Masquerader Monday - 04.02.19 | Brandi

Brief biography (profession, hobbies, passions, etc.): *

I am currently a Project Manager at a hospital in Galveston, Tx. I like to read, dance, watch movies, go try different foods. My passions include soca, Jouvert, playing mas, and making different crafty items.

How and when did you first start playing mas? *

I first started playing mas in 2013 with Madd Colors in Houston, Texas. Ive always been in love with costumes and the artistry of the costumes, so I decided in 2013 to give it a try.

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

My favorite carnival experience thus far has been ATL 2018 with Sesame ATL. I loved my costume and definitely felt like a carnival queen. Natti and Youee you ladies rock!!

What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?

My must have carnival essentials are a fanny pack, mobile battery bank, money, and snacks.

Describe your perfect mas experience:

My perfect mas experience would be playing frontline in a beautiful costume with a big backpack or collar. The road dj's playing soca from every island and every year, not just the latest soca tunes. Food and Drinks being plenty on the road, not being bunched up or packed in on the road, 'cuz I like room around in the band with no issues. Last but not least, the stage needs to be big for all of the masqueraders to fit and cross the stage properly.

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

Do not be afraid to go after the costume you want. If you want to play in a particular section, be a individual, carnival queen, etc, let your section leaders know, 9 out of 10 times they will be more than happy to make you an individual or queen/king to showcase their section or costume. :)

Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?

For playing mas in Houston, I would change the road length and location. Houston mas bands want a longer parade route, with more space on the road.

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

If I could play mas with one soca artist, it would definitely be Motto, because he is funny, anti -stush, and got a WICKED, and super crazy waistline.

Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?

Yes I absolutely do. I think this, because about 50% of the curvy, fluffy community still get the side eye or fat shamed when they play mas on the road. I myself get fat shamed every year for at least one of the carnival costumes I wear, due to people thinking I should be smaller or look a certain way to play mas. Fat shaming women during carnival is so disrespectful and discouraging to us fluffy women who really love to play mas or to the fluffy women who do want to play mas, but are afraid to do it due to what people in society thinks. Playing mas is for everyone, not just skinny or thick girls.

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

Never be afraid to show off your body, and no matter what anyone says or has ever said to you, you are beautiful the way you are. Do not change who you are for society.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:

My journey to becoming a confident woman, was a long and emotional one. There were many days I used to be jealous, and sad because of how I looked. Tried multiple ways to loose weight and did things to look like other women, but failed each time, which crushed my confidence even more. When I became a senior in high school, I finally decided to love my body and stopped trying to fit in with everyone else. Now I love my body to death, and wont change it for anything.

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

Some people who have inspired me is the creator of Everybody Play Ah Mas, Fluffy Mishka, Yishaa P, Monif C(plus size fashion designer), Tabra M(plus size model)

How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?

I think movements like this one assist masqueraders, by showing them the different people who actually play mas, and helps them learn about the different costume designers, mas bands, costume types, and carnivals around the world.

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