KRAVE Band Makes Waves at Trinidad Carnival with 'Doux Doux Dahlin' Section | SEO-Optimized

KRAVE the Band is living up to its motto “Bring the world to Barbados or take Barbados to the world.”

The band continued its tradition of leaving its footprints in Caribbean festivals as they were part of the big band Yuma on Monday at Trinidad Carnival.

“We originally had 350 strong revellers in a private section in Yuma.

We had to cut off at 320 and people were still asking for costumes on the Monday. We had a waiting list but we were restricted to 320. We are originally from Barbados with our Crop Over band. So, for Trinidad we design the costume, promote and sell it independently in Trinidad.

Since 2019 we have been coming to Trinidad.”

This year the section, with costumes starting at US$795, was called “Doux Doux Dahlin” centring around the rich history, where French, African, English, and other languages created a chorus of sound.

Meaning “Sweet Sweet Darling” this term embodies the warmth Trinibagonians share, especially when addressing women.

Designed by his wife Tracy Boyce from Sion Hill, St James and operated by Avery Hackett from Licorish Village, St Michael, KRAVE has been delivering exceptional costumes consistently.

“Our company motto, “Bring the world to Barbados or take Barbados to the world,” reflects our vision that was initially met with scepticism when we launched the band in New York in 2016. We recognised the need to export our culture and creativity to grow the festival.”

Hackett said Trinidad was “simply amazing. It was ten times better than it was last year. We had people from Barbados and all over the world. We had vibe, energy on the road.

We have Jamaica and St Lucia right on its tail and we have the similar kind of push going on in St Lucia this year and over 200 costumes have already been sold in the first week in St Lucia. We see it as a trend brewing of carnival goers which is in preparation for our home, Barbados.

So everything we do is leading back in Barbados Crop Over as an early build up.”

Hackett said it worked well for them as a band to see what each country is doing in respect of their carnival presentations

“because we are so entangled in other bands within those islands so we get the good view of what to come.”

He said their marketing strategy was “to share our designs and the vibrant energy of Barbados at carnivals worldwide, and therefore we have established partnerships in ten major carnivals, including Trinidad, Jamaica, St Martin, St Lucia, Canada, Grenada, Notting Hill, Miami, and Tobago.

“We have built a rapport and worked our way back and bring that same vibe and energy back to Barbados. If you don’t know about Barbados, we are gonna show you about Barbados.”

Hackett said the cherry on the cake was KRAVE the Band costume’s being the front page picture in the Trinidad Guardian.

“I don’t think anyone realised that this was a Bajan band, a Barbados costume with a Bajan designer on the front page of a Trinidad newspaper.

“Bajans can take pride in the fact that their fellow countrymen have made a significant impact on some of the largest carnivals globally, consistently placing Barbados at the forefront – an achievement that has yet to be matched by any other band.” (NS)