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Masquerader Monday - 21.01.19 | Briana






How and when did you first start playing mas? *
I started playing mas when I could afford it on my own. As much as I love it, it was not something my parents considered a financial priority. So believe you me! When I was available to finance my frontline dreams I DID!!!
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *
As a new makeup artist Miami Carnival 2018 was my favorite because it was the first time I contributed to the beauty that is mas with my artistry.
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
Music, Feathers, Glitter/Bling, and Great People!
Describe your perfect mas experience:
My perfect mas experience is a costume that fits perfect and hugs all the right places, a bomb dj on the truck, and my best squad and I all at the same level of turnt and we still far from the stage.
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
It’s for everyone! Often I hear people use something that makes them who they are as the reason why they can’t or shouldn’t play mas. They’ll say I’m too old, I’m too big, I’m too skinny, I have stretch marks/scars. Soooo what. No one one the road is watching for that. It’s all about being free, happy, and unapologetically you. If everyone on the road looked the same it would be boring. That’s why there’s a variety in costume choice so everyone can be their most comfortable best self! There are no flaws in mas only marks of individuality.
Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?
Mas in NYC (Labor Day) needs some help. It could use a longer route which could help with the stormer issue. But what do I know.
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
If I could play mas with any soca artist I could be Marzville simply because he just seems like soooo much fun at every fete I’ve seen him perform at.
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
My message would simply be continue to slay and play ah mas.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
One thing any one that knows me will say is I’ve always come off as a confident woman. But confidence is something I had to work hard on and I’m still working hard on it. I have become confident in how I look because I love that I am one of one. I love that there is only one Briana that looks, and sounds like me and that is me.
Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?
I would say a role model of mines is my mom. I watched her grow into who she is and seeing that helped me become soo comfortable with who I am.
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
It’s all in the name. #everyBODYplayahmas reminds people that mas is for everyone and no one show ever feel excluded because of how they look, their age, sexual orientation. Mas is for everyone.
Instagram @justbriiiiiiiii
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Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

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