So I Met The Happiest Man Alive

Dontcha just love you this photo? It screams fan girl! ha! It was actually snapped mid laugh when my uncle had a hard time finding the flash on my camera! Lawd!

Can we say awkward?! hahah! This would happen to me though 😃 I envisioned my first conversation with Machel to be go a lot differently but the universe usually has other plans.

Everyone meet Soca Superstar Machel Montano. If you are not familiar with who he is then google “soca king” after reading this post ;)

While Machel was in town a few days ago to perform at WE Day 2016 his Toronto fans excited to see a surprise post on his Instagram page. He announced that he would be attending a screening of his new movie “Bazodee” at the Scotiabank Theatre downtown. 

How cool is that? Word spread like wild fire through the soca/fete/carnival community. He also made sure to note that the screening was on a Tuesday so tickets would be cheaper (LOL!)  I bought a ticket to the movie screening and notified my Carnival Spice family about the event.

This was actually pretty exciting. I had not seen the movie yet and although I have seen Machel perform numerous times, I had yet to meet him in person… PLUS

lol @ this photo!

• the first time I seen Machel perform was when I fell in love soca. This was during Last Lap 2006 at Markham Fair Grounds. Teenaged Shakera was not really into soca. She knew maybe 4 or 5 songs at the time and had only played mas twice as a child. A group of her friends from school encouraged her to attend a fete allllll the wayyyy in Markham. Her life was changed forever.

•  “Water Flowing” (https://youtu.be/Q9f4En2JtNI) is my favourite soca song of all time
• his manager is Canadian change maker  Che Kothari! #bigup
• he is a great live performer
• ...and, consistently throughout his career he has shared some amazing music with the world that embodies the essence caribbean culture.

Needless to say, I am a huge supporter of him as an artist.

That particular Tuesday evening was pretty unique. After I finished teaching the Carnival Spice North York class my uncle from England showed up to surprise me! It was pretty awesome considering we just spent time together while I was traveling in the U.K.

Thankfully my uncle can hang (lol) so I invited him to the movie and we headed downtown. We arrive, check in, find our seats and wait to see what happens next. At this point - I am HUNGRY (not surprising!) so my uncle and I head to the concession for some snacks. I see a small mob of people and can only assume that mistah Montano is in di place. Luckily I brought my camera and had a “photographer” with me. Little did I know that my uncle DID NOT know how to operate a point and shoot camera! lolololol #mylife

My turn is up to snap a photo with mistah “H.M.A”, mistah “Like ah boss” - AND I WAS READY! Carnival Spice shirt and all!!!

BUT MY UNCLE WAS NOT!!!! lololol. Poor guy.

What made matters worse was the movie was about to start so Machel needed to bounce! Instead of having a philosophical conversation with Machel about how soca is evolving or recommending he host dance auditions in Toronto, our brief moment together had us both shouting “push the button” to my uncle! hahaha - PRICELESS.

The Outcome Was This Photo. 

It is not ideal but it holds a great story. The fact that everyone else is laughing too makes it even more special.

So the movie ends and just when you think the night is over it only reboots!

We walk out the theatre to the sounds of a live “parang” band playin’ Machel hit songs INCLUDING "Water flowing".

FOLLOW @mrmaestre on instagram for video.

Machel hung around to take some more fan photos. There were way more people this time so kudos to him for being patient.

#spotted - Carnival Spice lady Chattrisse

#spotted - Carnival Spice lady SULAIRE

AGAIN just when you think the night is over there is woman playing the ukulele outside of the theatre too. As Machel leaves HE STARTS TO SING WITH HER! Then everyone crowds around and starts singing as well. THIS MOMENT is another amazing example of how amazing and unifying Caribbean culture is. It is also a reminder how lucky we are to live in Toronto; a city with so much talent and vibes.

"I see you Shak"- LOL! 

Machel we shall meet again soon. Stay healthy, continue to evolve, and keep “pumpin" through your journey as the happiest man alive!

View link here as well: https://youtu.be/na5eNkT21Ds

ONE LOVE <3

Stay Connected With Me Via:

Twitter: @SimplyShakera

Facebook: SimplyShakera

Instagram:  @SimplyShakera

YouTube: Simply Shakera

Email: info@simplyshakera.com

And That Concludes One Of The Best Chapters

2014 was truly a wonderful year… in work and in life… and not just for me, but for many of my loved ones which makes me all the more happy. I watched many identify their mission and take huge leaps of faith. I look forward to seeing what everyone has in store. One of the biggest lessons I learned this year is to trust yourself, work hard and put all of your desires into the universe… God will do the rest!

Transitioning my passions into my “dream job” has been quite the experience. I am so thankful for the positive feedback and the support I have received thus far. Don’t worry ya’ll it’s not in vain! I did have so much fun determining my 10 top Dance, Carnival, and Health & Wellness moments for 2014. Check it out:

..but first, an honourable mention goes to the Carnival Spice workout I hosted at the 2014 DivaGirl Conference! I will be back Saturday, April 18th 2015 for round two! See you there!

10. West Coast Travels

I was thrilled to visit the West Coast for a business trip. It’s soooo beautiful over there and the fish & chips are the bomb!

9. Onset with Marshal Dane

The first music video I danced in was Canadian Girls by Dean Brody ... ever since then I occasionally dust off my cowgirl boots. Had a fun day on set for "Alcohol Abuse" by Marshal Dane.

8.  What Makes a Man feat. Terry Crews

It was a pleasure doing one final project with my brother from another mother Sid Naidu before he went on his year long travels. We collaborated on a introductory piece for THE Terry Crews during his Toronto appearance at the What Makes A Man Conference. Thank you to the dancers and dhol players who brought my vision to life.

 If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/Ur6mLx9SII4

7. Ladies on the Rise

I have 30 new little sisters. This summer I instructed the summer dance-fitness program for Ladies on the Rise. I am so proud of their hard work and commitment to the (fun )challenge!

6. Walk to End Cancer Fundraiser

Once again thank you to everyone who supported the Bosom Buddies during the Shoppers Drug Mart’s “Weekend to End Women’s Cancer”. With your tremendous support we raised over $8, 500 and each walked 32km!! I hosted a Carnival Spice workout to raise funds and man was it hype!!!

 If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/ImzDIWcka-E

5. Kes the Band Repost

Imagine you're just having a session during rehearsal ...post the footage on instagram and one of your favourite artists shares your work on all their social media pages. Shout out to Kes the Band for the awesome music and the love! It was a reminder that I should share my work more!

Click the link HERE to view the video clip!

4. The SS Flash mobs you never saw coming.

It’s been a weddingful year from proposals to receptions! Lol. It was so great to see the reactions from our audiences’ when we hit the stage. Below is a clip of one of the Wedding Proposals we lead.

 If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/S-ccgP7HpnU

3. Carnival Spice takes over the GTA

From Thornhill to Mississauga to Markham etc. Carnival Spice and Everything Nice definitely sprinkled Caribbean Carnival vibes all across the GTA. Check out our Facebook page for tons of photos and video... the team has lots in store.  

2. Socialize, Energize, Exercise (S.E.E)

I decided to create an event where women in my community can be physically active while allowing them an opportunity to get to know one another at the same time. The night was so wonderful that I have been encouraged to host S.E.E on the last Friday of every month! Next date: Friday, January 30^th… Stay tuned for details!

1. Trinidad Carnival

My number one pick doesn’t even feel like it happened this year. My 10 days in Trinidad literally felt like a dream. Attending the mecca of Caribbean Carnival was such a great experience; I was reminded of why I love it so much. Trinidad I miss you and will continue to spread the Caribbean vibes to di world!! 

Cheers to 2014! <3

Stay Connected With Me Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com

Meet the Bosom Buddies

On September 6th and September 7th 2014 my teammates and I will walk in support of the many individuals and families affected by cancer. With today being the 2-month mark I thought it would be great to give a shout out to the Bosom Buddies:

Team Bosom Buddies Are:

Team Captain & Aunty: Audrey Isaacs

Sister & Partner in Crime: Siobhan Bent

Cousin & Fellow Capricorn: Melissa Isaacs

Family Friend: Dawnette Elvie

Church Sister: Janet Champagne
Myself: Shakera Martin

THE WALK

The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers is an awesome fundraising campaign hosted by Shoppers Drug Mart. It consists of a 2-day, 60-kilometre or 1-day 32-kilometre walk through the neighbourhoods of downtown Toronto. Each walker is expected to raise a total of $2000 that will benefit Princess Margaret Cancer Centre – a leader in the fight against all women's cancers.

WHY SHAKERA WHY?

I’ve said it once and I will say it again, “I Am Shakera Martin & I Want to End Cancer”.  One of my biggest pet peeves with Cancer is that it strikes at any time in the lives of any one. NO ONE IS SAFE. I have witnessed way to many families left broken because of this disease. My decision and commitment to complete this journey (fundraising & walk) is based on love for my fellow sisters, mothers, grandmas, daughters, nieces, and friends everywhere. 

 

Throwback photo with my sister & mom <3

PUT IN WORK

I truly did not realize how far 60km was until I began training (ha!).  I have been using my friend Google maps to find locations that are 60km away from my home. This is such a horrible exercise! It only built up my anxiety. Then I tried to determine how many kilometers I (unknowingly) walked during Day One and Day Two of Trinidad Carnival – but half the time in Trinidad I wasn’t sure where I was (lol) – so that exercise did not help either. How far is 60km ya’ll? Someone give me an idea  :p

What I do know is how much $2000 dollars is… and how challenging it can be to make that amount of money in allotted time.  The Bosom Buddies have some fundraising events coming up in the next few weeks – for dates and event details visit CLICK HERE

Carnival Spice & Everything Nice will be hosting dance fitness workshops in August as well to raise funds so PLEASE stay tuned!

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

      (1)   PRAY: For the safety of the walkers, organizers, and volunteers apart of The Weekend to End Women’s Cancers … but more importantly pray for the families that have been affected by cancer – they need your prayer and love the most. <3

     (2)  Please DONATE to this journey as it’s yours, too. Whatever you can will be appreciated if it’s coming from your heart. 

      Click HERE To Donate Online:

Or

We can also meet me in the GTA if you are more comfortable with using cash!

Thank you to those who have donated thus far 

- Love you lots!

Stay Connected Via:


Twitter: @SimplyShakera
Instagram:  @SimplyShakera
YouTube: Simply Shakera
Email: info@simplyshakera.com