WHILE our football dream team, Soca Warriors showcase their talent on the field of play in World Cup 2006; the large TnT cultural contingent confirmed to make the long trip to Germany will be the ones making real mas!

In one week’s time, the 129 cultural ambassadors will transport our Carnival, rated internationally as The Greatest Show on Earth lock; stock and barrel live to major cities across Germany, just to entertain the many fans visiting for the grand finals of the World Cup.

TnT’s presence will be felt not only in main areas like Dortmund, Nuremberg and Kaaiserslautern where they participate in Fan Fests, but they will also do their thing in the street parades and perform at half time and after the football games.

Among those who go on show in Germany will be Angostura- sponsored top soca acts Destra Garcia and Atlantik, Maximus Dan, Dawg E Slaughter, Xcaliber and Jugglers, who are all scheduled to perform in Limericks Pub in Dortmund and Hofbraukeller in Munich on June 10 and 17 respectively.

Another soca superstar Machel Montano and Xtatik is not about to miss the fun either and has been sponsored by promoters to thrill the audiences with his energetic performances.

Handpicked by the government to show off various aspects of local culture is a long list of more than 100 artistes, including 2006 national champs in respective categories like Calypso Monarch Luta (Morel Peters) two-time Steelband Panorama champions Phase 11 Pan Groove and 2006 Soca Monarch Shurwayne Winchester.

Also on the bandwagon is Calypso Rose, Neil “Iwer” George, Stalin (Leroy Calliste), Kees Diffenthaller, calypsonian Skatie, chutney crossover singer Rikki Jai, Eagle Boys Tassa Group, Defence Force Steel Orchestra (Pan Round ‘D’ Neck), Roy Cape All Stars, African and East Indian drummers, along with 25 dancers from different groups, winning Carnival costumes and traditional mas characters, including moko jumbies.

“We know many have been disappointed by their non selection,” an insider told Sunday PUNCH, “but the process was a carefully thought out and selected one.

“We had to handpick people who were not only the best, but who could equally represent TnT in a way that will not cost us embarrassment.”

But it will not be all football and fete as the the Tourism Development Company (TDC) is set on reaping other benefits as well. They will set up their soca caravan and with its slogan -- “Small Country, Big Passion” -- will highlight culture, tourism, sports and other investment opportunities for the thousands expected to pass through the booth.

There will be live performances at the booth during the month long football finals.

World Cup football kicks off on June 9 and Soca Warriors go into action on June 10, 15 and 20 against Sweden, England and Paraguay.