The Many Colours of Junkanoo

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The scent of burning coal used to keep away the mosquitoes filled the air as I stepped into a Junkanoo shack for the very first time. I was greeted by smiles, costumes in progress at the door and busy feet as I walked into the warm yet comfortable structure. My task, to find out what makes the Colours Junkanoo Group so unique and how it is has stood the test of time for over 20 years.

I was met by Chris Justillean, leader of the Colours Junkanoo Group.

Affectionately known as Mr. J., Chris, a renowned musician and lecturer at the University of The Bahamas sharing that the group simply wants to express Bahamian culture every time they hit Bay.

Since its conception, Colours has been known for its unique one-color concept. This involves having one central color or a few inspired by a constant theme throughout the parade.
Mr. J. says the group began and stuck to this revolutionary concept despite enduring ridicule in the beginning.

With this in mind the group plans to take their legendary concept into this year’s parade focusing on the life and career of legendary Bahamian actor Sir Sydney Poitier.

While Colours is known mostly for its costume concepts and colorful features, music is also carefully planned and arranged before the group hits the parade.

Both Chris and his brother Jonel are renown musicians and lecturers at the University of The Bahamas and Government High School. Jonel who serves as brass leader and music arranger for the group speaks to the importance of having a distinct sound on the parade.

We noticed a group of young men on the other side of the shack pasting and preparing costumes. Chris took us over to explain what they were doing and the importance of having them around the shack and involved in positive activities.

Watching all of the action prompted me to get my hands dirty and give pasting a try for the first time. I asked 22-year-old Defense Force Officer Phanarje Culmer to give me a quick lesson.

Inspite of the challenges that come along with being a small group in the B-category, Colours prides itself on being family-oriented, self built, and self sustained.
Justillean boasts the group is the only one amongst all Junkanoo groups including those in the a division, to own the land its shack is built on, and to have its members construct its amenities free of charge. He says the group has been able to sustain itself despite not receiving the major sponsorships that the other groups have over the years.

There’s also that positive atmosphere keeping the group together.

As to whether or not the organization plans to move up to the ‘A’ category, Mr. J. had this to say.

As I prepared to leave the shack, Chris had one more friendly message for his competitors.