Photos by P. Choo Quan / S. Crouch

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We as human beings all live in a fast paced life. The environment and society is constantly building around us; economically, socially and technologically. Because of the world being so advanced and fast paced, we tend to forget who we are. We are now not in tune with the natural environment and we forget to get back in tune of nature because we are so busy living in a world that is perceived to be a concrete jungle.

On August 18th 2007 Island People Mas launched its long awaited mas band for 2008 "Animal Instinct". The costumes are designed to get back in tune with our animal instincts in this concrete world, society, and jungle. Makes sense right? We possess animal instincts and now we get to choose what animal our character relates to.

TJJ arrived at the National Stadium around 11pm to a not so packed area, however as the night progressed and the buzz circulated, the expected crowd showed up. And when I tell you, organisation to the max. The set up of the stage was as though you were in a "city" setting as we do live in a concrete jungle. Anxious patrons stood awaiting to see what artistic presentation was about to unfold as they sipped their alcohol beverages and took a little wine here and there on someone, gearing up to see what the band has instore for 2k8.

The presentation started promptly at 12 midnight to moko jumbies portraying scarlet ibises and giraffes, followed by individuals dressed city like and mimicking the fast paced life that we all live, we are constantly on the clock as they danced to African drums and music. As cameras snapped away waiting to catch the first costume to be seen by screaming patrons, the Black Widow Spider enters the stage with an elaborate costume that had everyone wooing and ahhhhin'...... amazing, followed by the other 11 outstanding costumes depicting some of the exotic animals prowling the earth, swimming the seas and flying the skies. Just beautiful.

Section names for all of you out there that want to pick the animal instinct that you can find yourself in tune with and possess EARLY, please do not procrastinate, are as follows... Panthera Tigris (Red Tiger), Alcedo Atthis (King Fisher Bird), Pogona Vitticeps (Dragon Lizard), Ursus Maritimus/Ursus Arctos (Polar Bear/Brown Bear), Laprodectus Mactan (Black Widow Spider), Ardea Alba (Great Egret), Physalia Physalis (Portuguese Man O War), Oanthera Leo (Lion and Lioness), Vulpes Corsac (Silver Fox), Acinonyx Jubatus (Cheetah), Equus Zebra (Zebra) and Crocodylus Moreletti (Crocodile). In all 12 sections, ladies and gentlemen, the costumes are sexxxxxxyyyyyy!!!

After the presentation, mucsle men for the ladies came out to break down the walls of our concrete society/jungle that we live in and patrons were treated to a live performance by KES the Band with Nadia Batson who performed the many hits of Carnival 2k7 to remind us of mas ealier this year, and to ready us for Carnival 2k8. Kees also sang hits from Junior Gong, who is to perform on Saturday 25th August 2007. Jugglers Sound and Tweez also provided music to move the partygoers who already started to make decisions on which animal they going to be. So the question now lies with us.... with you. Yes we are human beings, but we are also animals, what animal instinct do you possess? What animal are you in this concrete jungle that we all live in?

This is Golden Girl in the sun signing off for TJJ

For more information, check out out their website www.islandpeoplemas.com.

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Related ISLANDpeople Mas Galleries
ISLANDpeople 2007 Carnival Tue Pt. I
ISLANDpeople 2007 Carnival Tue Pt. II
ISLANDpeople Mas 2007 Band Launch "Sahara"
ISLANDpeople 2006 Carnival Mon Pt. I
ISLANDpeople 2006 Carnival Mon Pt. II
ISLANDpeople 2006 Carnival Tue Pt. I
ISLANDpeople 2006 Carnival Tue Pt. II
ISLANDpeople Mas 2006 Band Launch "Enchanted Forest"
ISLANDpeople Mas (Media Launch)