Dr Rita Pemberton

The introduction of the Trinidad-style Carnival to Tobago by returning migrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries did not immediately result in general acceptance by the population of Tobago.

Interest in the imported Carnival ebbed and flowed during the first two decades of the 20th century, but by 1925, a clear pattern had emerged, in which, while aspects of the Trinidad Carnival were embraced, the celebration was counterpoised with features of Tobago's traditional culture.

From 1925 onwards, at the centre of Tobago's carnival celebrations were the traditional singing bands and efforts to produce what was considered a 'decent' carnival with a distinct Tobago flavour.

The singing bands were bands of musicians playing instruments such as the banjo, cuatro, flute, guitar and violin, who were led by a chantwell and a chorus of back-up singers. These bands were offshoots of the string bands which were very popular in communities across the island at the beginning of the 20th century. The string bands were composed of musicians playing the tambourines, violin, guitar, cuatro and flute, which provided musical accompaniment for concerts, celebrations, bazaars, fairs, and other forms of entertainment, as well as for marches and processions. Players on the tambourine, banjo and violin accompanied reel, jig and other folk-dance performances.

The singing bands were produced by and represented their villages, most of which had their own band. The members of the singing bands wore disguise costumes which were designed by the chantwell.

The costumes worn by members of the singing bands were similar in style, but varied in colour. They wore Robin Hood-style balloon satin pants, tops with a string and collar, a satin-covered straw hat which was turned up on one side, wire masks on their faces and 'watchecongs' on their feet. Portrayals included, Wild Indians and jab jabs.

These bands both reflected and fostered community development as well as providing platforms for developing creativity and musical skills in the population. The singing bands constructed their own centres, which were tents made of bamboo, supported by plaited coconut palm leaves, with a roof covered with coconut branches, and seats made of bamboo.

A king and a queen were selected for each tent and the band would practise at the venue during the weeks before carnival. In some instances, villagers paid an entry fee, usually six cents, but in other cases entry was free. The king and queen of carnival were crowned on Carnival Monday night, at a ceremony which ended with sharing food.

When on parade, the band was protected by a guard, who was usually a champion stickfighter, whose responsibility was to ensure that no one disrupted the band's activities. The bands serenaded planters, shopkeepers, the stores and shops around the community, and were rewarded with money and refreshment.

The members of the business community in Scarborough responded by offering prizes for the best songs, especially for the s