On Saturday, January 23 at 8:00 P.M. (T&T time), illuSions will be partnering with prominent local and international brands and artists to bring a carnival event to the world with a charitable twist. Founder and Director, Damian Baboolal, said his push to maintain Black 2 Blue – “D Backyard Jam” in the virtual space was driven by the need to see Trinidad and Tobago reinforce its global Carnival supremacy.
“Even though Carnival is tempered by restrictions on public gatherings, Trinidad & Tobago is the home of Carnival so Carnival cannot be and is not cancelled”.
Damian Baboolal, Founder and Director of ‘illuSions‘
Baboolal adamantly exclaimed that whilst Carnival is a profitable experience for many sectors involved in the industry, the concept and history of Carnival is also one of hope. During the trials and uncertainty experienced worldwide, as well as by many in the entertainment and related industries, his team felt there was a need not only to host this event at no cost to the public, but also to do so in the name of charity.
Charitable initiatives are at the core of the illuSions brand as the organization conducted semi-annual food drives, with increased initiatives, throughout 2020 to assist those in need. Proceeds generated during Black 2 Blue – “D Backyard Jam” will be donated to the Just Because Foundation, which funds programs at the Children’s Cancer Ward in Mount Hope, in addition to ongoing drives to provide devices to children displaced by the pandemic.
Although Mr. Baboolal and co-Director, Mr. Larry Clarence, decided not to charge an admission fee to their virtual undertaking, they believe the quality of the event should be maintained to give their loyal fanbase the quality of experience they expect from an illuSions event. Thus, they booked a premium lineup of acts, which include returning Black 2 Blue artists such as Farmer Nappy, Voice, Nadia Batson, Kerwin Du Bois, and Bunji Garlin in addition to international DJs such as Private Ryan, Team JOY, Selectah Kerry and hosts Jerome Precilla and Serala Ramlogan.
The decision to maintain this event on the unofficial 2021 Carnival calendar was a financially challenging undertaking; however, illuSions’ loyal corporate partners over their 14 years of packed annual events: White Oak, Carib, Coca-Cola, Trojan, Nutrigo, Nescafe and KFC stepped up to the challenge.
The most notable corporate partner in this respect is title sponsor Digicel, well-known for supporting the arts and culture. Digicel decided not only to share the substantial financial undertaking with illuSions, but will also provide virtual channels through which to view the broadcast such as the Digicel Facebook page and the D’Music app. The broadcast will also be available on illuSions Mas’ YouTube channel.
Although viewing of the event is free to the public, there is a donation link provided on islandetickets.com that allows viewers to donate. The link will remain open throughout the Carnival 2021 season for all interested parties.
