The Commonwealth of Dominica has accomplished an unprecedented triumph. A feat beloved by many around the world to be impossible especially for this small island nation. Through the ingenuity, genius and creativity of the Afrikulture Stilt Walkers, the engineering firm engaged by the country has conquered the mammoth task of designing and engineering the plans and prototype for the first city and the first adaptable structure.
The firm has assembled a team of highly skilled, artisans and masterclass/experts such as Landscape Artists, Surveyors, Architects, Engineers, Contractors, Painters and Carpenters who have studied the land, the elements and the hazard profile of the island to create this masterpiece. All together, in every step builds the rhythm; brick by beat, in this celebration of construction and community and is a tribute to the art of building and the heartbeat of progress.
KING OF THE BAND – “TITANUS”
Kiwon Blanc
Titanus, the ruler, symbolizes unwavering strength and impenetrable resolve, turning the carnival into a vibrant worksite where fun and festivity meet the power of creation. He stands tall and resolute, guiding the revelers as a metaphoric structure. His leadership, a key element to an untold force – an invisible power that underpins the entire carnival, shifting the very balance of energy and excitement. He is the unseen force that propels the festivities forward flawlessly.
His costume is an embodiment of construction itself, full of energy that mimics the turning of wheels in a grand mechanical crane lifting structure. With synchronized twists and turns, the King motions in a sultry cyan blue and silver bodywear that echoes the flow of creation, as he celebrates the labor and artistry behind the building of both his world and his community.
Each step Titanus takes in his orange-clad legs is a deliberate gesture, a moment in time.
QUEEN OF THE BAND – “ARCHITEKTURA”
Abigail Toussaint
Architektura, a stunning vision of architecture and elegance leads the procession as a figure of beauty and power and exurbs a commanding presence of unity and growth.
Her costume is a mesmerizing fusion of structural artistry with an intricate back piece that embodies the essence of a Master Plan – a vivid blueprint capturing the intersections of culture, progress, and unity that come together to create a thriving environment. At its back, an aerial sky view is represented where houses, road networks and vegetation are portrayed.
On her head, she wears a magnificent towering structure crafted from delicate materials and adorned with glowing accents. It towers above her like a beacon, guiding the way for those who move through the country.
Her bodywear gives a daring statement of deep black that serves as a striking foundation, exuding mystery and sophistication, while the shimmering silver accents cut through the darkness, symbolizing resilience, brilliance, and the unyielding spirit of a Queen. The turquoise is an electrifying aura and energy representing her dynamism.
Architektura’s legs are a vast colorful network of life; the streets themselves – strong and beautiful, complex yet fluid, the veins that keep the community connected.
SECTIONS
- LANDSCAPE ARTISTS
The Landscape Artists bring vibrant ecosystems to life with their stunning and colorful
costumes that showcase the beauty of Dominica. With artistic flair and dedication, these
landscape artists carry with them tools of their trade – brushes, palettes, and miniature
garden sculptures – symbolizing their role in nurturing the environment. - SURVEYORS
As the Surveyors march on, they bring order and structure to the chaotic beauty of the
carnival community, proving that precision and artistry can work hand in hand. Their
costumes are a vibrant representation of the importance of planning, measurement, and
vision in shaping the country. - ARCHITECTS
The Architects embody the artistry of structure and form, showcasing the power of design
to shape and transform our environment. Their presence celebrates the brilliance of
planning and creativity, turning the streets into a living, breathing architectural wonder
that delights the senses and inspires awe. - ENGINEERS
The Engineers resemble the workings of compplex systems, perfectly synchronized to the rhythm of the carnival beats. They highlight the intersection of practicality and creativity, proving that through engineering, we can build anything, even a festival of joy, color, and rhythm. Their costumes are a brilliant tribute to the visionaries who shape the future, turning the streets into an interactive, high-tech playground full of excitement.
- CONTRACTORS/BUILDERS
These Contractors/Builders are the backbone of this great community, and their costumes
represent the hard work, and energy that go into constructing something extraordinary.
Their vibrant outfits with geometric patterns blend the tools of their trade; hard hats and
tool belts reimagined in eye-catching colors, accented with props like hammers, drills,
saws, goggles and measurement tapes. - PAINTERS & CARPENTERS
The Painters & Carpenters bring their artistic touch, creating a stunning visual
experience and transforming the streets into a masterpiece of color and texture;
embodying the magic of turning raw materials into works of art. Their costumes reflect
the beauty of their craft, a kaleidoscope of festival flair. All covered with faux paint
brushes and colorful swirls of paint in every shade. They carry giant brushes and paint
rollers as the streets of Roseau become their workshop; where every step is a new
brushstroke, and every turn is a new creation.
Designed By: Abigail Toussaint
Built By: Afrikulture Stilt Walkers’ Members
Bernadette Royer
Miriam Elwin
Maundy Bobb
Lucia Lander
Wallance Nicholas
Patricia Warner
Shammah Laurent
Perry Martial, Lisa Barton-Volney and Rafferty Inc. of St. Lucia
Sponsored By: Trois Pitons Water, Josephine Gabriel Distributors, Big Edge, OECS Pearl,
Alliance Francaise, HHV Whitchurch, Island Sipz Water, Creamery Novelties,
Ju-C, Radiotron Electronics, BW Nails, Speedy Recovery Towing & Trucking,
Do It Center
No. of Persons: 80
The post AFRIKULTURE STILT WALKERS present “Brick by Beat” For Carnival Tuesday, March 4, 2025 first appeared on Emonews.