#everyBODYplayahmas

Meet Masquerader  Neffer 'Boom' Kerr I am a grad student and writer. I have written for Ebony, Jet, and other publications as well. I have a blog on ChicagoNow called It's the Boom Show and am currently working on my first book. I love to sing, dance, and create art, but nothing brings me more joy than playing mas. How and when did you first start playing mas?  I was first exposed at 12 years old when I got to be around the Brasilian dance troupe Balé Folclórico da Bahia. That is when I fell in love with mas. I didn't start playing until adulthood, but now it's more than just looking and feeling good. The culture, the history, the why, and how it's done in different places is important to me. What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? Definitely Miami Carnival 2017. I was with my friends and my cousin. We got to the grounds right after they had locked the gate. We would have had to walk...

How and when did you first start playing mas?  Was always a family tradition. I started playing mas once I got over the fear and misconceptions of certain bodies welcomed into playing mas. What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date?  Any and every time I play Mas in the Islands. What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?  Comfortable Shoes, A cup for my drink lol and a live team ready to whine! Describe your perfect mas experience:  Outstanding perfectly-fitted costume (with no need for adjustments), great weather, great music, easy access to drinks and food, with a live and safe band to play with that has non-stop vibes! #NOSTUSHVIBES What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?  That all body types are welcome not the stereotype images often sold, and that playing mas is a MUST –DO at least once in life, and that it is the most AMAZING EXPERIENCE you will ever ...

Mother of two beautiful daughters, love making Mas, playing Mas & traveling the world enjoying my culture. How and when did you first start playing mas?  * 1984 the very first day it started in Miami What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date?  * The year my mom won Queen of carnival, I won female individual and my daughter won Jr Queen of carnival. What are some of your must-have carnival essentials? Tights, boots and carnival make up Describe your perfect mas experience: Being able to pick up a costume that fit my body type that I DO NOT have to alter. What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know? You can speak to a section leader band leader to get your costume just for your body type. It’s possible. Would you change anything about playing mas in your city? Yes, return it back to the street If you could play mas with on...

I work in a Pre School and I am also a Plus Size Model . I take part in plus size pageants and am currently Ms Jamaica Curve 2018. How and when did you first start playing mas?  * I started in 2016 when a friend invited me to play mas with her , with a relatively new band. It was something I had always talked myself out of due to lack of confidence. Luckily this time I didn’t! What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date?  * I’m most proud of when I wore my first costume! I started off nervous but once the rum was flowing the nerves soon went . What are some of your must-have carnival essentials? Rum Punch , Glitter , Vibes! Describe your perfect mas experience: Sun! U.K. weather is risky , so to have a sunny NHC would make it perfect! But rain or shine we have a great time! What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know? It’s not just one day...