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Masquerader Monday - 24.12.18 | Saahir











Saahir - a program manager with a passion for event planning. I love to dance which is how I learned about Caribbean culture.
How and when did you first start playing mas?
I was introduced to SokaTribe, a great dance fitness class. The founder Shermica is from Trinindad. My dear friend Damali wanted to go to CropOver, so in 2017 as part of her birthday activities, so we started the prep work. Part of my prep was participating in Hookie Life's, Riddim and Road with a crew from SokaTribe. I learn what lack of endurance meant, the hard way :) The heat, the energy, the non stop movement, the SUN. I passed out, but after some great care on the truck I was back at it and totally excited and prepared for Cropover. Cropover was super fun because we went with the concierge service Carnival Jumpers.
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? 
Jamaica 2018! It was so fun to be with my SokaTribe crew and participate with Xaymaca!! The trucks were fun, the food was good. It was a truly unique experience!!
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
Gatorade Crews, or some equivalent, a protein bar, energy cookie or some other snack (know your snack needs). I am very clear that my body does better when I have a little bit of food every few hours. Water and Rum are easy to find, food is not always as easy so I plan accordingly. A good sweat towel, it has to be absorbent so you can dab away the sweat, but not leave any bits behind so your make-up stays POPPING!!!
Describe your perfect mas experience:
My perfect mas experience starts with me actually getting breakfast :) Great Road Management and I loved the drink runners of both Aura and Zulu International, that is part of perfection and a road that is not too fast, my chip is good, I am not a fan of running behind the truck. The prefect mas has great people on the road, dancers and just people who are about the Carnival Life!!! To end my perfect mas experience, I would be able to eat at the end :)
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
Playing mas is an endurance game. If you plan to play mas, you are probably in for the entire experience and that means days of activities, morning fetes, night fete's, Jouvert. If you are any type of introvert plan some down time for yourself. Make sure the people that you go with understand your needs. Comfort over fashion ALLLL day. You have to be able to move, chip and whine..well those are my priorities :)
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?
I think we put in our heads that there is an age limit or a size limit, but when you are on the road no one cares, you are loved by many and the feelings of joy and belonging are totally worth it. I think that designers could make actual plus size costume. Like when I order a 3X give me an actual 3X. This year's costume from Zulu International was AMAZING!! It fit, like with no alternations, extra tights, no DIY, Just put it on and PARTY!!! That was AWESOME. If more bands just made costumes that fit they would change the game for everyone and really create an inclusive environment.
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
Enjoy yourself!! Have fun and support your fellow woman and man. Don't get distracted by other people's clothing or bodies. When you can help. Be a great support.
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
I think #everyBODYplayamas is a great movement, it is necessary to see the various body shapes and sizes, evenstyles. It is a great platform, but not everyone wants to get in front of the camera because of our insecurities and self esteem, being able to see everybody on #everyBODYplayamas is great!
@mashupfete_life @SokaTribe
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Location: Washington, USA

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