Event: Waka Waka Mas band to Perform in Montserrat 50th Annual Festival in Dec. - Dec 14, 2012 to Jan 1, 2013

With excitement building for Montserrat's 50th Annual Festival
this December, the Waka Waka Mas band has begun showcasing their
presentation, "The Treasures of Alliouagana", which was inspired
by the rich culture and history of the island.

Alliouagana is the Amerindian name for the island of Montserrat
and its cultural heritage is regarded as its most valuable
Treasure. On New Years Day 2013, Waka Waka Mas will present three
of these treasures in the form of distinctive and colorful
costumes on the streets of Montserrat. Oriole (Orange) -
represents Montserrat's African heritage and the national bird,
the Oriole. Shamrock (Green) - represents Montserrat's Irish
heritage and the island itself also known as the Emerald Isle of
the Caribbean. Sarobei (White) - represents Montserrat's
Amerindian heritage, and the silky Sea Island cotton that was
once a major export of the island. Sarobei is also the
Taino/Arawak word for cotton. The words "Waka Waka" are an
African rally cry that translates to "Do It", as in a task, which
embodies the attitude of Waka Waka Mas. In this their first major
initiative, they hope not only to encourage Montserratians to
come home, but also to spread the excitement of this year's
festival to non-Montserratians particularly from neighbouring
islands to come and join in or witness what will be a memorable
50th Anniversary celebration. U.S.-based band leader Dudley
Skerritt was inspired to create the group based on his early
memories of the Montserrat Festival. He reminisces, "I have such
fond memories of being at the street parade trying to keep up
with the people dressed up in vibrant costumes and the revellers
enjoying themselves to the songs of Cepeke and other calypso
artistes." He says, "The Treasures of Alliouagana is a chance for
those who participated back then to bring back the glory days --
pre volcanic eruption and pre Hurricane Hugo -- and for those
like myself who were on the sidelines, we can finally take part,
to create new memories and at the same time remind the youths
about our culture." Canada-based band member Terrance Jemmotte,
was inspired to get involved because, as he says, "I see
Montserratians, including myself, playing mas in so many
different places around the world and I wonder, why not
Montserrat? What could be better than paying mas at home?". Waka
Waka Mas hopes that many will answer the call to play mas this
year or just visit Montserrat during this special festival
celebration and help boost the local economy which is still
recovering from the devastating volcanic eruption some 17 years
ago. Skerritt states, "We are organizing this event to
encourage Montserratians not only to take a long overdue trip
home but to participate to make the 50th celebration a memorable
one for all. Despite the challenges the island has faced over
the years, the island has much to offer and there is still no
place like home. As the official slogan goes, "It's time to
celebrate the Talent, Culture and Creativity, Montserrat Festival
50." About Waka Waka Mas is a non-profit masquerade band,
supported by a large team of volunteers across the globe to
promote the rich cultural heritage of Montserrat by re-energising
the New Years Day parade with the pageantry and dazzle that so
many of us remember. For more information about the Montserrat
Festival and Waka Waka Mas please visit montserratfestival.com
and wakawakamas.com.