Tobago flair reigns in heart of Germany

“Limbo your way to Tobago” was the overt message, and, with Tobago Lime as its motto, the Tourist Development Company Ltd’s (TDC) tour of Germany this summer was specifically to promote the island. Munich yesterday, Frankfurt today, Wiesbaden tomorrow, Mannheim this evening… there was no time for the steelband players of the Euphonic Sounds Steel Orchestra of Tobago to to take a break. And while Yellow Bird, Banana Boat, or Feeling Hot Hot Hot may seem clichéd to many Trinbagonians, for the Germans, listening to these Caribbean songs alluded to a certain nostalgic tropical sentimental journey, with palm trees swaying; mountains melting into turquoise waters; jungles fringing roads; exposing of island spices; and adorning brown skinned girls dancing limbo on a sultry evening—a kaleidoscope of motion.

When the carousel of steelband rhythm began, the German people gazed in amazement and listened to the exotic tones of the pannists. Their puzzled faces questioned, was it an organ, or trumpet and string, or could it just be a barrel organ? The pedestrian zone of Frankfurt and Wiesbaden turned into a tropical bliss for a while, and people felt in the mood for dancing as children ran to the steel drums to have a go at the curious instruments. Many onlookers tried their athletic skills at the limbo, but none could beat the acrobatic limbo dancing of the T&T girls. Choosing Frankfurt to promote Tobago seemed to be the right choice, as the open hearted hospitality of the city dates back to centuries old trading roles, and the diversity of its residents.