Question and Answer With the Band Leader

I don't think that I got my question answered.. But correct me if i'm wrong!!What advise do you have for people that would like to get into the mas industry, say getting into designing costumes or doing costume sketches etc. (1st had drawing) who can we approch with our ideas??

Sorry but I answered this question twice already. Squeezle is right check the archives. But thanks for the question, if there is anything else I be glad to answer

Hello Bandleader,
I am unsure if this is an appropriate question or if you feel comfortable answering, but I am really interested in your perspective on the following issue.Since Mac Farlane's first production, there have been many comments that his work is simply a replica of Peter Minshall's; that his creations lack that something 'different'. Do you agree? What is your take on it?(and please explain)

I guess there is some truth in saying that there are similarities in some of Brian's work to Peter's. After all I guess Peter in away was a mentor to Brian. But I would certainly say it is unfair to assume he is not Peter's equal. Brian has many years of design and decorating under his belt, and is certainly qualified to carry the torch (so to speak.) He also has the talent to take it beyond the capability of Peter. Remember he has only been producing his own band about 5 years. His future is bright and full of possibilities. Once Brian does not make the same mistakes that Peter has, he can achieve anything, and certainly he is equal to, and is surpassing Peter.

Thanks again for another week.
B.L.

Image Nation Band Launch

Photos from Image Nations band launch of their Carnival 2009 "Coral Reef" are now online at Xclusiv Events:

Lots of interesting combinations like a bikini and bra set paired with genie pants and all manner of variations on the sailor theme.. my first response is "hmmmmm".

Of the three years that Image Nation has been a band to me this is their weakest (dare I even say most cosquel) presentation yet, and I am a supporter of their previous work. Some of the materials and colours did not translate from the sketches into reality I am afraid . On a positive note, I applaud the use of a plus sized model at the launch.

SOURCE:
www.xclusiveventz.com

Vintage Tuesdays

The year is 1955, hailed as one of the biggest Carnivals ever, even the rain could not keep Her Royal Highness Princess Margaret from tapping her feet along with the steel band! Archived at TIME online is an article about the Princess' visit and LIFE magazine also featured her on the cover during her visit to Trinidad.

Life Magazine February 21, 1955 : Color Cover - Margaret in Trinidad

Read all about it in today's Vintage Tuesday, click on the book to view online:

To Download today's Archive click HERE


SOURCE
www.time.com
www.2neatmagazines.com

The Story of Africa

“Africa, Her People, Her Glory, Her Tears.”

A long time ago, there lived a woman named Manzandaba (mah-nzah-ndah’bah) and her husband Zenzele (zay-nzay-lay).

They lived with their family in a traditional home in a small mud hut on the outskirts of the village homestead and for the most part, they were very content.

The girls would spend their days with Manzandaba weaving, cooking and making pottery and the boys hunted and tilled with Zenzele, who also had the hands and heart of an artist.

In the evenings when the family would sit around the fire before going to sleep they were restless. It was too dark for weaving or carving, and yet too early to go to sleep.

“Mama” the children would cry, “Sifuna izindaba!” (see-foo-nah ezee-ndah’-bah) “We want stories! Tell us some stories, Mama!”

Manzandaba would think and think, trying to find a story she could tell her children, but it was of no use. She and Zenzele sought the counsel of their neighbors, but none of them knew any stories. They listened to the wind but they heard nothing.

One day Zenzele told his wife that she must go in search of stories. He promised to look after the home and to care for the children. Manzandaba agreed. She kissed her husband and children good-bye and set off.

The woman asked every creature she passed but had no luck until she met a gazelle. “Oh, kind Ndlovu (ndloh’-voo), “she asked, “do you know where I might find some stories? My children and people are hungry for some tales, and we do not have any!”

“Dear woman,” said the gazelle , “I do not know of any stories but my friend Nkwazi (nkwah’-zee) the great spirit bird might be able to help for he is able to see the secrets of the big, wide world.

They found the spirit bird near the mouth of the Tugela River and called out ad he was swooping down from the sky.

“Nkwazi! Nkwazi,” the gazelle shouted. “Oh great and wise Nkwazi, this woman is hungry for stories to take back to her family and her people. Do you know where she might find such tales?

The bird looked carefully at Manzandaba. “Woza, nkosikazi”, said the bird.

“Hello,” said Manzandaba. She told the bird of her desire.

“ Climb onto my back and hold onto my wings,” said Nkwazi, I will carry you first to the Land of the Spirit People to a time close to the age where the First Man and First Woman walked upon the earth.

The woman took hold of his large wings and up they went into the expanse of the sky before swooping into time. The spirit bird took her straight to the thrones of the King and Queen. They were so regal and their eyes burst with mystery from beneath their beautifully painted faces and jeweled wraps.

Manzandaba bowed down before them.

“What do you wish of us, woman form the other side?” they asked.

“Do you have tale that I could take to my people?” Manzandaba asked rather shyly.

“Yes, “they said, “we have many stories. Our ceremonies, our family life and our traditions have been with us since the beginning of time. But what will you give us in exchange for those stories, Manzandaba?”

“What do you desire?” Manzandaba asked.

“What we would really like,” they said, “is a picture of our future.” We have heard talk that there is and umillo (fire) coming our way and we are scared for we have been told it will destroy our way of life. Since you can travel through time with Nkami, can you bring us mews of what our future will look like.”

Manzandaba could not believe her luck; this would yield her a treasure chest of tales.

“Oh, yes!” she answered. “I can do that! Thank you, thank you!’

Manzandaba set off to do as the Spirit King’s bid.

Again Nkwazi sped through time and soared fast as lightning. Manzandaba saw as many villages as there were hills and land and seas. She saw large compounds with several generations of family living in them.

“These children are as important as my children,’ she said as she looked on and saw how each child’s development was shared by every one in the community.

“See where your own traditions began?” prodded the bird, “all these children belong to the village.”

Nkwazi hovered above a wedding ceremony. There was much laughter and gaiety and a huge, sumptuous meal that everyone had come to share.

In time they reached a great river and paused. Everything looked strange but still familiar: the land, the great mountains, and the people. But as Manzandaba turned toward the river to drink she felt a great heat. When she looked she saw an Umillo its heat dazzled her eyes and caused her skin to burn. In the water Manzandaba and Nkwazi saw Death, Disease and Destruction. They saw children burying their parents. They saw babies being born with a sickness that killed their parents. The saw small children wandering around without care, food or hope.

Manzandaba could not take this news back to the Spirit People, instead she instructed Nkwazi to return to her village. There she hurried straight to Zenzele and told him what she saw and made request.

“Zenzele, please create something for me to take back to the Spirit People?”

That very night Zenzele went to work and with deft fingers began to carefully create a picture of Africa, of her past rich with traditions and her future mad bleak with the generation lost children. He called his piece: “Africa, Her People, Her Glory, Her Tears.”

When the next round moon showed her face, Zenzele was ready. He carefully tied the picture to Manzandaba’s back. She climbed on the Nkwazi back and away they went to the Spirit Kingdom.

When the King and Queen of the Spirit people was the painting they became somber.

“You have warned us,” they said, and fell silent.

They then praised Zenzele’s talent and gave Manzandaba a special necklace made of lion’s teeth for her husband in thanks.

“And now for you Manzandaba and your people, “we give the gift of stories.” And they handed her the largest and most beautiful shell she had ever seen.”

Whenever you want a story, “they said, “just hold this shell to your ear and you will have your tale!”

Manzandaba thanked them for their extreme kindness and with Nkwasi I headed back to her own world.

When she arrived at the shore, there to meet her own family and all the people of her village. They sat around a huge fire and called out, “Tell us a story, Manzandaba! Tell us a story!”

So she sat down, put the shell to her ear, and began, “Kwesuka sukela…..”

Monday Question Time

When this question and answer session first started it was to give you, readers and masqueraders, to communicate with a band leader to get your questions answered. This far we have gotten some interesting and thought provoking questions but it seems as if you guys might be running out of steam; I wonder if the hype for Carnival has waned a bit.

Anyway, if you have any questions for out band leader please leave a comment or email me at trinicarnivaldiary@yahoo.com.

Africa!!

Brian Mc Farlane's launch of his 2009 Carnival presentation "Africa - Her People, Her Glory, Her Tears", yesterday, had to be the most invigorating, exciting and unique band launches I have ever been to!

The entire band launch was shrouded in mystery as invited guests and media were only informed of the date and time of the launch with instructions that we were to assemble at the KFC Car park in Chaguaramas; from there were to be taken to an undisclosed location and advised to wear comfortable clothing and sneakers... did I mention that were to meet at 5:30am!!

Leaving home in the wee hours of the early morning, we were greeted by showers which cleared up on the way to Port of Spain, alas the rain eventually followed our trail as ominous clouds could be seen as the Dawn broke. In spite of the threat of rain the production carried on as anticipated with only a slight delay in departure. At this time we were informed that we would be taken to two locations, one for breakfast, and upon reaching the second location we were to take a ten minute hike to the setting of "Africa". It took a while to digest the news of the ten minute hike, as one photographer in particular seemed shocked at the prospect of having to leave the comforts of modern transportation to actually walk!

Shuttle buses took us to from the car park to destination number one, a rustic cottage, the site of the movie Mystic Masseur, where we were treated to a "local breakfast of coconut bake, smoke herring, salt fish and porridge!

Candles and lanterns were used to illuminate the cottage which was decorated sparingly with antique items such as an iron, baskets, goat hide and burlap covered tables.

The breakfast provided was absolutely delicious and after everyone had enjoyed the meal were then taken a short distance way to destination number two; the hiking trail to Edith Falls.

At this time the rain started ever so gently sprinkling us as we made makeshift rain coats from garbage bags, also used to protect the camera equipment, and were provided with umbrellas. Approaching the trail I now saw the need for sneakers; imagine a muddy, leaf strewn path through bamboo and dense vegetation and that was the path we took.

By this time the rain has started pouring from the skies, but thankfully the vegetation was so thick it also provided us with cover from a sure drenching. The walk itself was not laborious, even for someone like me who does not like the "nature stuff" it was an exciting adventure to be traipsing through a muddy forest early on a Saturday morning. A few minutes into the walk Afro Chic, who was walking ahead, turned and said she had just seen an "African" up ahead!! We came to a clearing in the forest and heard chanting and singing as a procession of "Africans" dancing and drumming made their appearance:

The drumming and dancing continued as the dancers gave a rousing energetic performance

Dressed in robes and a mask symbolic of an Elephant, Mc Farlane appeared leading a succession of characters adorned with beautiful headpieces made from flowers, leaves, twigs and branches. "Africa, her people, her glory, her tears"...was the greeting Mc Farlane gave as he began to orate on the concept and theme of the band.

Africa, he intimated, was speaking to him since 4 years ago and after the 2007 presentation of "India the story of Boyie" he was compelled to follow that presentation with "Africa" but was worried it would be contrived as being too cliche. However, Mc Farlane said, he could no longer resist the call of Africa. Africa will be the largest presentation to date, with 19 sections, celebrating the 5th anniversary of Mc Farlane's debut into Carnival.

As the African's honour their ancestors so too shall Mc Farlane as the section "Zulu Tribe" is a tribute to George Bailey a pioneer in African mas. Also, a team from Mc Farlane's camp will be visiting various orphanages in Trinidad to lecture to kids on the beauty of the motherland of Africa as well as speak on HIV/AIDS awareness. Consequently, these children will be left with a brown cotton canvas which they will paint in their own "child like interpretation" of the future of Trinidad and Tobago. The last section of the band will evolve on stage to show the horror of HIV in Africa; at this time the mammoth tapestry of the children's art will be weaved throughout the band so that spectators can view the children's hope for not only, Africa but Trinidad and Tobago.

Soon, the sections were revealed as each character was disrobed revealing the artwork for each section:

Following this Mc Farlane lead us, and the procession, out of the forest




While we waited on the shuttle buses to return to take us back to the cottage, the procession continued their march .....

Back at the cottage we were again treated to more food, this time a signature African Dish, Yam,Channa and fish:

Everyone was then invited to feel free and approach the band leader for a discussion on his Africa:

After an incredibly exciting and interesting morning we made our departure, and I can honestly say that this is one presentation that I am excited to see on the road for 2009. Africa.. her people, her glory, her tears.

For the FULL Album of photos from the band launch CLICK HERE. Also you can click on any of the photos for a large view.

Please note, Mc Farlane's website is UPDATED.. so you can take a look at AFRICA.... and get prices for each section. Registration starts tomorrow, Monday October 13th.

Africa.. ....Her People, Her Glory, Her Tears

SECTION 1

MASSAI LION HUNTERS
from KENYA/TANZANIA
Men who have to go out and prove their warrior hood by killing a lion.



SECTION 2

YORUBA MASQUERADERS
from NIGERIA
Wearing Oro Efe masks they dance to remind themselves to honor the mother deity and their female elders.


SECTION 3

FEMALE: KASENA WOMAN
MALE: BATAKARI WARRIOR
from NORTHERN GHANA
The women collect grain and food stuff for drying and preparing.The men who are warriors in woven shirts covered in leather talismans which contain verses from the Koran believe they cannot be harmed because of their talismans.



SECTION 4

MASSAI RED DANCERS
from KENYA/TANZANIA
They adorn themselves to dance in celebration of the warriors who have achieved a lion kill.



SECTION 5

BERBER FESTIVAL DANCERS
from MOROCCO
This festival is a riot of colour and movement.



SECTION 6

SURMA COURTSHIP
from ETHIOPIA

The women wear a traditional skirt of iron which protects their maidenhood.The men paint themselves in chalk with varying patterns to appear more appealing to a potential mate while intimidating their opponents. Their wraps are made of authentic leather.

SECTION 7

THE DAMA SPIRIT DANCERS
from MALI
They dance to engage the spirits of their ancestors to protect and guide them in their mortal lives.


SECTION 8

FEMALE: HAUSA DANCER
MALE: NOBLEMAN OF THE EMIR’S COURT
from NIGERIA
The dancers clear a path for the Emir and his noblemen.They dance and spin to purposely catch the air in their pants filling them like balloons.



SECTION 9

SHAI WOMANHOOD CEREMONY from GHANA
Females adorn their bodies in beads and handmade cane headdress which take up to 6 months to make.The girls have been tutored by their mothers and elder women in the art of seduction.



SECTION 10

YAAKE DANCERS
from MALI
Both males and females exquisitely adorn themselves to be more appealing and seductive to each other and improve their chances of being selected as a mate.


SECTION 11

SACHIHANGO HUNTERS
from ZAMBIA
Their suits are made of a patch work of varied animal skins and a chest piece of leaves, a beard of natural grass and a headdress of bird plumage. This is all intended so that they blend in with the habitat in which they hunt. A custom practiced to present day.



SECTION 12

FULANI WOMAN
FULANI HERDSMAN
from MALI
The women make deliberate shows of their wealth and financial independence with gold & silver jewelry.The herdsmen wear a pouch around their neck in which they keep Koranic verses or magical substances to protect them and their herds.



SECTION 13

ELEPHANT MASK DANCERS
from CAMEROON
They perform at the ceremonies of the Supreme Chief of their Kingdom.This custom has been in existence since the early 1900’s.



SECTION 14

HIMBA BRIDE & GROOM
from NAMIBIA
The bride attired in goat hide, leather and a headdress of dried pods beautifies her body in ocher coloured paint awaiting the wedding festivities.The groom also totally smeared in ocher coloured paint conceals his jewelry and talisman belt with black charcoal.



SECTION 15

GOLI MASK DANCERS
from THE IVORY COAST
These masqueraders appear at times of danger as intercessors with supernatural forces that can have a positive influence on human affairs.



SECTION 16

RASHAIDA BRIDE & GROOM
from THE SUDAN

On her wedding day the bride though elaborately dressed is almost completely concealed. Her mask, considered an expression of beauty, is removed only when alone with her husband.The groom is dressed in a traditional cotton tunic, an embroidered waistcoat and a turban. He holds a ceremonial sword given by his parents to perform dances

SECTION 17

KOMO PERFORMERS
from CONGO
Both Males and Females clad in costumes of cloth and reed sit on a bench and perform a dance consisting of only arm and head movements on ceremonial occasions.



SECTION 18

ZULU WARRIORS
from SOUTH AFRICA

Zulus are the largest African ethnic group.Their warrior skills are renowned throughout the world. The most recognized of their leaders through history is SHAKA ZULU.



SECTION 19

“AFRICA, HER PEOPLE, HER GLORY, HER TEARS”
The outer part of this costume contains inscriptions of “Africa, Her people, Her glory”.
At presentation the costume evolves to reveal an underside which reflects “Her tears”.



For the full large scale gallery of Costume Photos please visit my album HERE.

• Contact Information:

Mas Camp: 49 Rosalino Street, Woodbrook
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11:00am to 7:00pm
Phone numbers: 628-4168 or 628-1274
Website: www.macfarlanecarnival.net
E-mail: macfarlanecarnival@gmail.com

Journey to Africa....

Today's post will be delayed .. look out for an update after Mc Farlane's launch of "Africa" which takes place at 6:00AM at an undisclosed location in the North.

DREAM TEAM LAUNCHES “ONE”

The Dream Team Carnival events team is now ready for Carnival 2k9 with the launch of their exciting presentation “ONE” - Different cultures, One people, on Friday 10th October 2008 at the St. Johns Entertainment Centre, opposite the National Stadium, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain.

This launch will showcase the band’s twelve Carnival 2K9 costumed sections of the rich cultural depiction from China to India, to Africa to Europe, latin America to the Caribbean, and more, with each playing an integral part in the life of a Trini which no doubt makes us the unique and exciting people we are as “ONE”.

Communications Director for the band, Pat Garcia explains the shift for the launch to a Friday has to do with the fact that Friday is the most high energy day of a weekend, and as such the Dream Team thrust is to have a “party” and not just a launch. “The idea is to create the mood and ambience that Dream Team masqueraders are so fondly accustomed to on the road with a launch party that is unmatched for energy and entertainment” explained Garcia.

Dream Team Road DJs which include Associate Degree, Code 9, Tech, The Boom Champions, Cyberia Sounds and Crossfire International will be keeping patrons on their feet and partying into the morning. Special Guest artistes will climax the entertainment of what proposes a Friday filled with fun and entertainment.

Ms Garcia also explains that Dream Team has some exciting things in store for Carnival 2K9 that starts with each 2008 masquerader getting a complimentary to the band launch. There will also be drink specials right through the night. Garcia further advises that masqueraders should contact their section leaders or call 680-0076 and 756-2449 to collect their complimentary. Tickets are affordably priced at $80. advance, and can be obtained by calling the numbers above. The party starts at 9pm with costume display at 11.30pm. Students with IDs will all be allowed complimentary entry to the Dream Team band launch before 11pm.

Dream Team Bandleader, Paul Singh also revealed that by numerous requests Dream Team will be offering for Carnival 2K9, two sections which will cater for teenagers inclusive of a non alcoholic bar and special security. These specially priced sections will cater to students and teenagers between the ages 15 to 19 years old and will be subsidized by sponsors solicited for that special purpose.

“We have a lot more in store for 2009 masqueraders with the player benefiting tremendously for Carnival 2K9”, explains Ms Garcia. So don’t miss this special event as it promises to be a memorable one.

Dream Team Carnival is a fully inclusive band that proves without a doubt that Trinidad Carnival is “One Jammin’ Street Party”. For more information visit the Dream Team website at http://dreamteamtnt.com which will be fully loaded after the launch.

Santa Rosa Carib Community Presents "Under De Sea"

The Santa Rosa Carib Community Presents "Under De Sea" for Carnival 2009. This is the fourth year of producing quality mas at low prices for the people of Arima and environs. The Santa Rosa Carib Community can boast of Band of the Year 2007 and 2008 and is looking forward to a once again taking the tittle in 2009.

Children play mas on Carnival Sunday and also on Tuesday with the Adults. Depending on the size of the Children's band the children will also play mas for Kiddies Carnival in Port of Spain on Carnival Saturday; attached is a non-refundable registration fee of $25.00.

Adults play only on Tuesday with a band fee of $30.00.

The Sections for 2009 are as follows:


Kids
*Sea Fan - $400.00
*Clown Fish - $350.00
*Sea Weed - $325.00
*Jelly Fish - $425.00
*Sea Horse - $375.00

Adults
*Fire Coral
M- $425.00
F-$525.00

*Sea Weed
M-$425.00
F-$500.00

*Pink Coral
M-$425.00
F-$560.00

*Golden Sea Horse
M-$450.00
F-$550.00

*The Perl
F-$600.00

PHOTOS OF THE SECTIONS CAN BE FOUND on FACEBOOK& PHOTOBUCKET.

Interested masqueraders may contact the following persons: Jason 726-0873 or email jvc_jasonx@hotmail.com, Angelita 743-0913 or the Santa Rosa Carib Community at 667-0210.

Miami Carnival Soca Sampler

Here is a warm up for Miami Carnival which takes place this weekend. Available for download is DJ Private Ryan's Miami Carnival Soca Sampler Mix. It features ONLY soca released during the summer and features mainly Cropover and Soca 2009 hits. It is just a preview as we look forward to the Soca releases from Trinidad later this year which will be featured on the Pre Carnival Soca 2009 Mix coming in January.

Enjoy!
http://www.sendspace.com/file/zfcwt0

http://www.sendspace.com/file/yoz5fw

Ivan Kalicharan - Spectrum of the Sea

Check out the gallery of photos from Ivan Kalicharan's Band Launch "Spectrum of the Sea" on triniscene.com:

Question and Answer With the Band Leader

Please note that the Band Leader said the other questions he received last week were answered before, hence the reason he did not repeat the answers again.

Carnival is 4 months away, most of the big fun bands have launched and sold out, if carnival was to drop next week who between the big bands will win band of the year, in your opinion.

This is a difficult question to answer as it is impossible to imagine the impact any of these bands would make while crossing the stage. Impact category carries one of the highest points when it comes to judging for band of the year. But what I will say is of what I have seen I like Tribe , Island People and Harts the best. But Harts do not go for competition, so I would have to say without seeing Brian Mc farlane that the two favourites would be Tribe and Island People.

Well That was easy, guess you guys are running out of questions. Let see what happens next week.
Be good
BL

Vintage Tuesdays

Carnival from 1952 to 1954 were years of change, with the year 1953 being hailed then as the "worst ever" as steelband men and their followers were blamed for making trouble! In 1953 on the occasion of the coronation of Her Majesty the Queen, permission was given for Carnival to be held on June 2nd; the unfortunate happenings of that year resulted in loss of life, property and limb. This prompted a Bill by the Legislative Council which proclaimed the following changes:

1.Enabled the Commissioner of Police to prohibit the carrying of any articles that may be used as a weapon such as clubs and bats.

2.Empower police to seize and confiscate at Carnival time any articles carried in defense of the regulations.

3. Penalties for these offenses were increased from $48.00 or three months imprisonment to $2540.00 or six months imprisonment.


Consequently, Carnival in 1954 was a cleaner and safer; you can read all about it in today's Vintage Tuesday which looks at articles from 1952 to 1954. Click on the book below:

To download today's Vintage articles click HERE.

In addition I have a video to share with you on Carnival in the 1950s posted by TheBookmann on Youtube:


Commentary is by Ray Funk, Allyson Hennessy and Holly Betaudier on local television.

Masquerade Band Launch

“LET THE Music Play” is the theme of Masquerade’s Carnival 2009 presentation. Designed by Randolph Alexis, the band will comprise ten sections “for the enjoyment of its masqueraders” and will once again be all-inclusive with costumes ranging in cost from $1900 to $2300.

The sections reflect the diversity of the types of music which we all enjoy and inherently promote the plural society in which we find ourselves.

“Let The Music Play” sections include:” Marching Bands”, “Classical”, “Jazz”, “Parang”, “Reggae”, “Rhythm and Blues”, “Samba”, “Soca”, “Tamboo Bamboo” and “Zouk”.

Costumes can be viewed at the mas camp, 19 De Verteuil Street, Woodbrook, Port of Spain, or by logging on to the website www.masquerade.co.tt

For photos of Masquerade's band launch visit their gallery at Xclusive Eventz.


SOURCE:
www.newsday.co.tt
www.xclusiveventz.com

Monday Question Time.....

4 months and 16 days before Carnival, can you believe it???!! It's Monday, leave your questions and our very busy band leader will try their best to answer them all.

Wee's Website is Up!!

Wee Internationals Candy Shop is now open online...all 10 sections are finally up on the website. When it comes to prices, Wee is not bad at all. The male costumes are ALL $2050.00 and the female ranges from $2250.00 to $2850.00 for a Regular costume, $2995.00 to $2999.00 for Frontliner and $3500.00 to $3599.00 for an "individual". None of the costume options are labeled on the website but I am able to deduce which is the "regular costume", however I cannot tell which is "frontliner" or "individual". And does the "individual" costume mean just one or as in the case of another band it might be more than one" individual"? That is a question I would love answered.

As of this morning there is no option to register online, if this changes sometime please do not tell me I need to apologise for them updating their website! Anyway sticking with the trend of MOST bands for 2009 NINE of the costumes do not actually look like or fit the theme.. ..candies with wings? Cotton Candy is the only section that actually looks like what it is supposed to be while the others have some interesting names like "Pure Pleasure" (all white), "Sinfully Sweet" (orange) and "Chocolate Passion" (bronze/gold/brown).

The costumes are also interesting, a better effort than their debut year for sure. If I were thinking of playing with this band my choice would be Pure Passion Frontline or Individual (which ever is which) with the wings, even though it is a white costume, shot on a white background and you cannot see the details on the website. Nothing else from the offering catches my fancy, but I am sure they will appeal to others.

Looking forward to viewing the costumes in person, their mas camp is on the corner of Kathleen Street and Bournes Road St James.

Push Bumpa... Tempa Wine!!

New Video.... enjoy!

Push Bumpa / Looking Hot / Tempa Wine

Trinidad Carnival Dictionary

Time and time again I am seeing the words "Whine" used to mean "Wine" and "Mass" used to mean "Mas" among other Carnival grammar infractions that sometimes make me cringe .

So, I have complied a little Trinidad Carnival Dictionary of terms those of you new to Mas and/or Carnival will be hearing a lot on your trip to the island. Read and learn people:

B
Bacchanal- denotes the merry-making and noisy confusion of those engaged in any carnival activity.

Back Back - A suggestive dance performed with the male dancer's front rubbing against the female's rear, and vice versa

Bam bam, Bum-bum - Backside, behind, ass, bottom, buttock.

Band - A group of Carnival masqueraders with costumes designed on a related theme. A band can have 4,000-7,000 people divided into 25 or more sections, each with it's own theme and several music trucks. Each band has a huge King and Queen costume. Carnival Tuesday will see about 20 large bands go across the Savannah stage and parade in the streets in competition

Band Launch- An event where costumes are presented for the following year. Normally takes the place of a fete where masqueraders can view a live presentation of costumes modeled on a catwalk.

Band Leader - Someone who manages, owns or is in charge of a Carnival band.

Bazodee - A state of dizziness or confusion, typically caused by members of the opposite sex

Boomsie - Backside, behind, ass, bottom, buttock.

Buss - to burst; to be a flop e.g. "Dred, dat party rel buss."

C
Calypso - A musical and lyrical comment on any subject, profusely composed for, but not limited to the Carnival season.

Calypsonian - One who sings calypsoes.

Carnival- (Cahneevaal) "Farewell to the Flesh" A pre-Lenten festival started by Catholics to get in one last party before giving up wine, women and song for 40 days during Lent. Preparations and partying in Trinidad start in January and build up to Jouvay (Monday) and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) ending at midnight just before Ash Wednesday in mid-February. Costume bands in street Carnival, steelband competitions, Calypso contests, parties, dances and Kiddie Carnival all come together for Carnival.

Carnival Tuesday - The last day of Carnival before Ash Wednesday. It is the day all pretty mas and big mas come out to parade in the streets. Revelers come out as early as 7am to play mas at various competition sites. The day ends in las lap.

Costume -The attire worn by masqueraders of a band.

Costume designerr - Someone who designs or supplies costumes.

D
Dimarsh Gra- (Dimanche Gras) The major show on Carnival Sunday night. Eight King and eight Queen of the bands costumes (some 30 feet tall) compete on stage at Queen's Park Savannah to be named King and Queen of Carnival. The eight top singers compete to be crowned the Calypso Monarch.

Dingolay - To flaunt, to tease playfully, to dance in a joyful, carefree manner.

E
Extempo - Free style singing of extemporaneous calypso songs

F
Fete, Fet - A party, loud music, lots to eat and drink, dancing to wee hours of the morning.

Frontline Costume - The more elaborate version of the Carnival costume.Usually worn by a few masqueraders who lead the section.

G
Goody Bag -A bag containing trinkets, sponsor materials and other amenities handed out when collecting costume.

J
Jab Jab -A type of Carnival devil costume; jabs people with his fork and demands money from passersby.

Joo-vay-(Jouvay, Jour Ouvert, J'Ouvert) "Opening of Day" in French, Carnival Mas beginning before dawn on Carnival Monday wearing costumes of mud, old clothes (Ole Mas), devil costumes or satirical themes

Jump up - To participate in Carnival masquerade, especially pretty mas. The term also describes those who crash a band or play in street clothes. e.g. "I going and take a jump up with a band"

Jump-and-wave - An exuberant dance of simultaneous jumping and waving the arms that when done in a large group of masqueraders, creates an elating sense of mass movement.

K
Kiddies Carnival - The children's day to parade in costume.

L
Las Lap/Last Lap - Last minute street partying on Carnival Tuesday just before the official end of Carnival at midnight when Ash Wednesday begins. The very last of Carnival

Liming (noun) -to hang out in a casual atmosphere, loafing e.g. "I feeling to lime."pre-arranged activity(hanging out)

M
Mas - Masquerade, Carnival parade.

Mas Camp - Where costumes and floats for Carnival are designed,fabricated, displayed and distributed.

Moko Jumbie - Stilt dancers, an African tradition carried over into carnival. Their costumes represent jumbies, or beings from the dead.

Monday Mas - The Monday before Ash Wednesday costumed bands of masqueraders take to the streets after the J'ouvert revelry clears wearing all or part of their costume or even alternative attire known as Monday Wear. A warm up before Carnival Tuesday.

Mud Band - A J’ouvert mas band with revelers plastering their bodies in mud from head to toe.

O
Ole mas- Ole mas is the abbreviation for 'Old Masquerade'. It refers either to the 'mud mas' on J'ouvert morning, or the witty street satire of lampooning popular personalities or issues through placards and odd costumes.

P
Panorama- Held since 1963, Panorama is the premiere steelband competition of the carnival season.

Panyard- Where steel bands rehearse

Play Mas - To dress in Carnival costume, dance and parade in the streets.

Pretty Mas - Today's dominant form of masquerading emphasizing beautiful costumes with elaborate decorations. Many pretty mas costumes are now decorated bikini style garments.

R
Road March - Kind of Trinidad's song of the year, or best song of Carnival. As the costume bands cross the stage in the Queen's Park Savannah, the song that most bands dance to is declared Road March for the year, and wins a large cash prize.

Road March King - A Calypso composer whose tune has been adjudged the most popular (played) for that particular year’s Carnival.

S
Soca - Soul-Calypso, the modern version of calypso music. Hardcore political satire, scandals, sexual double entendre and comedy, wrapped up in dance music with an African beat and heavy baseline.

Steel Pan, Steel band - Melodic percussion instruments made out of oil drums and invented in Trinidad in the 1930's. One hundred piece steel orchestras compete playing classical, soca, pop during Carnival.

T
Tent, Kaiso tent - A calypso or soca concert featuring several singers, music bands and comedians.

Tight -Intoxicated, drunk, stoned

W
Waist - Trini pronunciation (Wais) The ability to wine "De gyul only trowin ral good wais!"

Wajang - A rowdy, uncouth person.

Wine, Winin - A sexually suggestive dance using rhythmic hip gyrations that can make the hula look tame, best done to calypso music.The style of dancing to Soca, Calypso and Chutney... circular movement of the waist or Trini term for rolling your waist line- looks very sexual

If you want to add to the list feel free to leave a comment or email me at trinicarnivaldiary@yahoo.com


SOURCE:

http://library2.nalis.gov.tt
http://www.izatrini.com
Carnival: Culture in Action the Trinidad Experience by Milla Cozart Riggio

Kaotic's New Website ..

So, Kaotic has revamped their website and this one has the headpieces as flowers that you click on to get to the sections...hmm, interesting! It is easier to navigate than the last website and the effects are cute, but I don't know why the close up photos are so small and poor in quality not to mention that scrolling flash viewer is pretty annoying!

Most importantly, however, is the fact that you cannot register online for any of the sections when they launched three months ago! Tell me, why do bands have a website where potential masqueraders cannot register online.. what is the point?