The sweet sound of Cadance is expected to pour all over the seventh edition of the annual Oktoberfest En Kweyol this weekend. The event, which will be held at Samaans Park from 2pm, Sunday October 5, will be headlined by Cletus Halibut Abraham originally of Belles Combo of Dominica. Hailed as one of the greatest Cadance bands to come out of Dominica, with Halibut as the lead singer the band delivered memorable Creole hits such as “Qui Ca Ou le Vieux”, “En Meme Tou la”, “Apres Carnival” and “Mal Elever”. Additionally, their chant of “Mizik A-Nous” has become an anthem of sorts of the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica.
Having arrived here on Thursday evening, Halibut says the feeling was nothing short of nostalgic. “It was 35 years ago that I performed here with Belles Combo and now I am back as a solo artiste and I am really looking forward to it,” he says. A champion of Cadance music, he says fans can expect to hear a number of the hits from the past on Sunday.
“Cadance music was the first electrified music from Dominica and this is what I enjoy doing and love to see persons dancing, singing and enjoying themselves to Cadance music,” Halibut says. “Cadance music has never had a negative vibe; it can be deep, it can be fun, it can deal with social issues. So on Sunday I just want everyone to come out and have a nice time with myself and the rest of the performers,” he says.
Other performers hitting the Oktoberfest stage on Sunday are Lighting Stars, DYP – Saint Lucia’s number one party band, and indigenous folk groups Secret Solo Band, Avot Sevis and Manmay La Kay. There will also be performances by the artistes from the Piton Soca Starz camp.
For most persons, however, the highlight of Oktoberfest En Kweyol is the international beers. This year there will be a wide range to sample. These include the staple at the event: Paulaner – the special edition Oktoberfest beer out of Germany. Then there is the big bottled Parbo Bier Djogo from Suriname, Jillz Cider from Holland, Strongbow Apple Ciders Honey, Affligem Blond and Brand Zwaar Blond of Belgium and Guinness Extra Stouts from Ireland. Oktoberfest En Kweyol will also feature other products from WLBL, including Heineken, Piton Beer, Piton Radler, Guinness, Carib Beer, Desperados, and Strongbow Gold Ciders.
Oktoberfest will also feature a wide array of sumptuous Creole food as well as art and craft. The event is seen by many as the official start of Creole Heritage month in October and is endorsed by the main organizers of Creole Heritage month activities, the Folk Research Centre. It is also supported by the St. Lucia Tourist Board, alongside corporate partners The Wave 94.5, Radio Caribbean International, Landmark Events. Wave Rider and Paradise Water, the official water of the festival.
