Playing five pulsating hands of infectious rhythms, Outlaw International Tassa Band captivated the judges to take the 2013 bpTT National Tassarama championship title before a massive crowd at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, on Independence night, August 31. Led by captain Richie Gurahoo, Outlaw International, which is based at Factory Road, Piarco, won the first prize of $25,000, beating out a record 23 bands in the senior division. They were accompanied by gyrating dancers and fire-eaters. An elated Gurahoo was mobbed by band members and supporters as he received the huge challenge trophy presented by Joel Primus, sustainability and stakeholder relations advisor, bpTT, title sponsor of the competition.
Former champions, Central Rhythmz Drummerz, had to settle for second place for the second straight year, with Malick All Stars Tassa Band placing third. Felicity Back Road Tassa Band were crowned champions in the junior division, winning $10,000. St Helena Youngsters captured second position, with Barrackpore Police Youth Club placing third. A release from BPTT said Primus was happy to see the massive support for T&T’s culture. “The large crowd coming out in support of our tassa is truly heartwarming and shows that we really treasure what is ours. We always brag that nobody in the world can celebrate like us Trinbagonians. Today, we celebrate our tassa, a part of our heritage and part of the rhythm that is in all of us,” he said.
Primus added: “bpTT extends heartiest congratulations to the competing bands, especially the junior bands because they are the ones to take the art form to the next generation.” The annual competition is organised by the Tassa Association of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT).
