Mr. Antonio “Abonaty” Liburd, Executive Director of the Culturama Secretariat and Chairman of the Culturama Committee, said the festival has progressed tremendously over the years. He revealed that the inaugural celebration held in 1974 had just two main activities- a calypso show which had only three competitors, and a Miss Culture Talent Show. The Culturama Festival now boasts several senior and junior pageants and competitions, food and cultural events, fetes, street parades, and other activities.
During the ceremony Hon. Eric Evelyn, Minister of Culture in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), made a presentation to William “Zhumbye Di Ggii”, Patron of Nevis’
“It is indeed a pleasure for me to be here to make this presentation to our patron for 2022, Mr. William “Zhumbye Di Ggii” Dore. Mr. Dore will receive a plaque it reads ‘…in recognition of your untiring efforts and preserving the cultural heritage of Nevis, from the Nevis Culturama Committee’. He will also receive two complimentary passes to all shows, as well as a cheque for $1000 compliments the Nevis Culturama Committee. Congratulations to you!” he said.
The night’s entertainment included performances by calypsonians De Undertaker and King Astro, as well as masquerades and the Nevis Cultural Development Foundation jumping clowns. The contestants for the various pageants this year also made an appearance.
The highlight of the evening was the 2022 Green House Band Junior Kaiso Monarch competition featuring 12 budding artists each performing one song.
Shante “Princess Nevaeh” Hendrickson topped the group for her rendition of “I’m Confused” and was crowned the 2022 Green House Band Junior Kaiso Monarch. Princess Kali placed first runner-up with “48” and Mighty J was second runner-up with “Keep Pushing.”
Premier of Nevis Hon. Mark Brantley attended the ceremony and expressed pride in the talent exhibited by the young artists. He said following the two-year absence of the festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Nevisians at home and in the diaspora, Kittitians, as well as visitors to the island can expect endless fun and fete for the re-emergence of the greatest summer lime.