of the island and a year later, the event which was cancelled in 2017 was a success this year. Thousands upon thousands of persons swarmed into the Windsor Park Stadium for 3 nights of pulsating music, riddim, culture, food and of course entertainment across the board.
We BrBpTV, were present for all 3 nights but in this article we bring to you Night 3. Performing on the line up of this episode was Dominica very own Michele Henderson, and Carlyn XP; Chronixx out of Jamaica; Kes the Band out of Trinidad and Tobago and Sweet Micky out of Haiti. These powerful artists brought nothing but artistry to the stage with a little bit of controversy from Sweet Micky. That itself was something... unique... to say it nicely on the WCMF Stage on Sunday. Surely, everyone gathered had a great time and for those who made it for all 3 nights, we know that they had a blast but you don't have to take our word for it, we went out to find out what persons during the night 3 session had to say and they definitely had words to share.
The inventors(previous regime) and forecasters of this event, definitely saw the vision that this event would be long lasting and on its 20th year it has been blossoming. We can't wait to see what next year has to offer and wish you too, will be there as well. If there is one thing that this event has taught us is that come hurricane or no hurricane, Dominicans are strong and determined people and we, no matter the struggle(internal or externally), will continue to rise! Do enjoy Night number 3 of the Dominica World Creole Music Festival 2018.
One thing there is to know about Dominica is that any time you visit, there is always something to do in the Nature Isle of the Caribbean. Whether it be going hiking through the valley of Desolation and unto the second largest boiling lake in the world or going to the river, beach or the the sulphur springs to relax, you will have fun. But one thing Dominica is known for is for the phenomenal events that it holds and this is what brings us here today. Jazz and Creole 2018 is one of the events that brings persons from all over the island, and globe by extension, for an unforgettable experience... yet can you believe that this event almost did not take place?!!!
Surely, I'm certain that most of you guys could have possibly heard of one of the world strongest hurricanes passing through the Nature Isle, leaving it in utter dismay on September the 18th 2017. This is why one of the greatest events to be held in Dominica was cancelled; the World Creole Music Festival and it almost spilled over to this year's Jazz and Creole, 7 months after. When April came around, all hopes of having Jazz n Creole was at an all time zero... but as fate would have it, in the early days of May, hope and share will brought the organizers together and pushed through the obstacles for the event to be held on May the 20th. What may have seemed to be somewhat of a dead letter was brought back to life and in fabulous fashion as well! With the likes of Michele Henderson(Dominica), Kenny Mohammad(Diaspora), Xavier Strings(Trinidad), Extasy Band(Dominica) and much more, put on a great show so a round of applause goes out to all those who made it possible.
This event to us here at BrBpTV, and I'm sure to the many who were gathered at the Fort Shirley National Park here in Portsmouth, felt that this year was the best Jazz and Creole held so far! Despite mother nature's plight against us.... We still won! This event continues to bring persons from all ages and walks of life together and even if to just share in the Ambience of the atmosphere, it provides a safe haven for the love of music and people.
In Addition, there was also a Jazz n Creole 2018 Vlog done as well as an Jazz n Creole Aerial Dominica video leading up to the event so have a look.
The World Creole Music Festival, commonly known as 'Creole Fest' is one of Dominica's, and dare I say, one of the Caribbean's most prize festivals. This festival takes place during the Creole/Independence Season in Dominica and happens on the last weekend of October(Friday, Saturday and Sunday) just after yet another phenomenal event known as Creole in the Park. Creole in the Park(CITP) takes place in Dominica's Botanical Gardens; a wide enough area that can take thousands upon thousands of people. At one pointing time, there was even a census stating that over 100,000 people were at the Botanical Gardens for one of the years that Creole in the Park went on. So this is to show the magnitude of support that these types of events receive. Surely, WCMF is much grander in style and stature and takes place at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium.
Last year, the WCMF had to be cancelled due to the unforeseen disaster of Tropical Storm Erika which, and I kid you not, brought so much rain that it merged all the rivers of Dominica causing serious flooding on the island. Many persons lost their lives, families, properties and will to survive at that time. It was as if mother nature was punishing us for not paying her much attention but we rose up like the Phoenix from the waters and regained strength to continue. This year we are back and stronger than ever to deliver. In this Episode we showcased what took place on the last night of Creole Fest and on that night brought the likes of Breve Music out of Dominica, Akon, all the way from Africa, Gentleman, all the way from Germany, and many others to our shores. There were numerous artists of that night who did a phenomenal job but in this BrBpTV Episode we highlighted a few and this was why. Please have a look at Episode Above.
Year in... Year out... Some might say we are living in a cycle but I think I stand with everyone when I say that there comes a time, during each year, that our very hearts long for and look forward to. Whether it be the Christmas Season, Summer Time, New Year's, Emancipation Day, Carnival Season or any other, we definitely have our favorite. THIS IS EXACTLY WHY WE ARE HERE TODAY!!!!
Sometimes, we may plan for the time anticipated yet we fail to realize how quickly things could change, especially for those who would be coming home to their family and friends to unwind. Considering this trend of thought, I bring to you Dominica and the Creole/Independence Season of 2015. I speak for all Dominicans when I say that this has to be the best time of the year for everyone including non-Dominicans both on island and abroad. Thousands upon thousands of individuals descend unto the small tropical Island, during this time to bask in the phenomenal ambience of events and culture put in place for the Season. Creole in the Park, World Creole Music Festival, Glorious Creole Dance Competitions, Territorial Creole Activities e.g Creole in the North and countless more full up the month of October and climaxes unto November 3rd which is the Independence Day on the Island. Trust me when I tell you, this has got to be the greatest time on planet Earth(hehe... from my point of view of course)! Just for a bit of backup to what I am saying have a look at last year's World Creole Music Festival 2014 on BrBpTV. In as much as we would have loved to have these activities this year especially understanding that musical artists like Chronixx would have graced the stage, we cannot, unfortunately, change the outcome of yet another season known as the Hurricane Season. It was during this time that Tropical Storm Erika showed her ugly face and swept through the Island leaving it under some serious waters and destruction. There wasn't anyone with the foreknowledge to have known this was coming. Many lost their homes, many lost their possessions and many lost their lives. Indeed it was a sad day for Dominica but although we have been weakened, we have not been defeated.
To show Tropical Storm Erika how powerful Dominicans are, by the grace of God, a Relief Concert took place in the space of all the events that climaxed on Independence Day. And believe me when I say, this event showed that Dominicans can still come together in the midst of turmoil and show support to the fact that we shall rise again. There were a number of other Relief concerts taking place around the Caribbean to help raise funds for Dominica but this was Dominica's very own with artists like Cloud 5, David Rudder, Ambi & Ricky T, WCK, Asa Banton, Devine Songs and many more! Giving the Dominican people that feel of celebration that seemed lost! We shall rise!
World Creole Music Festival? What is that you may ask? For those who don't know let us get down into the nitty gritty of things. First of all the World Creole Music Festival falls pretty much in the best of the year. WHy is that? Simply because it's during the Creole Season of course and in my opinion(I'm sure many of you share the same sentiments), it is a time where Creole forms under the theme of unity. Unity being the ideal aspect of the Creole Season which by the way leads up to the Independence Season, another fantastic time of the year. You see? I told you it is the best time of the year. :) The mere fact that you are thinking about creole, you think of mixture and it is a time where everyone settles out their difference and comes together in unity to enjoy life and the freedom that comes with it. If you don't believe me ask anyone in Dominica. Yes, Dominica is where it is at during the month of October and of course persons from all over the globe flock towards Dominica during that time. Maybe now you get a picture of how important this event and time means to us. It's a celebration of true freedom, mixture, colors, food and of course music which brings us here today.
The World Creole Music Festival also known as WCMF, indeed has to be the highest form of entertainment in Dominica for the festival Season and in part the rest of the Caribbean. This is an event that runs for 3 days during the last weekend of October after the whole week event of the well known Creole in the Park. The creole of music, or should I say, the mixture in music brings to the Dominican shores various artists of Caribbean decent from the international, regional and local walks. This year celebrates the 17th WCMF 2013 and the theme said was the promotion of our Dominican local acts.. of course accompanied by the well known heads in music both from the international and regional spectrum. The Episode that you are about to see it nothing short but of wonder and excitement and persons coming together of different race, background, place, and language. You might think, "...but wait, how it is possible to have some many persons coming together and they don't share the same culture?" Well my friends, brothers and sisters, music is a universal language and spoken by the artists present it is clear to see that the gap amongst these variations, was no match and an easy bridge to gap. After all, Creole does mean mixture and in this mixture here at the first night of the World Creole Music Festival 2013, we find complete unity. But...:) Don't take my word for it. See for yourself.
“Let us not forget where we came from and who we really are in this world.” These are often the words spoken by persons who know the true value and meaning of culture; more specifically their own. It is what defines us amongst the billions upon billions of people the world has and the thousands upon thousands of cultural forms attributed by groups of individuals. Whether the differentiation comes from dancing, singing, dressing, speaking and so forth, there is a commonality that holds deep rooted meaning. The key here is being set a part from the rest of the world through similar customs and principles. Each and every one of us has a reason to be grateful and should be grateful for our history and the culture in which we were born and raised in. This begs the question, ‘How can one honestly move forward in this life without the knowledge of who they are and where they came from?’ Think about it. It is either you adopt another culture or you carry on your own. Take for examples children who are unfortunately been abandoned and left for foster homes and/or families. They often times adopt the culture of their new families but there is always something that seems to be missing and sometimes they feel like outcasts. If I am black and growing up in a white family, I will feel like an outcast no matter how well the family treats me because I don’t look like them.
There must be some commonality that will make me feel at home. Most, if not all, persons, when they reach to a certain age, their natural instincts indicate to them that they need to find out who they really are. When they find it, they find comfort when they finally meet with persons who are just like them. The same thing can be applied even yet on a much bigger scale. The dancing, the singing, the dressing always causes someone to feel at home when they can be associated to it with others who share common ground. Honestly speaking, I can’t imagine how a people or even an individual can be defined if they know not their culture and this goes to say how important the role of culture plays in each and every one of us. Please, if this is untrue, let me know.
The United States is filled with persons from all over the globe and this to me brings a lot of skills and potential to the nation. How do we define all the people? That’s easy… by their culture of course. You have Indians, Africans, Caribbean, Muslims, Mexicans, and the list goes on. Their dancing style, their dressing styles and language are clearly different from each other and for this cause we will be focusing on one of those cultures. One specific culture that brings us here today is that of the Caribbean culture. Not just the Caribbean Culture but that of the Creole Culture. Not just the Creole Culture but that of the outstanding beautiful and gorgeous nation called Dominica. Yes, the Dominican Creole Culture is what brings us here today. We are in New Jersey setting aside and displaying the Domincan Culture to the up and coming Dominican-American population. Being away from home has its advantages and it’s disadvantages and one of the disadvantages is being away from the Dominican Culture. Be not dismayed though Culture is who we are and therefore it needs to be displayed and reinforced amongst those overseas who relate to the Dominican culture, directly and indirectly. Creole is a part of what distinguishes its people from the rest of the other cultures and it brings a sense of truth and pride to its people. I remember being at Labour Day Parade in New York and this was pretty much the proudest moment of my life. To meet new Dominicans in a foreign land, with our flags held high as we mingled together and had fun amongst other countries? This, my friends, was absolutely brilliant. Love your culture and share in the moments that make you who you are as a people defined by your own true commonalities. Have a look at some of the highlights of how Culture had been displayed in New Jersey.
And surely we are back here once again for yet another year in the Caribbean where we get together for the Independence Celebration! History has it that all the Caribbean Islands had been colonized by European heads who surely had an interest in the Caribbean lands and what it could produce but after years passed and as the new era would have it, some of the islands sort out their independence and obtained it. Here today, one of these islands is celebrating its 34th year of Independence. This island is known for its beauty and mountainous ridges and is dubbed to be the Nature Isle of the Caribbean, which is better known as Dominica. Waiti Kubuli which stands for tall are her mountains, clearly gives the ideology of what kind of island we are talking about. Not to be mistaken with Dominican Republic, Dominica is an untouched island of Natural Beauty and it is said, if Christopher Columbus were to come back, he would quickly remember Dominica for its beauty and outstanding and untouched natural habitat.
Today is the 3rd of November, the date of Dominica's Independence and we are here standing at the Botanical Gardens which is in the Capital of Dominica, for the glorious celebration. For the entire month of October, a lot of festivities in traditions and customs took place for the Creole/ Independence Season and they were all in preparation for this beloved day when Dominica took on its own in the world as an independent nation. This kind of reminds me of a baby who then grows into a child, then to a teenager and then a young adult. It is within those years that this child grows up and understands the value of independence and seeks after it to make their own mark in this world. Well my friends, this is Dominica's 34th Independence Celebration and indeed she has come a long way. Carrying on its own traditions and customs as an independent nation, it is defined by its people. There have been many strides made and as a developing body, let us as Dominicans keep in mind that we are the ones who make and made Dominica what it is today.
We, Dominicans, celebrated the day with the National Day Parade which took place at the Windsor Park Stadium in the morning and now, brought to you by BrBpTV, we bring to you the Cultural Gala for the Independence Season. Surely, the best of the best will be shown here today in dances, songs, musical accompaniments, stories, food and you just name it, it will be there. As long as you think of Dominica and what Dominica's culture is, you will find it at the Cultural Gala. So let's take a look at what went down on November 3rd, in the evening, as we reflect and grow in unison as a people. For a people that is divided cannot stand but if we put our heads together, we will surely move together(literally and figuratively) to develop our land.
Creole surely brings out the best in all of us as we combine with each other to celebrate the Cultural Season. You will get to meet all sorts of persons, from all sorts and walks of life, coming together as a unit. Whether it be through music, through cuisines or through dance, Creole surely never lets up its responsibility. After all, Creole does mean mixture and this is why during the Cultural Season, here in Dominica, you will notice a lot of mixtures in traditions. A variety of different traditional dance styles, a variety of colour-coded traditional wears, especially for the women; different styles in music and many more, can be witnessed rather than just one form of these practices. Music of course, is why we are here today and for the Independence/Creole Season, we bring to you the one and only World Creole Music Festival.
This is and was the very first time that I went to an event like this in Dominica and my expectations of this event was completely blown away. After the Creole in the Park session which took place from Monday to Thursday, the World Creole Music Festival concert quickly followed through from Friday to Sunday. Yes! Seven days of festivities and the spotlight on Dominica is further heightened for the entire week which ended with the last three days of World Creole Music Festival 2012 concert. All eyes are on Dominica during this time because Dominica takes this festivities to a whole new level and can be considered as one of the greatest shows that is hosted and held in the Caribbean Region.
The second day of WCMF 2012 concert was bombarded with more musical geniuses who ranged in their own specific genres and professional skill set and surely brought magic to the stage when they performed.
On a personal note, one of my favorite acts in Caribbean music was also going to be on that stage that night so I knew that I had to be there! The night from beginning to end was filled with the aroma of true Creole and with persons coming from all over the globe to witness, in person, the wonder of the Dominican festivities, only screams one thing...GREATNESS!
Creole in the Park 2012 had a daily turn out of over 100,000 people who located at one central region known as the Botanical Gardens in Roseau, Dominica. The Capital was bombarded with people from all over the globe who were present to partake in the Independence Creole Festivities of Dominica here in October. What better place was there to be than at the Creole in the Park 2012? Think about it... and if you haven't reached to a conclusion by now, the answer of course is no-where. :P Yes, I am sure that this was what was running through most minds here in Dominica, seeing that Thursday was the last day of Creole in the Park 2012 Concert. Such a glorious event and I could only feel sorry for those overseas who had no choice but to miss this in person. I am truly sorry for you guys. :( I heard your cries on a daily basis, especially, for the last two days. Most, if not everyone in Dominica, was geared up for Thursday, and ensured that they made an effort to at least be counted for the last day, if they were not able make it for the three previous days.
I must say that Creole in the Park 2012 Concert really kick off in a dynamic fashion and has elevated to yet another level! The performances that were brought to the stage to close down the show, could only be seen as spectacular and this ignited even yet more taste for the next Creole in the Park 2013. I wish there was one more day seeing that the event was just phenomenal. The likes of, the best in my books, Bouyon artist and specialist, Mr. Asa Banton took the stage. The like of Ti-Orkest, an upcoming band also took to the stage and many others came and did give the creole massive a wonderful experience.
The performance feature of the last day here on BrBpTV, was none other than internationally renowned, Jamaican artist, Mr. Vegas! I know for a fact that everyone was waiting for that day when they heard that Mr. Vegas was one of those that had to perform on the Thursday festival.
He did, of course, bring out The Hiroshima of a great performance to the stage and the tens of thousands of people gathered for the event surely loved him yet even more. He had the crowd jumping, he had them singing, he had them thinking and he had them remembering the late and still great Whitney Houston, one of the greatest singers to have ever sang on planet earth! So, the event was indeed a success and of course, you don't have to take my word for it. Have a look for yourself. Be real Be positive.
Most assuredly, Lime is back and they have indeed done it again here at the Creole in the Park 2012 Concert. Today is Wednesday and we, BrBpTV, have finally made it to the park for 2012 on the third day. We reached late, due to priorities but we made it. This time around, Creole in the Park Concert - Wednesday, brought a wide variety of Caribbean artists to the stage. They all went hard on in this festivale because they knew that they were in the Isle of Sewo and they had to please their fans and the crowd by extension. We had musical performances by Tradibelle, Sub Urban, WCK- who we heard absolutely annihilated the crowd with their great performance, Tallpree all the way from Grenada who also did the same. Coming from hardly being known to being remember, TallPree did represent for all the Grenadians and half-Grenadians out there! ;) Kross Vybez and the artist featured here today, none other that Rodney Le Blanc better known as Benjai from the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago for this festival. We knew that we missed out big time from the feedback that we were getting and wished that we could have made it to bring to you all the performances here today but unfortunately, we were not able to do so. However, we will bring you the feature of the day and that is Benjai. He took to the stage on a different note and indeed had the people under an irie, spell-like, vibration tone and you could see that they did, in fact, appreciate the contribution that he brought on the C.I.T.P. stage. Keeping in tune with his soca routes, he brought that soca-regge feel to the Concert and blended with the people as they danced away to the tunes of his rhythms and unique melodies. I absolutely loved it and think that he should definitely be brought back to the Dominican stage once again.
The best part of the Creole in the Park 2012 Concert- Wednesday, to me, was the unity of artists that was brought to the festival's stage. When the Trinidadian Artist called up the Dominican Bouyon Specialist, Benji to come to the stage, the people went absolutely buck wild because they knew that two great heads who knew how to work the crowd, were on the stage together. Surely, they did know right because just when you thought it was all over, here comes Benjai and Benji with this glorious impromptu collaborations right there on stage. Of course, you will see that in the episode.
The people clearly did not want to go home at all and it was not too long before all the other artists joined up with them on stage and had the crowd going crazy. You had to be there for this to understand fully the fathom of this event. Great job by the organizers and surely Thursday will of course be no doubt another mash-up(success) as we say in our local term. Wow! They definitely did justice to the stage for CITP 2012 Concert Wednesday.
There is so much that can be said about the Creole Independence Season festivities, that I don't know where to start. All I can think about it colours, dancing, food and surely, the high level of beauty that the nature island possesses and has to offer. The people, in part, being particular with this understanding, waste no time in fully basking into the cultural aroma. In the month of October, we, Dominicans, celebrate our Independence Season. We don't take it lightly as everyone sees this as a joyous occasion to celebrate. Putting as all our petty differences as we come together as a nation undivided to celebrate who we are, Dominicans.
The Independence Season is introduced through the Creole environment which includes a lot of dances, food, socializing, more food, oh yeah... and more dancing of course. This is why we are here today! Coming to you all the way from the Old Mill Cultural Centre in Canefield, I bring to you the very first ever Quadrille Dance Competition held in the Nature Isle of the Caribbean. It is a competition that involves two sections; the kids section and the adults section. Unfortunately, we were not able to make it in time for the first part of the competition which was the kids section but from what we heard, they were absolutely stunning in their dances and we do want to congratulate them for the great effort and participation that they gave on the stage. We will most assuredly catch the best of the best displaying their culture at the Cultural Gala for sure.
Here, we bring to you the adults segment of the competition and I am still lost for words to have witnessed such high level of professionalism in dance styles that took place on stage that night. Dominicans do take their creole tradition very, very seriously and I can only imagine the heart, sweat and determination that took place behind closed doors at each and every dance groups' practice. This event cannot be taken lightly because although they are doing just one dance type (Quadrille), this dance can take up to 25-30 minutes, 20 minutes at minimum, depending on the way the dance style is executed. As tradition would have it, everyone must keep in tune to the beat and the steps while putting their own modern spins to it. Picture walking for 20 minutes, then picture walking for 20 minutes in heels... in circles at a time. You have got to show some love to our ladies for doing this. Great job and we say thank you. It is not an easier task on the guys either because they are responsible for leading the ladies and showing them that support that they need to push on so a definite shout out to the guys in this regard as well. I'm sure the guys don't mind though because to see these beautiful faces smiling at you while holding these gorgeous creatures in your arms, should make any sane man, a happy man. :)
We have created the episode and like I said each dance is at minimal 20 minutes and we had to create a 20 minute video. We did not make the video into a competitive one seeing that everyone deserved to win. Each group danced the same style but had variations in their executions of the dance and therefore we tried to point out the differences of each dance group to create a successful episode without repetition. So please do enjoy the first ever Quadrille Dance Competition Finals and a Happy Independence Greetings to all. Thanks!
We have heard of the modernization of cultural and many have the ideology that traditional values are being lost through this changes, but here today, we have that taking place but the traditional values are really unaffected and in fact being upheld. Today, we bring to you the Miss Femme Culturelle Pageant taking place in Portsmouth, Dominica at the Arbeedee Cinema.
Our traditional values help us remember where we came from and who we are as a unique set of people amongst the people of the world. The only difference taking place here tonight is the use of pageant to bring out these traditional values. Seven beautiful young ladies from the Portsmouth Secondary School, hit the stage in an all out competition to prove to each other and their spectators, how they maintain and promote their culture and are vying for this title, 'Miss Femme Culturelle'. They have, in no doubt, kept in line with our traditional values and, in fact, reminded us Dominicans of why these values are so important. So, I really do hope that we all take heed to what these young ladies have to showcase and say. Often times we tend to move away from our traditional practices due to the changing world's modernization of everything and although some of these changes are a movement towards the positive direction, some are not very good changes. For example, our local foods. We tend to put a blind eye or... stomach, in this case, to the good natural, local foods that we grow and are blessed with from the very heaven above. Dominica is filled with great produce of the earth yet we go for the junk foods brought about by the changing world. That is not good and as reminded by this pageant, learn to go back to our local food because it is healthier and much better to eat rather than the poison of junk food that
we CHOSE to put in our systems. Why do we do ourselves such harm? In my own thoughts of things, we as Dominicans have no right to be getting ill because God has given us the necessities of the Garden of Eden yet we go for the junk foods and wonder why we get sick. Take a listen to what these lovely ladies have to say on the matters of our Dominica Culture. Happy Independence to everyone both here in Dominica and abroad and remember we are what we make Dominica to be so let's work together and create positive changes in our lovely, untouched and beautiful Dominica.
There is therefore no condemnation to those who truly believe in Culture and have the Cultural Spirit. Culture is who we are and it defines us as a unique people. Those who do not respect their own culture ought to be ashamed and out of place because culture brings comfort, character and a place you can share home with. Culture is important to us, as Dominican people, and we represent and go hard everywhere we go. This is the Dominican culture being displayed from our home soil, Dominica, to the rest of the world for the Creole Independence Season. As a climax to the ending of the Creole season, the Nature Isle of the Caribbean brings forth an event called, 'Cultural Gala'. It brings light to what Dominica is and who its people are. Dominica Independence Celebration takes place on the 3rd of November, giving this prestigious island 33 years on its own as a developing and progressing nation. What better way is there to celebrate Dominica's Birthday than through what has made it what it is today, Culture. Culture is the way of life of the people and what you are about to see is the partaking of a unique culture to its fullest capacity. It's all about the people, the colors, dancing, singing and creole music! The preparation for this phenomenal celebration all started with a series of creole competitions with three semi-finals held all across the small but great Caribbean Isle. Those who won the competitions were the best of the best and they performed at the Cultural Gala with the traditional customs. The story-line, the people, their music, colors and their traditions are all part of this grand event and this is what makes Dominica, the Nature Isle of the Caribbean.
Children as young as two and three years of age took part in the sharing and the understanding of their culture, while at the same time gaining first hand experience of the event of the day and of the season. As you will also see the little kids, not only taking part, but are also feeling the cultural spirit and having fun. This of course, says a lot but one thing that is being said here is that traditions will surely be passed on and continued. There is no place like Dominica and its traditions are held sacred amongst its wonderful, friendly and talented people.
It is events like these that make culture even the more exciting than what it is already is. Creole in the Park is part of the Creole Season festival activities, which have been organized by LIME previously known as Cable and Wireless. For those who may not know of such a simple yet one of the greatest events to be held in the Caribbean, it is held in the one and only Nature Isle of the Caribbean called Dominica during the Creole Season. It is a full 4 day event that is held at the Botanical Gardens, in Roseau, where a full swing of Creole displays of meals, clothing, music and the creole language is spoken. In the afternoon at around 3:00-4:00pm, there is the celebration of music brought about by both the local and foreign artists, who then end the event at around 7:00pm. It is a time of celebration and fun where both family and friends get to share the joys of the festival season. Thousands upon ten thousands of people came from all over the world to the Nature Isle to share in the experience of this event that is deemed to be one of the biggest shows/events that is held within the entire Caribbean. The last two days were highlighted with Kes the Band from Trinidad (at the bottom) on Wednesday and Bounty Killer from Jamaica on Thursday. In the first segment, Bounty went on stage and put on a great show for the people, as most sang along with him and danced as they related to his lyrics and dynamic flow. He brought that reggae-dancehall feel to the stage and as the episode will show that he was also a favorite for the crowd gathered. Bounty gave the people what they wanted and brought down the curtains on the final day of Creole in the Park 2011 concert with energy, fun and life, leaving yet, with hundreds of more fans.
It is clear to see that Kes the Band rocked out the crowd with his soca and mixed-pop contemporary music, as they shared their music in celebration with the Dominican people. Obviously, the lead singer was one of the ladies favorite and he to also put on a good show for them as well as everyone gathered that night. His music style of Soca originated from his homeland, Trinidad, and the Dominicans knew it all too well. One of the main songs that took flight was Wotless. Everybody was Wotless in fun that night as the jam came into play and a live performance was given. They say if it nice, play it twice. Well, it was so nice, they did it thrice. Take a listen to what went down on the Wednesday 26th of October at the Botanical gardens.
Dominicans, Australians, English, French, the entire Caribbean and persons from all over the whole world were there that night as the amount of people in the park grew to one hundred thousand strong on the last day. Quite a phenomenal experience and time of fun for all those who were at Creole in the Park 2011 concert.
Colors, mixtures, food and a congregation of people dancing is the first set of things that pops into our minds when we hear or see the term, 'Creole'. Well... this usually is the case for the people of the Caribbean, especially in Dominica. For those who do not know what Creole is, let's first define ot, shall we? The term 'Creole' according to the Encarta Encyclopaedia, carries the meaning of a person of mixed European and black descent, especially found in the Caribbean. This too is very factual seeing that it was the Europeans who brought the Africans over to the Caribbean to work as slaves and mingled with the gorgeous African women to create was is known as, Creole meaning mixed. This mixed style reflects in the people's way of life especially during the Creole season where there is the showcasing of different colours in dress, dance styles and when the language is spoken. Creole Season is mixed with a lot of Creole speaking termed, Patois. According to Wikipedia, the creole language is a stable, natural language developed from the mixing of parent languages. Most often, the vocabulary comes from the dominant group and the grammar from the subordinate group, where such stratification exists. Creole(broken french) is a mixture of French and English. Since English is the Dominant language in the Caribbean then broken french is spoken in the accent of Caribbean English.
Now that we have a little understanding of what Creole means, the matter at hand is the use of the Creole Culture as a tradition. It was displayed through the Cultural Finals which took place in one of the Caribbean Islands called Dominica at the Cabrits National Park located in Portsmouth. There were three Cultural finals taking place across Dominica, where different groups from all ages and life walks, competed against each other to see who stood out as the best of the best to take part, in dance, at the Cultural Gala in the Capital. Everyone did their best in the displaying of their heritage through different dances and color variations and for this cause everyone is a winner. This episode, however, is not about competition. BrBpTV became a fan of everyone and therefore sides cannot be taken or shown. This episode was created to shed some light is the cultural festivities of October which engulfed itself around Creole. Take a look at the video below to understand more on what the Creole heritage is about.
Three nights of pulsating riddims and rythms featuring powerful artists like Romain Virgo, Etana, Asa Bantan, and even the well know legendary Buju Banton! Yes guys! Buju Banton made it to the Dominica World Creole Music Festival stage! This is they hypest time in the Caribbean by a large margin where you have individuals from all across the world descending on Dominica as it brings music and great melody to the WCMF brand. In this article, we actually have all three nights and give you a full scope as to what it is like at the Creole Music Festival guys so do enjoy but keep in mind... though you get to witness this through BrBpTV lens, nothing compares to being there in the flesh and in person. The experience is totally different. 
