Everybody take ah jump, take ah jump, take ah jump up now
Start to wave, start to wave, start to wave up now
Start to wine, start to wine, start to wine up now
Because, it's Carnival
My brother Castel always tells me, “You’re a real city boy!” It kind of seems like my mother made me in New York but brought me to Sint Maarten as a baby. (Is that true, Mom?) There isn’t an ounce of Carnival fever in me. Soca music (with the exception of Destra – Hey Bighead!) just doesn’t do it for me. And crowds? Eww.
Carnival has just never been my thing. Growing up, and even now, the main music genre in my collection is R&B and in a close second is rap/hip-hop. The rhythm would cause some foot-tapping when a soca or reggae song drops, but not enough to actually want to have the genre in any playlist. My friends would go to a soca or reggae concert, whether secular or gospel, and I’d just stay home. Catch me on that Netflix (lol). The reggae show this year has a pretty interesting line-up. It’s the only show that might see me in attendance – if I’m not already there to take pictures.
Crowds (cringe)! It’s torture for me to be surrounded by so many people. You have to say “excuse me” way too many times. Persons who aren’t paying attention will just bump into you and step on your shoes; and then there are the extreme bacchanalists who just throw their bumpers everywhere and knock you over – this is real life, guys (lol). After attending a crowded event, I always have to put up a disclaimer on social media: “I apologize if I did not see you hailing me, or if I walked right past you. I turn off my facial recognition when I am in crowded environments, so it was not done purposefully or maliciously.” There are just too many people to see and my brain can’t deal with all the processing.
Don’t get me wrong; I’m not “coming for” Carnival or persons that enjoy it. This is just me explaining that I was never bitten by the Carnival bug. The colors of the costumes really do catch my attention – if that gives me some “street cred” – and some years I do go out and take pictures during the parades. I’ve also gotten the opportunity the past few years to photograph some shows and be on stage with the artists, which in itself is a great experience.
After one of the shows last year, a friend contacted me and asked: “Cam, why do you look so bored while you’re sitting on the stage?” “Hmm, probably because it’s late and I want to sleep?”
Carnival has its highlights and moments that I enjoy, but you can generally catch me on Netflix!
As the 2018 Carnival season kicks off, I just want to say a few things:
- If you see me with my camera, smile.
- Please be responsible when making decisions: How much to drink; who to go home with; is it worth punching him/her?
- And lastly, please stay safe.
*Cues King Rumer - One Last Jam*
