The news at the heart of songs.

One of the main characteristics and origins of carnival songs is undoubtedly current events, the BUZZ. For information to be memorized and imprinted in people’s minds, it must come from a fact, an event that has been broadcast, shared, and commented on by the widest possible audience. Regardless of the distribution channel – TV, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok – whether it is a serious or entertainment media, it is enough for there to be a peak in audience and interest for a simple video looping to be inspiring for the creation of a new carnival song.

The audacity and humor go hand in hand.

Any respectable carnival song must shock at least a little. We’re not here to talk about love; Valentine’s Day is no longer relevant at this time, or at least not in this context. We want something dirty, we want something saucy, we want something shocking and daring. That’s why songs often, if not always, talk about 🍆🍌🍑👉👉🏾💧🐚. Do you see where I’m going with this? You naughty bunch! 😜

But it’s not just about that. You have to write the lyrics, tell the story, and give the song a rhythm. The song must be able to be repeated by the crowd without music at first, then accompanied by the various instruments of the walking group.

It’s a bit like cooking. A good cook knows how to enhance their raw material. A good walking group, or simply a good carnival-goer, must know how to take inspiration from a news item and add the well-known touch of derision of carnival songs.

As carnival is a period of great relaxation, humor is a key element. A situation that is initially alarming will be turned into derision, and everyone will laugh… or almost everyone. However, to play this game, you must be willing to laugh at others and accept criticism when it’s your turn. Sa zot ké kompwan an! The vi-a sé pa an bol toloman.

A few people were interviewed and gave us their opinion.

“What do I think? But it’s great! [LAUGHS] No, I don’t find it mean at all. [LAUGHS] It’s just for fun. Sometimes it’s just the reality. We’re mocking, but kindly. It’s like Vaval, it’s based on significant current events, in a mocking way for the song. It’s the same principle as Vaval, and I think it’s great. [LAUGHS] But it’s better if it’s not about me, because I wouldn’t take it as well. As long as it doesn’t concern me, it’s fine. [LAUGHS].”

“I think that in all carnival songs, there are songs that, for example, Wendy pa triché, well, the girl, in short, deserves it because she needs to understand that she shouldn’t cheat on the BAC. [LAUGHS] But it’s a bit mean in the sense that the girl has already been exposed in the newspaper, and now she’s being exposed again at the carnival.” [ABOUT LAËTICIA’S CASE] “I don’t remember why the girl left, but I think it’s mean to say that if it’s not really what she did. It tarnishes her reputation.”

[TALKING ABOUT WENDY’S CASE] “Well, I wouldn’t have liked to be in her place, but I still find it funny. When it’s about politicians, it’s fine. And high-ranking officials. Zafè ko yo.”

And the big winners of this year are…

No one knows in advance what first name, last name, and theme will be on the lips of carnival-goers. It all depends on the buzz, its importance, and the interest that is given to it.

During the carnival, social classes fall away, there is no longer a “Monsieur le Préfet de la Martinique” or any other honorary title. Politician, student, ordinary citizen, Monsieur X… everyone can be targeted.

One thing is certain, “sa ki pri pri” (literally “those who are targeted are targeted”), and this for more than 5 days.

Bonda mwen ni myèl… mais encore !?

If I say to you obedience to the law, you reply… go to hell. These kinds of phrases that run through the mind and even when forgotten throughout the year, come back once during a party or in the streets during Carnival.

After two years of not being able to peacefully celebrate their carnival… although we can’t listen to what Mr. Sta says… anyway. After two years of not being able to freely parade in the streets of Martinique, Lumina TV had the good idea of bringing us some relief by taking us back a few years.”

That’s also what nostalgia is about, seeing images that have marked us on screen and created an atmosphere in parties or in the streets.

This year, there is something new, because without novelty, it’s less fun. Moreover, and while I’m thinking about it, carnival party organizers are also very reactive and take inspiration from the same news items. It can be the buzz of a movie, a book, or a simple news story. The chosen theme will then be announced by a flyer or a brief description of the expected atmosphere. Some examples are listed below.

Pom Pom C’Chann: a passion since 2005.

What could be better, when talking about Carnaval, than immersing oneself in the universe of a walking group.

We have chosen Pom Pom C’Chann and now it is up to Christian, its President – a member since 2006 and President since 2018 – to speak.

– Hello Christian, today we’re going to talk about Carnaval and its tunes.

– Hello Coralie, and thank you for your interest in our association.

– Can you first tell us a little bit about the Pom Pom C’Chann Association? How did you come up with the idea to create it and why that name ?

– The group was created in February 2005 by enthusiasts, former members of prestigious groups in our Carnaval, who wanted to fly on their own wings. With a name that, as it indicates, refers to the pompom girls with everything that surrounds them, such as beauty, sex appeal, spectacle, dance, etc. The group has always had a feminine touch with many female musicians. Our pink and white colors represent all of that.

– Now, let’s talk about INSPIRATION. How do you write your texts ? What inspires you the most during the creation process? Do you have a little anecdote to tell us ? Let’s have some JUICY details. If you had to choose a song, which one is your favorite and why ?

– As for the songs, we are greatly inspired by more or less “funny” news events that make the buzz a little before the Carnaval period or by inspirations from our members on the tunes of very famous musical hits. We also, like everyone else, get inspired by the songs of other groups, and vice versa. There are no copyrights. After that, there is no special preference because every year there are new hits that quickly overshadow the previous ones.

– This year, who is the chosen one in your songs and why ?

– For this year, I think some well-placed people are going to take a hit, we won’t say more…. [LAUGHTER]

– We thank you for your time and wish you many festive and colorful years to come in the streets of our dear Martinique.

Christian chose to remain mysterious about the selection of the chosen ones this year. So, let’s meet in the streets of Fort-de-France to not miss anything. 🤪

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Une publication partagée par Pom Pom C'Chann (@pompomcchannfwi)

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par Pom Pom C'Chann (@pompomcchannfwi)

We will keep telling you, if you don’t want to be in the spotlight of the carnival with a song dedicated to your name, don’t draw attention to yourself either before Christmas or after… “Pa di zot pa té sav'” (Don’t say we didn’t warn you). Every year it’s the same thing, one would think you do it on purpose. 😏

Well, enough teasing. Happy Carnival to those who didn’t wait for Mr. the Prefect’s instructions to fully experience this period full of emotions, colors, and procreation… 🔞