Masquerader Monday - 22.10.18

Masquerader Monday - 22.10.18 | Shayla

How and when did you first start playing mas? *

I was born in New Orleans so Mardi Gras is a big part of my culture. I always wanted to extend that tradition by playing mas. My first carnival was Miami in 2016. I played with Madd Colors.

What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *

Los Angeles carnival was the best. My costume was amazing and Extasy Mas has great vibes.

What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?

Monistat chafing cream, comfortable tennis shoes, tights, sunscreen, crazy glue, and baby wipes.

Describe your perfect mas experience:

Beautiful costume, rum, soca, gorgeous makeup, and no behavior attitude.

What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?

It can be frustrating at times if you are from out of town and waiting to register online. People that visit the mas camp can register sooner so your favorite costume could sell out.

Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?

Yes, I would love to actually have a real carnival in Dallas. With soca artists, mas bands, and dj's

If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?

Destra because she is the QOB.

Anybody can play mas. The road is full of people of all shades and sizes. However, it can be disheartening when it's band launch season and curvy or dark skin women are not utilized in marketing the costumes.

Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *

Walk in your confidence. There is only one of you in this world so own it.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:

Definitely came with age. Just learned to accept who I am flaws and all.

Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?

Definitely all the strong women in my life.

How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?

It gives us a place to shine and uplift other women who enjoy playing mas. Its so inclusive and encouraging.

Comments

My experience as the Face of the Festival for Toronto Carnival 2019

I have been attending Caribbean carnivals since a child, and each and every experience is unique and special in its own way. From Trinidad to Jamaica, and Atlanta to Washington, each carnival has its own flavour, its own style, and its own vibe. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, I can’t help but have an appreciation for our carnival and feel a personal responsibility for its execution and the enjoyment of everyone. Whether through volunteering, participating, or helping administrators and costume makers along the way I have always tried to have my hand in the production of Toronto’s carnival. This year, as the Face of the Festival (along with Joel “The Connector” Davis), I was blessed with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to officially represent the carnival in public and in mass media, and the honour was everything I could have asked for, as a support of our hometown festival. It all began with my application for the Face of the Festival competition, where I expressed my

Carnival is for #everyBODY!

#everyBODYplayahmas is a body positive movement that showcases diversity in Caribbean carnivals. The body positivity movement is a social movement that seeks to promote acceptance and appreciation of all body types and sizes. The movement emphasizes the importance of self-love, self-care, and self-acceptance, regardless of physical appearance. In the context of Caribbean carnivals, which are vibrant celebrations of Caribbean culture and heritage, the body positivity movement can play an important role in promoting diversity and inclusivity. Caribbean carnivals are known for their colorful costumes, lively music, and energetic dancing, but they can also be a source of body shaming and exclusion for those who do not conform to traditional beauty standards. To showcase diversity in Caribbean carnivals, the body positivity movement can encourage people of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds to participate in the festivities. This can be done by creating inclusive spaces where people can fee

Masquerader Monday - 25.11.2019 | Shaquoia

I was born in Brooklyn New York 24 years ago and moved to Atlanta when I was 10 . My mother is from North Carolina and my dad is from Trinidad and Tabago . I'm a soca and afrobeat fanatic who loves to dance and sing EVERYWHERE and doesn’t care who is watching. Currently I work in the medical field as my 9-5 but I’m pursuing my dream in opening my store “Curved Essence” catered to providing trendy Affordable plus size clothing for all our lovely shapes . How and when did you first start playing mas? * I started playing Mas in 2016 . I’ve always enjoyed watching people chip on the road to soca music adorned in the most beautiful bright colored costumes and feathers . There’s this electric feeling in the air of freedom and joy . No one cares who is watching they are honestly having the time of there lives . So I gathered my closest friends and hit the road , and since then I’ve played almost every year ! What carnival experience has been your

#everyBODYplayahmas

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