Colours: “Not A-Class or B-Class, We’re World-Class”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – We’re just days away from the showdown on Bay, and while the A-Groups have dominated the news in recent months, the B-Groups are not to be overlooked. Our Marlena Leonard recently caught up with the Colours Entertainment & Junkanoo Organization. Let’s take a look.

Chris Justillien – Leader, Colours Entertainment & Junkanoo Organization
“As usual, Colours is coming to beat ourselves, yes, we always strive to do better than we did the last time. And I think our fans and the spectators who purchased tickets, who are on the sidelines, are in for a real treat!”

The group prides itself on introducing the next generation to the craft of Junkanoo.

Chris Justillien – Leader, Colours Entertainment & Junkanoo Organization
“We teach them how to cut paper. In fact, this young lady right here, introduce yourself.”
“Hello, my name is Curie Bowe, first time fishing, first time rushing, pasting and cutting, 16. And so we have persons half her age that are cutting their own paper, pasting their own costumes. Young boys, young ladies, they learn, they’re here helping the group and helping themselves, so you don’t come into Colours and not know Junkanoo.”

With this focus on mentorship, the group also maintains a strong code of conduct, something multiple members highlighted as a strength. For Jacob Shore, it’s what made Colours a family experience, with each of his five daughters having spent time in the group.

Jacob Shore – Marshall, Colours Entertainment & Junkanoo Organization
“I get an opportunity to be in an environment where there’s not a bunch of carrying on, no bunch of drinking, no smoking, no swearing, it’s a peaceful environment and it’s a place where anyone can come and feel comfortable and be themselves.”

As for the theme spectators can expect to see on Bay, Justillien says the group is staying committed to home-grown themes, this time inspired by Disney’s Lookout Cay experience in Eleuthera.

Chris Justillien – Leader, Colours Entertainment & Junkanoo Organization
“I thought it would be good to highlight the work and some of the characters that are on the island. Not only are you going to see Mickey and Minnie, Goofy, and the Chipmunks and the others, we do have some local Disney celebs as well—the curly tail lizard and the big dutty crab! So they’re going to be present somewhere through the theme. And the cruise ship, of course, is going to lead us right onto Bay Street.”