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Masquerader Monday - 09.12.2019 | Bryanna aka Benz






RECE/Cashier by day, feter by night
How and when did you first start playing mas? *
I started playing mas in 2015 with Saldenah in Toronto
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *
My experience in Jamaica 2018!
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
Hot glue gun, setting spray, edge control, DEODERANT, scissors, eyelash glue
Describe your perfect mas experience:
Good people, good vibes, plenty plenty drinks
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
This is your connection to the ancestors. Throughout lost history, this is all we have to enjoy and cherish to pass onto future generations. Carnival is not a phase. Also, don't forget to take naps during your experience when you can lol.
Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?
I would like for the police to take the parade a little more seriously to prevent stormers from ruining the fun of the parade.
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
Nessa Preppy cause issa snack pack! I'd be her like the chicken drumstick to her fries. She just seems like someone who knows how to have my kind of fun.
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas?
Not really cause it doesn't matter to me! We're all having fun.
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
I appreciate #everyBODYplayahmas network for uplifting women of ALL colours, shapes, and sizes. It makes playing mas so much more comfortable being able to see women who are just like me being comfortable in their own skin, looking beautiful as always, and having the time of their life.
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
The confidence that I am growing into comes from playing mas. In 2012, I went to Caribana for the first time since childhood (my mother didn't let me go for all those years cause of the city violence and she was no longer interested). Overall, my mother always discouraged me from being somewhat comfortable in my own skin, since I was a child and if I ever mentioned playing mas or even wearing a bathing suit, in general, I would always hear the same thing "you're too fat for that", "you think you'll look good like that?", "that's not for girls who look like you". In 2013 I was amazed at the different women playing mas and enjoying themselves and I told myself that one day I will play mas, regardless of what has been said. I played two years later for the first time and continuously ever since. I eventually grew the confidence to model for a few costumes as well. After those experiences, I am more confident and I love every inch of my body.
Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?
I wish I did honestly.
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
I appreciate many blogs that make itineraries and travelling (shout out to @theimpantienttourist also) easier
Please list any contact details you would like added to the post (ex. Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat, Pinterest, etc) *
@benzkitty on almost everythaaaaang

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Location: Toronto, ON, Canada

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