The Sab transformed into a kaleidoscope of imagination Monday evening as Saint Lucia’s most anticipated costume artistry unfolded at the King and Queen of the Bands competition. This year’s spectacle, a vibrant fusion of colour, intricate craftsmanship, and compelling cultural narratives, proved once again why it stands as a jewel in the Lucian Carnival crown.
But while every masquerader brought a piece of their soul to the stage, it was Tribe of Twel that undeniably stole the show, sweeping the top honours in both the male and female categories with a display of unparalleled creativity and commanding presence.
In the highly anticipated Queen of the Bands segment, Tribe of Twel’s “Madame Vaval” emerged as the undisputed sovereign, dazzling judges and audience alike to secure a commanding 431 points and the $18,000 grand prize. Not content with just one win, the band further solidified its dominance with “La Wen La Woz,” which captivated enough to claim second place with 411 points and a $15,000 award. Their entries were a masterclass in scale and storytelling, setting a high bar for the evening.
The Kings category saw Tribe of Twel cement its reign even further. Their powerful presentation, “Unto Us a Child Was Born,” was nothing short of a revelation. Earning a staggering 453 points—the highest score of the entire night—this monumental piece stunned the crowd with its profound symbolism and overwhelming presence, securing the $18,000 top prize. The band’s “Edwad, Wah Nagwit” also added another layer to their diverse storytelling, though it did not place.
While Tribe of Twel commanded the headlines, Xuvo Carnival Band also delivered a formidable challenge with three compelling entries. In the Queen’s segment, their “Angel of Twilight” secured a respectable third place with 409 points, earning $10,000. Xuvo’s Kings were equally impactful, with the evocative “Ghost of Mas Passed, Spirit of Mas Future” taking second place with 409 points and $15,000. Their “Anti-Angel of Rebellion” also made a strong showing, landing in fourth with 398 points and a $5,000 prize.
Xpressions also made their mark, with “Papa Djab Toes” securing third place in the King’s category with 408 points, just a single point shy of Xuvo’s second-place entry, earning them $10,000.Other notable entries in the Queen’s segment included Fuzion Mas’ “Zariah,” which secured fourth place and $5,000, Royalites Extreme’s regal “Queen of South Africa,” Xpressions’ “Wimen Pou Dolaw and CanBoulay,” Island Tribe’s “Meta,” and Phoenix with the evocative “A Piece of Me.”
The King’s category also showcased diverse creativity, with Island Tribe introducing “The Cyborg,” a fascinating blend of traditional mas and futuristic flair. Xpressions presented additional pieces like “Papa Bois” and the playful “Pay Banan on Donkey Cart,” while Royalites Extreme brought forward the fierce and imposing “King Kongo Lo.”
Each intricate design paraded across the stage was more than just a costume; it was a vibrant narrative, a piece of Saint Lucian heritage, or a journey into pure fantasy, solidifying the King and Queen of the Bands as a testament to the island’s rich artistic spirit and the boundless imagination of its masqueraders.While Tribe of Twel commanded the headlines, Xuvo Carnival Band also delivered a formidable challenge with three compelling entries. In the Queen’s segment, their “Angel of Twilight” secured a respectable third place with 409 points, earning $10,000. Xuvo’s Kings were equally impactful, with the evocative “Ghost of Mas Passed, Spirit of Mas Future” taking second place with 409 points and $15,000. Their “Anti-Angel of Rebellion” also made a strong showing, landing in fourth with 398 points and a $5,000 prize.
Xpressions also made their mark, with “Papa Djab Toes” securing third place in the King’s category with 408 points, just a single point shy of Xuvo’s second-place entry, earning them $10,000.
Other notable entries in the Queen’s segment included Fuzion Mas’ “Zariah,” which secured fourth place and $5,000, Royalites Extreme’s regal “Queen of South Africa,” Xpressions’ “Wimen Pou Dolaw and CanBoulay,” Island Tribe’s “Meta,” and Phoenix with the evocative “A Piece of Me.”
The King’s category also showcased diverse creativity, with Island Tribe introducing “The Cyborg,” a fascinating blend of traditional mas and futuristic flair. Xpressions presented additional pieces like “Papa Bois” and the playful “Pay Banan on Donkey Cart,” while Royalites Extreme brought forward the fierce and imposing “King Kongo Lo.”
Each intricate design paraded across the stage was more than just a costume; it was a vibrant narrative, a piece of Saint Lucian heritage, or a journey into pure fantasy, solidifying the King and Queen of the Bands as a testament to the island’s rich artistic spirit and the boundless imagination of its masqueraders.