On January 30th 2023, the highly anticipated Youth Lounge with SKNYPA debuted on ZIZ’s Channel 5 and the social media pages of the St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association (SKNYPA) with a focus on culture and a recap of SugarMas 51. The premiere, according to the Association’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Hasani McDonald, truly was a “historic event,” providing an avenue for discourse on the impact of culture through the years, its continued relevance and evolution due to external influences.
During the pilot episode, the engaging discussion gave viewers a minute taste of the content that is to be expected in the coming months. PRO McDonald and Ms. Malyka Howell, PR Committee Vice Chair hosted the show while sharing the vision of Youth Lounge.
The show kicked off with contributions by Ms. Robertine Webbe, Director of the Creative Economy and Mr. Noah Mills, Business Consultant and Former Chair of the St. Kitts National Carnival Committee. Both cultural enthusiasts shared similar views of the critical role culture plays in our society. Particularly the ‘expansive’ yet ‘timeless’ characteristics ensure that it remains relevant for all.
A live demonstration of the masquerade followed featuring Mr. Jason Wilkes, Captain of the Valons International Masquerade Group. Sharing the history of the masquerade and its several influences, he noted the passion that drives his love for the art form and noted the impact the inclusion of folklore in primary school curricula could have on future generations.
Imparting rousing rhythmic beats into the show were the Brotherhood Drummers, led by Mr. Chevaun Matthew who began by sharing a history of drumming, his personal growth within the form and the growth of his Drumming School.
The final guest of the show was the 2022-23 Power Soca Monarch Winner, Stadics. Stadics shared the inspiration for his now infamous song and his love, passion and attachment for the cowbell.
Following a live performance by Stadics , the curtains came down with the host encouraging everyone to look forward to future captivating conversations on a variety of topics including religion, education, civic processes, tourism and financial literacy.
SKNYPA is grateful to ZIZ and Events Extraordinaire for their invaluable contributions towards the success of this show.
Future installments of Youth Lounge with SKNYPA will be hosted on the last Monday of every month at 8:30 pm. To stay up to date with the plans, activities and mission of SKNYPA, we encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter while subscribing to our Youtube Channel.
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