Skip to main content

Masquerader Monday - 17.12.18 | Nicole













Brief biography (profession, hobbies, passions, etc.): *
26 year old Youtuber Grad Student living in NYC. I'm currently getting my degree in Public Policy and Administration in hopes to become an Inspector General and Investigator. When I am not in my books I work for WCS located in The Bronx Zoo. My hobbies include swimming, dancing, and chasing carnival dreams.
How and when did you first start playing mas? *
I first started playing mas in 2013. I was exposed to it from a young age in Jamaica when my aunt participated. My first experience was not a pleasant one but the next year I found a new mas camp to participate in and it was love ever since. From there I tried out to model and did my first photoshoot for Miami Carnival 2017.
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *
My favorite carnival experience has to be New York 2017. I had such a great time with my friends and I felt amazing in my costume. J'ouvert was a blast and that energy was felt all the way through labor day parade.
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
Carnivalista stockings. So happy they have Diamond Curvy options now. My portable charge, arm wristband to hold my phone and/or vlogging camera, and a water bottle. Wucking and Chipping down the road can make you dehydrated pretty quickly so it's important to have water on you at all times.
Describe your perfect mas experience:
83-degree weather with a frontline costume made and tailored for my body, a big butterfly feathered backpack with rhinestones that sparkle like gold when it hits the sun. Great food, great music, and great weather.
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
No carnival experience is the same as being apart of the carnival experience. Jumping in and enjoying is one thing, but when you have a costume, get to feel apart of the team, that is the most fun. Once you get bit you will never look back.
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
Alison Hinds she is amazing & Skinny Fabulous because his energy is EVERYTHING!
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?


Yes
Curvy and Plus Size women in mas are only appreciated behind the scenes. You have these models in curvy options but yet don't look like the average curvy woman. Just because someone has wide hips, big butt, and a small waist does not make them Curvy or Plus Size in any sense. We need to appreciate the curvy women just as much as we appreciate others. It takes more than a 1 section in an entire band to say we cater to curvy/plus size women. Every section should make an effort to find curvy/p,plus size women to showcase the costume so that everyone feels welcome
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
Keep doing what makes you happy. No matter what anyone says mas is for you and will always be such. Break the stigma of mas and show people that mas is for every size, shape, and body.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
It's been a long journey and it's ongoing. I'm first learning to love myself the way God and The Universe made me. Other opinions don't matter because they don't make me who I am and people who love me will love me no matter what. This will be a never-ending journey and I'm happy to stay on this ride lol
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
By showing them that with a little confidence and a lot of money you can enjoy the carnival by being apart of the mas family.
IG: @__Magia.Negra Youtube: youtube.com/theblackgrad
Labels:
Location: Miami, FL, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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
Post a Comment
Read more

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
Post a Comment
Read more

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
Post a Comment
Read more