The 6 M's of Caribbean Carnival
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The 6 M’s of Caribbean Carnival
Toronto Carnival Series
Carnival Come Back Again!
In just a few weeks, Toronto will be hitting the Lakeshore for Caribbean Carnival for the first time in two longgggggggggggg years. I definitely felt the absence of Toronto Carnival aka Caribana on both a personal and professional level. Aside from my own grief, I really felt for my colleagues that are heavily involved in the production of the parade. Nonetheless, we all weathered the storm, and can now countdown to the day where we return to the Lakeshore on July 30th, 2022. Instead of just sharing my annual Toronto Carnival Guide, I will be releasing a series of Caribbean Carnival blog content on this platform filled with tips, resources and experts that you should know. Here goes post number one of the series!
The 6 M’s of Caribbean Carnival.
There are so many aspects of carnival that create the magic we see and feel on the road. From the design of the costume, to the band launches, to the mas making/accessory shopping/fitness routine etc. On today’s blog I highlight six significant aspects of Caribbean carnival through the lens of some of the top people in the city that bring these aspects to life with their work.
The Mas: Caribbean Carnival Masquerade (*the mas*), is what tells the story of the people. Designs that were made months in advance based on a given theme are produced, presented and worn by thousands across the parade route. The mas truly highlights the creativity of the Caribbean people.
The Music: Whether soca, pan, calypso or other wonderful Caribbean sounds, the music is what sets the tone and creates the feelings along the parade route.
The Meals: Caribbean food is a cuisine like no other with rich flavours, distinct spices and so much flair. Every island may have their own speciality dishes and cooking styles - but one thing is for sure, you can always expect tasty meals at Caribbean Carnival.
The Movement: Dance is an integral part of carnival. It is the natural reaction to music and good vibes in the atmosphere. The jump and wave, wine, chip and more recently the palance are just some of the many moves you will see masqueraders and spectators doing.
The Modeling: Band launches are the kick start to carnival season in any city. It is one of the most anticipated times and creates such excitement. Models of all shapes and sizes present the costumes with ease, style and grace.
The Memories: A really good Carnival memory lives in your soul for years on years. Whether it is your first look at yourself in costume on carnival morning or crossing the judging stage with hundreds of other masqueraders in your section. All of that hits different when these moments are captured on video or in a photo. Below is the perfect example of that. In 2011 I will NEVER forget how I felt playing my mas on the judging stage! I broke my purse, lost an eyelash and my rag - but none of that mattered. To my surprise, the next morning I found out that a photographer from the Toronto Star captured my section crossing that stage. The photo was used on the cover of the newspaper - look who was front and centre.
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~The Music~
DJ Kevin is one of the most requested Caribbean DJs out of Toronto. I personally am a big fan of his musicality and his wide range of music knowledge. I don’t get impressed easily (lol) but I have been a huge fan of his every since I heard a Maximus Dan set he did at a Toronto event. Learn more about his story below!
DJ Kevin
GUYANESE AND TRINIDADIAN
Say hello to DJ Kevin: born and raised from Toronto Canada. Well known for his love of the art form and vigorous work ethic DJ Kevin is the paramount of versatility in his craft. By this Kevin is one of Canada’s most sought after club DJs as well as an esteemed remixer/producer. He’s also well known for his FM radio presence as a host/DJ on the Weekend Ignition every Saturday broadcasted on Toronto’s Vibe105FM. Additionally, his guest appearances on other stations worldwide, HOT97 in St Vincent, Slam100.5 and Boom94.1 in Trinidad, HOT89.5 in Ottawa among many others.
What aspect of Toronto Carnival did you miss the most the past two years?
The most obvious answer to this would have to be the grand parade. Touching Lakeshore Blvd with the music, sound, and masqueraders is a feeling I can not explain. If you have been there you will understand what Im talking about. Additionally, it would have to be the build up to carnival, all of the incredible events/concerts that happen leading up to the parade as well as the celebrations after has to be something that I hold very special to me and can’t wait to do again.
What Is Your Favourite Caribbean Carnival Memory:
Every carnival has its own special memory. There isn’t a particular favourite, some islands are special solely because it’s the first time I’ve been there and being a person who is born and raised outside of the Caribbean to experience a carnival in the Caribbean is a blessing of its own.
What upcoming projects / events do you have coming for this season?
There is a lot of projects in the works, some I can mention, some I can not. As I write these responses while on tour currently in Cayman Islands for carnival I can confidently say I will be back here very soon. There are a lot of other cities I will be in within the next couple weeks. Outside of that, I am working on a few original productions to contribute to Soca music, fusing what I hear around the globe with Soca.
~The Modeling~
Lateisha is the city’s favourite model in the Toronto Carnival scene. As she should be - after investing years into the culture and ripping the runways for many of the Toronto Carnival bands. We modelled together quite a few times back when I performed at the Toronto band launches, so I can tell you first hand that this job is not as simple as just putting on a costume and walking down the catwalk. Beauty is the easy part. It takes SKILL to do the job well and sell a costume. Plus, much TIME is invested - from fittings, photo shoots, re-shoots (if a costume needs to be changed) the actual show, and promotional events leading up to the parade! Learn more about her story below!
Carnival Bae
BAJAN - JAMAICAN
Say hello to Lateisha: also known as Carnival Bae. Her love for carnival began at a young age when her father would play calypso and take her to the parade here and in Barbados. She began modelling for Toronto Bands in 2012 and that has grown into something she could not see herself not doing! Lateisha loves being on stage and bringing costumes to life. With 2022 and the return of Carnival, she added another aspect to the Carnival Bae name. You can now visit her instagram page for “Carnival Tip Tuesdays” where she educates others about Toronto Carnival and Caribbean culture in general.
What aspect of Toronto Carnival did you miss the most the past two years?
Although I missed being on stage but I missed being on the road in costume with other soca lovers even more. I was blessed to make it to Miami for carnival in 2021 and I left it all on the road. I remember taking a brief moment to shed some tears as the moment was surreal. I am happy we are back in action.
Your Favourite Caribbean Carnival Memory:
So far, the memory goes to my Jamaica carnival experience in 2019. I have not had the opportunity to get to Trinidad (see you in 2023) so, I know this is not the epitome. However, I enjoyed being in one of my home countries around soca and reggae and amazing food! Definitely ready to go back.
What upcoming projects events do you have coming for this season?
I will be continuing my “Carnival Tip Tuesday” segments on Instagram @carnivalbae. Plus, I will also be working with a big sponsor as their face in June and July (cant say just yet). You can also find me on the road with Carnival Nationz for 2022 in Hera as well as at all the official Toronto carnival events.
~The Meals~
SugarKane Restaurant is such a fresh element along the Danforth bringing the Caribbean vibes and Caribbean food. Their menu is filled with many classics dishes and some fusion style options for those with a diverse palate. So happy they brought back the bake and shark, that is my favourite! Learn more about the owners’ story below!
SugarKane Restaurant
TRINIDADIAN - GRENADIAN
www.sugarkanerestaurant.ca
@sugarkanerestaurant
699 Danforth Avenue
Say hello to the ladies of SugarKane Restaurant - owned and operated by three sisters! SugarKane offers a mouth-watering taste of the Caribbean with a big twist! Sweet & Spicy flavours from the Caribbean and a Big Bold Cajun kick!
What aspect of Toronto Carnival did you miss the most the past two years?
We truly missed the Toronto Carnival the past two years! There is an excitement in the city around Carnival time that is unmatched. Although, we have only been open long enough to celebrate one Toronto Carnival at SuagarKane, we had the most fun showcasing live steel pan music, as well as a few models to showcase the beautiful handmade Caribbean costumes! We look forward to celebrating this year!
What Is Your Favourite Caribbean Carnival Memory:
One of our favourite memories of the Toronto Carnival was way back in the 80s when it was called Caribana. We used to sit on the side of the streets on University Ave in downtown Toronto with our parents, aunts, uncles and cousins, eating cheese paste sandwiches, beef patties & snow cones and watching the beautiful costumes and people dancing. When the big bands passed, we would get up, dance and jump up! It was the best!
What upcoming projects / announcements / events do you have coming for this season?
This year, the city is still opening up slowly but surely, and we will have steel pan music, soca dj’s, custome models and ‘of course’ we will be highlighting Caribbean food! Come dine with us soon at 699 Danforth Avenue!
~The Movement~
Sulaire is a literal mover and shaker in the city. I have the pleasure of working with her directly throughout the many adventures of Carnival Spice which is an award winning Caribbean fitness and entertainment group. Whether she is performing in live/virtual shows or teaching a dance or fitness class, one thing you will guarantee from Sulaire is ENERGY. Learn more about her story below!
Sulaire
Say hello to Sulaire: She is a fitness and dance instructor that has been dancing professionally for over 6 years and has been instructing fitness classes for the last 5 years. In all capacities, she aims to motivate others to move their bodies and feel good, while providing a fun atmosphere to do so. Her passion for wellness and self-evolution has allowed her to help others identify and tap into their strengths so they can ascend to their highest potential.
What aspect of Toronto Carnival did you miss the most the past two years?
From participating in band launches and showcasing the beautiful costumes, to instructing Carnival Spice classes within the community to physically prepare everyone for the road (although I did get to connect with some people virtually via various dance/fitness workshops), to participating in the parade itself (makeup, feathers, and the whole she-bang) …each part is so special and meaningful, but what I missed most was crossing the stage in front of judges and dancing with the rest of my section as confetti is sprayed in the air. It is such a magical moment.
Your Favourite Caribbean Carnival Memory:
My most prominent memory of carnival was attending Caribana as a young girl (around 6 years old). Before they separated masqueraders and bystanders with fences, families would picnic on the grassy hills of Lakeshore Blvd, while watching beautiful costumes pass. During these occasions we would meet other relatives that would travel from afar to dance, drink, eat and be merry, while the children would play games until our hearts were content.
What upcoming projects events do you have coming for this season?
Last year, I launched a beach workout called PULL UP & FLEX. It is about showing up for yourself, enjoying the outdoors and getting in a good sweat. I am so excited to restart this program this summer. Anyone who would like more information can visit @sulairepfitness for updates. As I continue to lead Carnival Spice dance classes across the city, stay tuned for the release of the first ever "Soca Dance Directory” dropping on our YouTube channel May 16th. It will feature soca dance moves from A-Z that will help you get ready for the road.
~The Memories~
For all the carnival lovers here, Yinx is one of the faces behind The Collabo Vibe aka the place you go first for coverage of Toronto Band Launches. She and I connected during my time as a Toronto Carnival model. I would always try to find her at shows because I knew she would capture some of the best photos of me; plus she would always welcome me with her beautiful smile. Learn more about her story below!
Yinx
LUCIAN - NIGERAIN
Say hello to Yinx: She is a creative and strategist based within Toronto with a passion for culture, design and community engagement. Her personal journey as a creative within carnival began a decade ago, when she started a blog known as The Collabo. She teamed up with two peers, as an all-female media team. The blog has evolved into The Collabo Vibe- a trusted source for band-launch coverage in Toronto. Yinx is also intrigued by the global movement of carnival, with respect to innovations and influencers that propel carnival to scale. This was the catalyst that led her to create MAS. IV. - a platform focused on highlighting thought leadership and trends across four focus areas: Mas, Muse, Movement and Music.
What aspect of Toronto Carnival did you miss the most the past two years?
The aspects I definitely missed was the anticipation and excitement I would get during band launch season, where bands and designers showcase their creativity through the translation of the theme, designs and Mas presentation on stage. Through our work as media, we have had the privilege of capturing these special moments behind the lens and being a trusted source that has curated launch footage from across the years. Although I did not miss the late nights and early mornings post launch, it is certainly wonderful to see peers, models and bands throughout the 2022 band launch season.
Your Favourite Caribbean Carnival Memory:
There are many that come to mind, though I think one of my most memorable was playing Mas for the first time in Trinidad Carnival. I distinctly remember looking up at one point and seeing confetti descending from the air, hearing the sounds of soca and feeling complete joy from being immersed by other masquerades, family and new found friends while playing Mas. I still have video from my first trip that I re-watch, just to re-live and remember that moment.
What upcoming projects events do you have coming for this season?
We will be continuing our band launch coverage and sharing a special post - 2022 band launch series. I also look forward to sharing spotlight interviews that highlight the stories and journey of carnival creatives. Last but not least, I also am the Toronto ambassador for carnivalista, so will planning upcoming pop ups for masqueraders to get their carnival accessories.
~The Mas~
Calvin is one of three section leaders for Crown Mas based in Toronto. I appreciate Calvin and his team because they are always looking for innovative ways to showcase mas while simultaneously engaging wider audiences to learn the culture or participate in carnival. Learn more about his story below!
Calvin
JAMAICAN - GUYANASE.
@calvinhyman_
@crownmasto
- play mas in Miami Beach for Toronto Carnival 2022
Say hello to Calvin: He works in corporate sales full-time + fitness instruction part-time + a Toronto Carnival section leader for CROWN MAS (365 Days of the year).
What aspect of Toronto Carnival did you miss the most the past two years?
As a section leader I missed the community and working with my team. We all find purpose in different aspects of life but Carnival allows me to combine my work ethic, creativity and love for my culture into one.
Your Favourite Caribbean Carnival Memory:
My favourite carnival memory is from the 2019 season. The first year Crown Mas "touched road". We had a lot to learn and even more work to do. There is no greater feeling than seeing your ideas come to life carnival day. More importantly we built more than costumes, we built a family.
What upcoming projects / events do you have coming for this season?
At Crown Mas we spent the last two summers working on CARNIVAL IS SPORT and will be showcasing some new ideas and designs closer to the parade date. We are also trying something new in regards to how carnival is seen in the eyes of young women and representation. I know both of those answers are vague but you will see when they come to life.
