There was a poor turnout of spectators at Socadrome, Jean Pierre Complex, Port-of-Spain, yesterday. But the scant crowd was a definite improvement from last year. Thousands of masqueraders from several large Carnival bands, including Harts, Yuma, Bliss and Tribe and Rosalind Gabriel, crossed the stage in all their glee, with no reported hiccups or incidents.
Among the revellers was American model Amber Rose, who was playing mas with Tribe. She was one of several celebrities spotted in the popular band.
As the last section of Tribe crossed the stage around 12.45 pm, entertainment kicked off at with Extempo Champion Lingo and Black Sage, followed by the Brimblers Steelband. Roy Cape All Stars came on at 2.35 pm with Blaxx belting out one of his past hits. The Vagabond man, Ricardo Drue followed, sending spectators in a frenzy.
Some complained that Socadrome was poorly advertised and should have been promoted better. Keisha Edwards said her Socadrome experience as “awesome.” “It’s always a pleasure playing with Tribe. Socadrome had a stage that was worth crossing,” Edwards said.
Another masquerader, identifying himself as Kevin, said Socadrome was an experience he will never forget.
British national Jenny Lue said it was her first Carnival with Tribe and was a bit disappointed when she was informed that they would be going to the Socadrome instead of the Queen’s Park Savannah. “But after crossing the stage at Socadrome, I realised it was everything I thought it would be. It was so awesome. I thought I would have seen more people looking on but I guess maybe next year.”