The Bahamas National Festival Commission (BNFC) released its line-up of artists for Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival 2017 yesterday, and Grand Bahama and New Providence will be hype four weeks from now -- to say the least!
Friday night in New Providence, the second biggest tune of Trinidad Carnival, "Buss Head", will be performed live by Machel Montano and Bunji Garlen, and Saturday night Ultimate Rejects and Beres Hammond will close out the weekend in grand style.
This will be the first stop in the region for Bunji and Machel on their "Buss Head" tour and a real treat for Bahamians and visitors alike who are fans of carnival and both artists.
The excitement of carnival is building across The Bahamas and the parties are happening every weekend. Today, Fusion Band has its official band launch on the grounds of Outback Steakhouse. Engima starts Saturday off with its "Midnight Mass" at Arawak Cay. And Alpha Sounds brings us "Rum Fete" Saturday evening, with names like King Bubba and Lil Rick taking the stage.
The carnival scene is pulling itself together in New Providence as it has done the past two years, and we couldn't be more excited. Ice Box's "Suits Bahamas" has begun to advertise its coveted cruise, and come hell or high water, I will be there.
The BNFC has its own block parties lined up for April, happening on April 6, 13, 20, and 27 in the square at the front of Pirate Museum downtown.
April will be a playground for everyone who loves Soca and carnival, or just living life in general, with good vibes and good music.
Thankfully, the BNFC has made this week's column that much easier with their line-up release. Without further ado, here is Bahamas Carnival's line-up for Grand Bahama, April 28 and 29, and New Providence, May 4-6:
Bahamas Carnival line up (Not necessarily in order of appearance)
Grand Bahama: Friday April 28
Music Masters Semifinalists
Rhythm Band
Avvy
Veronica Bishop
Stileet
Kerwin Du Bois
Skinny Fabulous
Peter Ram
Ultimate Rejects
Grand Bahama: Saturday April 29
Music Masters Semifinalists
Lady E
Rick Carey
MDeez
Dmac
Fay-Ann Lyons
Bunji Garlin
Farmer Nappy
Teddyson John
Ricard Drue
New Providence: Thursday May 4
Lady E
Fanshawn
Patrice Roberts
Denise Belfon
Roy Cape
Shurwayne Winchester
New Providence: Friday May 5
Music Masters Finalists
Peter Ram
Farmer Nappy
Olatunji
Voice
Bunji Garlin
Machel Montano
New Providence: Saturday May 6
Avvy
Stileet
DMac
Willis and the Illest
Ricardo Drue
Teddyson John
Fadda Fox
Lyrical
All For One band
Ultimate Rejects
Beres Hammond
Bahamas Carnival's New Providence concerts will all take place in "Da Cultural Village" this year, as the BNFC has done away with the Clifford park stage in order to stay within budget. Grand Bahama's concerts will all be held at Taino Beach.
Avvy, who did not participate in the Music Masters competition this year, said he is excited about performing in both Grand Bahama and New Providence, and released a collaboration album with Turks and Caicos' Jack Nasty, just ahead of carnival. The album is hashtagged "Dirty South Experiment".
Avvy credits his collaboration with Jack Nasty to his participation in the Music Masters competition last year.
"I'm excited again to be a part of this Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival experience," he said. "My album is a direct by-product of being a participant in the carnival. I'm excited and I look forward to the fabulous line-up, and look forward to bringing new entertainment to the stage. To be a part of that network, to mingle and co-mingle with artists from different genres and different countries was an amazing experience, and I'm speaking from the heart."
Ticket prices for Grand Bahama will be $25 for general admission, with a two-night pass for $40. In New Providence, general admission for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will be $25 per night. A weekend pass can be had for $60. VIP passes will be available for $75 per night or $180 for the weekend. And if you are really fancy and serious about your concerts, you can get yourself a skybox for $10,000 -- and invite me!
Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian
