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Masquerader Monday - 26.11.18 | Neffer 'Boom' Kerr





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 about a mile to get in and catch up with the band. My girl said 'F THAT, we are hopping this gate". And we proceeded to climb over an 8ft gate in full costumes (mind you we had a frontline and section leader, so they were BIG). I am still amazed all of us cleared that damn gate unscathed and ready to dance the day away!
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
MUST HAVES: baby wipes (cause you never know) gatorade chews (so you don't dehydrate and pass out in the sun) trail mix or protein bar (you get hungry on the road and it won't cramp your stomach) ziploc bag (my phone goes in there cause mas can get messy) salt and sugar packets (prevents leg cramps)
Describe your perfect mas experience:
I LIVE for Carnival in Trinidad. I have not gone yet, but I am saving up for it. This is the holy grail of carnivals to me, so in my mind it will be my perfect mas experience. Kadooment as well.
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
Often times, people who do not play mas or understand West Indian culture judge and hyper-sexualize playing mas. What thy don't understand is that just because your skin is out and your body is moving doesn't mean you aren't available to any and every thing. Also, never have I been disrespected, violated, or touched without my permission while playing mas. The men are quite respectful and accustomed to being surrounded by beautiful women so it's no big deal. I can't say the same for being in regular American clubs and fully clothed. Nothing but disrespect in there.
Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?
Absolutely. We have the Windy City Carnival here in Chicago, but it is very small. I would change the date and parade route and partner the Carnival with the Festival of Life (Our city's Caribbean Festival). I would make it so the Windy City carnival parade route ends at the entrance of the Festival of Life. More people would know about and participate in the Carnival then and it would add to the Festival of Life. That's what I would do.
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
Definitely Machel Montano. His energy is through the roof and I feel like he treats everyone like family.
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?


Yes

No
Do you wish to explain further?
Mas is about the SPIRIT of Carnival, not an aesthetic. And that spirit can touch any and everyone.
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? 
"It is not your business who doesn't like you. The only thing that matters is that YOU love, value, and appreciate yourself. Only then is when you will no longer allow people in your life who do not add value to it"
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
Negative early experiences can have a lasting affect. So in my young adult years I didn't always understand my beauty or value. It took a long time to get to where I am now, but the love I have for myself now (at close to 40) will never change or be compromised again. I feel GOOD in the skin I'm in.
Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?
My grandmother was my biggest inspiration and supporter. She taught me to never envy or compare myself to others because you never know what that woman may be going through. And to always know your strengths and best attributes and accentuate those. Her words stay with me to this very day.
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
It shows the truth. And the truth is, people of all shapes, sizes, orientations, and ages play and enjoy mas. That's not always the impression many people are given when they look on website of bands or promo videos. But when you are out there, you see that everyone is celebrated.

http://www.chicagonow.com/boom-show/ IG/Twitter: @itstheboomshow

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Location: Chicago, IL, USA

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