In 2016 I set out to focus on things that I love, build new relationships, and take on some of my biggest fears! Setting that intention really attracted amazingness in my life.
I could really feel God’s anointing!
It was also cool to see many of you taking leaps in your life as well. The amount of new businesses, engagements, and travel imagery I seen floating across my time lines was quite impressive. I SEE YOU.
Toronto Coconut Fest 2016
I thank all my family and friends for the love and support!
I thank the Carnival Spice and #SSFlashMob team for your time and talent. We have definitely created memorable moments.
I thank all my clients for trusting me it has been an honour to be apart of your journey.
Lovin' up on Jully Black at the SheROto SheEO Conference
Huge shout out to my followers!! All your likes, kind words, referrals, jokes, and over all vibes are so appreciated. Plus a huge XO to my CWS, AOS, and HSC family!
September is now upon us and the Caribana dust has settled… I guess I should probably share my photos an ting before the snow comes huh? To be honest, I have attempted to blog about TO Carnival multiple times but kept going in different directions like:
- do I celebrate “thiefin’ ah wine” off Kes?
- should I speak up for all my peers who had issues with their costumes both on the road or on pick up day at different mas camps?
- do I praise Toronto Revellers for providing an excellent road experience?
- do I vent about how messed up the logistics of the parade was ANOTHER year in a row (get it together FMC!)?
There is so much to talk about! I will start by saying that the Toronto Caribbean Carnival that I know and love is not the same anymore and requires immediate resuscitation. Designers, masqueraders, media, spectators from near and far spend months preparing for this grand occasion only to be disappointed by how poorly the festival is being managed.
You know there is a problem when the top news story is "THE FENCES ARE COMING DOWN" ...girl bye
Nonetheless, I have fun where ever I go, so despite having the day cut short by one of my crew members (lol), I had a pretty good carnival day. My make up and costume shined bright in the sun (I successfully survived my first wire bra). As mentioned, Revellers provided a pretty impressive experience on the road with endless food and COLD beverages, good djs, live performers, and active marshals. Plus, they happened to be in the first position along the parade route which allowed for more space to move, feel free, and play my mas.
Shakera be like: "Heyyy, can I take a photo with you ladies?"
Revellers, AYAHUASCA
MAN DEMM #TheMacaw
What made this year most special though was being able to curate a carnival experience for 15 of my friends and students… many of which had never played mas before. From costume selection, to make-up/ hair/accessories, to hotel accommodations twas a hectic process…but MAN was it worth it. My heart was so full seeing them all in formation decked out in their feathers, glitz, and glam. You will be able to see a couple of them in the gallery below.
Gallery
Such a pleasure jumpin' up with MPP Jagmeet Singh
Revellers - LUPUNA
Revellers - El Tunchi and KES <3
Revellers - XIPAYA and KARABANA in Fever Mas (Saldenah)
Revellers - WAHURA PEOPLE
Revellers - XIPAYA
Revellers - SPANGLED CONTINGA
Revellers - THE MACAW
Black Lives Matter
Revellers - EL TUNCHI
SALDENAH (Very Popular Section)
TRIBAL CARNIVAL
CARNIVAL NATIONZ (My FAVE section on the road)
SALDENAH
FANTAZIA
CARNIVAL NATIONZ (my second fave section on di road)
My third fave section (THAT I DIDN'T GET A PHOTO OF) was Saldenah's ASHANTI section! So gorgeous... yes I am a sucker for neons :)
The Carnival Spice ladies had a blast this season. Between band launches, Festival Promotion, Performances & Classes, life for the last few weeks have been crazy busy but super blessed. My team and I were featured multiple times on different TV networks, we added Scarborough and Brampton to our class locations and I was selected as a Toronto “Sunshine Girl” for this year’s Carnival edition.
Costume: 8/10
The costume itself was a solid 10. It was beautiful, bright, comfortable, and VERY well made. However it ended up costing much more than I anticipated due to miscommunication from my section leaders… And PLEASE doh ask me why model’s had to pay for costumes they modelled cause I doh have an answer for you…
Road: 6/10
Toronto Revellers proved to me why they are the “People’s Band”; my experience with them was a 10 too. A friend in my section even told me that our section leader had glue gun onsite to tack any loose gems or costume pieces (should you need it). The key to my heart is through my stomach hence why hot food (other than pelau, doubles, and sandwiches) coupled with a variety of cold beverages won me over real quick. Revellers provided breakfast, lunch, AND dinner... Plus snacks!!
Photo By: Jef Lo
Did I mention I got to thief a wine off Kes???? Best 2 minutes of my life! hahaha! Points on this section score are lost for logistical issues that have nothing to do with the Toronto Revellers … such issues fall on the hands of the parade’s Festival Management Committee (FMC). They are the body of individuals who decide marketing, security, route organization, creative planning, social media and here’s a big one BUDGETING for the parade… I only can identify 3 members of this committee… everyone else is a mystery. Considering there aren’t any fresh ideas flowing through that committee from fresh blood, I can only anticipate the same ole’ for the festival’s big 50th birthday in 2017. Sigh… (I will try to stay optimistic ya’ll)
Overall Experience: 8/10
Di "Stage"
Caribana for another year in a row has left me wanting more. More road, more stage, more Carnival vibes. For all the time and effort that goes into that day the score should be 15/10. My little carnival heart can only remain hopeful that positive changes will come. I will continue to support it and recommend others to attend. Toronto Carnival a.k.a Caribana is a staple event within the Canadian Caribbean community because it is a means of HIGHLIGHTING and SHOWCASING our Caribbean history, talent, and energy... SO WE CANNOT STAND AND WATCH IT WITHER AWAY.
I do encourage you all to support the initiatives below that are actively working to improve the festival:
My Tabanca has definitely set in which leaves me looking through flight and costume prices to attend another Carnival.
“Carnival Tabanca”: The feeling of hurt and pain when a Caribbean carnival experience has ended often compared to the feeling of being lovesick…
I missed Nottingham Carnival by a matter of days while on vacation so that made my Tabanca EVEN WORSE. Plus NYC Carnival kicks off right now… and since I am currently sitting at my dining table I clearly will not be in attendance.
So the question is… WHO’S COMING TO MIAMI CARNIVAL THIS THANKSGIVING? LET ME KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!
18 days to be exact. The photo above is a sneak peak of what I will be wearing on the road. Section is the soldout Macaw with Toronto Revellers. I have not played with this band before so this will be a totally new experience for me. Kerwin Du Bois AND Kes the Band will be on the road with them too so I am super excited!
Toronto Carnival Launch
July 5th was the official launch and I was there with one of the newest bands on di scene, Island Vybz. We were introduced to the Face of the Festival Azalea Zoe AND it was announced that the high fences from last year will be taken down (this should be interesting). Nonetheless, check out the video below; it also includes clips captured by CTV and CP24.
Participating in Carnival (a.k.a playing mas) allows you to be creative, explore, and have fun. Therefore you have to go big or go home! Your costume is your base but it is up to you to elevate it even further. I receive a lot of questions about where to go and what to do. So below are a few elements that you want to consider when vamping up your carnival look; plus a few places to go or people to see that may help! My goal here is to get you READY for the road.
Essentials
You SHOULD NOT play mas without the following items:
- Sunscreen Carnival costumes give pretty bad tan lines!
- Refillable Bottle or Cup DO NOT rely on your band to keep you hydrated*
- A Bag to secure Identification Card(s), Cash, Keys.
ie. Purse, clutch, wristlet, back pack, fanny pack, - bonus points if it matches your costume!
- Sunglasses
If your wearing a full face of make up though - this would not be a good idea.
Footwear
DO NOT wear your brand new all-white Jordons on the road! HA! You want to wear something comfortable and worn in, something that you don’t mind getting dirty… and ideally something that matches the colors in your costume. One of the most popular carnival footwear options are boots! They are hard to find during the summer, so be on the look out. Try places like Orfus Road, Urban Planet, and Ardene. I have three new pairs from the Carnival Spice inventory for sale at $10. Msg me if interested ASAP! Available are: 2 black suede in size 7 (SOLD OUT); 1 beige pleather in size 6.
Tip: If you plan on wearing boots or sneakers, apply powder to your feet to prevent blisters, wear comfy socks, and if possible add cushioning insoles ***
Boots EXAMPLE - I designed them myself (by the way)
Next is the fun part - decorating! You can spray paint your choice in footwear add glitter, or rhinestones to achieve your carnival look. To find unique gems, feathers, or fabrics, head to your local craft store (ie. Micheals), John Beads Craft Outlet or visit the fashion/fabric district by Queen and Spadina. For more cost-effective options (see photos below) try good ole’ Dollarama.
If you are not the crafty type, there are several companies online that offer this service. Please see some examples below; and I urge you to contact them ASAP:
Tights were never a “thing” in Toronto until recently… probably because there are a lot less belt options, and a lot more spider panties! Tights also provide clean lines and keep everything in tact. Please do not wear your church stockings or pantyhose on the road… they are not the same thing!!!!!!! You can find appropriate/SEAMLESS ones in winners, and/or some lingeries stores. If you are woman of color, finding tights or fishnets to match your skin tone is challenging! ...Especially the good quality ones you can easily find in Trinidad. Below are a few merchandisers that are selling in Toronto!
Most costumes now come with bangles and earrings however you can never have too much. Go big or go home! A lot of stores such as H & M and Aldo are having sales on accessories - perfect opportunity to find pieces to match your costume.
Make - Up
Carnival make up is so much fun to wear and to apply. You can totally get away with big lashes, the brightest color lipstick, and glitter or jewels all over your face! Be creative - there are so many products out there! However, if you want to leave it it up to the professionals, definitely get in touch with one of these awesome ladies below - but do it ASAP:
You can find Nikki D Make Up in the masquerader assembly area doing make up on site.
Contact Nikki at 416-819-6454
Hair
Your hairstyle will depend on what headgear your wearing (Ie. Tierra, headpiece, head chain). I anticipate that single braids or cornrows will be very popular ESPECIALLY considering how hot this summer has been.
If you are looking for a braider/locstress contact Kerry - Ann at 905-999-4258
Carlene’s Beauty Lounge
For all other hair services contact Carlene at 416-241-5694
Fitness and Nutrition
The video below was filmed last year but includes expert fitness and nutrition principles that STILL apply. Get those bodies RIGHT and TIGHT. Check out how:
Getcha Caribbean Dance Fitness on with Carnival Spice. Summer classes are running in Brampton, Mississauga, Scarborough, and Downtown, Toronto until July 21st. WE CURRENTLY ARE OFFERING 50% OFF CLASSES*** Reserve your spot here before it’s too late: https://spicejuly.eventbrite.ca
Toronto Carnival Run
Once Carnival Spice summer session is complete we would love for everyone to participate on our team for the Toronto Carnival Run taking place Saturday, July 23rd. This is a 5k run or walk meant to encourage wellness and community involvement with a Caribbean carnival theme.
