Club Zouk / Tropical Island Carnival

Members of the community have an opportunity to witness or participate in top quality entertainment's of the highest calibre whilst appreciating and sharing their cultural wealth. Proud parents have the opportunity to meet distant friends or relatives and, of course, witness the grace of their children's dancing, having had the culture and music imbedded in their hearts at some appreciable stage in their lives.

The band entered the arena in 1993 as a " Mass Band " and " Zouk / Soca " sound on the move float. The debut theme for the mass band " Tabala - Roots and Branches " acknowledged the African cultural influences on Caribbean music's, masquerade and festivals across culture, races, creeds and religions brought from West Africa. This tom tom sounding word "Tabala " is in fact a drum of communication. We are aware of the significant role that this instrument has played throughout the deep-rooted - culture of ancient Africa up to this day, tom tom of joy, tom tom of tears, tom tom of revolt and revolution.

Even without financial assistance from the arts bodies, the band is pursuing and endeavouring in the effort to present itself at carnival over both Sunday and Monday of the festivities. Networking with various associations from France, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, Dominica, Africa and many more Francophone / Anglophone departments of the commonwealth.

The band has benefited and gained popularity from the publicity of radio, television and other local or international media representations at carnival. This popularity and unlimited promotional efforts has enhanced the profile of the band. The band achieved third place " 3rd Prize " amongst the winners. Scoring high points for décor presentation crowd participation, music entertainment and clarity of sound reproduction.

Carnival achievement would not have been possible without the help and assistance received from devoted individuals who through their devotion, effort and support have ensured that we as a band continue to enjoy a safe and happy carnival. We say thank you and extend our gratitude to the team of sponsors who have supported in the past, to those of the present, and to those who are contemplating their assistance in the not too distant future.

Each year we see the ever increasing popularity in culture and demand for Zouk / Soukous music, which clearly is much sought after by the growing number of French and Creole speaking individuals who have so often participated with our band. More apparent to us is the number of live concerts, festivals, and occasional dancing displays provided by us prior to carnival. This activity has clearly enhanced and educated our audiences to appreciate the music further at carnival. Since the music is also establishing itself further than ever envisaged, audiences will be looking further towards where they may enjoy the dancing of the music together on carnival day.

The band is now seem to be regarded as a new leaf to the entertainment disciplines offered 'en route', a Creole culture shock for the metropolis. The music and repertoire is the shock for the most rhythms of our planet. The band is gaining popularity and an enhanced profile through unlimited promotional efforts imbedded within its infrastructure. Continuous hard work and commitment of friends, family, and volunteers have ensured that the band's activities should be treasured as a cultural pool for young members to learn from, identify and improve on.

Band Leader:    Mr Lloyd Bertrand, 157 Folkestone Road, East Ham,  E6 6AZ.

 Interested in taking part for 2006 /  Contact Lloyd on 020 8472 2354 or 07950 367 703.                                                    

Email: clubzouk@btinternet.com     or    jervismedia@aol.com    

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