Whether you like fetes, fashion or old school calypso, CNC3, the television arm of Guardian Media Limited, is well prepared for Carnival 2017. Some of the special programmes the station has scheduled for the season are Vintage Unplugged, Front Row, Chutney Tamasha and The Rundown.

Front Row, which features Jyneen, Andrew Friday, Hypeman and Rawkus (Jayron Remy), and runs until March 2, premiered on January 5.

This year Front Row encompasses the vintage aspects of Carnival through calypso stories, backstage with our favourite soca artistes, fetes, fashion, the exploration of the soca genre as told through the eyes and ears of T&T’s top DJs, some bacchanal, Throwback Thursdays and of course mas on the road.

Last year’s series won acclaim as it also featured some top artistes like David Rudder and Relator, as well as some vintage acoustic guitar sessions that showcased retro artistes, the calypsoes and the stories behind the ditties.

Vintage Unplugged takes a glimpse into the history of T&T through music. It is scheduled to premiere on January 18.

The show displays the style, message and lyrical story-telling of music written and performed by legends of calypso. Viewers are entertained and educated by conversations with calypso icons.

Chutney Tamasha is hosted by hosted by singer Sally Sagram and calypso artiste Snakey (Heaven Charles). Producer Shamelia Thomas said: “Chutney Tamasha would be focused around the chutney and chutney soca industry. We would be going to all the chutney events, highlighting artistes and songs, as well as delve into the specific musical instruments of chutney music.”

One of its segments, The Hott Seat, includes the hosts asking artistes and producers the questions that most people shy away from. Thomas added: “This can be targeted at alcohol brands such as puncheon, rebranded ‘the truth seat’ or ‘the fire seat’.”

Other segments are titled Events, Chutney Juniors, Chutney Bands & Intsruments, Food and Old School Artistes. About Events, Thomas explained,” we will go to all the major chutney events, bring you all the vibes, interview the promoters and patrons of the events.”

Chutney Juniors looks at the junior chutney monarch as well as any school competitions. For Chutney Bands & Instruments CNC3 will be focusing on the live bands and the instruments they use. In the Food segment, focus is on the spices used in Indian dishes, as well as look at production of these spices.

The Old School Artistes segment would revisit chutney artistes of the past, both living and dead.

Said Thomas: “Some ideas were thrown around for hosts and I eventually made the decision that Sally Sagram, because of her sassiness, and Snakey (Heaven Charles), because of his comedic and outgoing nature, as well as his immersion in the chutney culture, although of African descent, would make the perfect pairing for hosts.”

CNC3 developed Chutney Tamasha because there is a paucity of coverage of East Indian Carnival elements in our culture. Elaborating, Thomas said: “Focus is usually on mainstream fetes and events, and CNC3 wished to fill that gap and highlight the all inclusiveness of the cultural experience that is Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.”

Source : Guardian