Keep Calm It’s Carnival Weekend

Hello Lovelies,

I wanted to take a moment and wish you all a happy, blessed, and prosperous August! It’s the last month of “summer” so make it count.

I also would like to wish you a safe, energized, E.P.I.C., colorful, blissful Caribana weekend full of flags in di air, laughter, glitter, feathers, Johnny walka, loved ones, soca, sunshine and PLENTY vibes.

You can find me jumpin and waving with my Jamaican flag in the band Saldenah Mas as they present “The River of Mirrors”. It will be quite interesting because the band has sold over 4000 costumes! Not sure where all those people will fit but it shall be interesting to see.

The costume section I will be wearing is “Cristales”. Costume designer Rodney Minguel describes the section as follows: “Carnival is color and color is mas and legend has it that there is a river so beautiful; it's known as the river than ran away from paradise. Cano Cristales or the Liquid Rainbow is a unique biological wonder and is famous as the river of five colors. Together, this explosion of natural colors represents the vibrance, splendor and uniqueness of all carnivals.”

What I look forward to the most this Toronto Carnival weekend is jumping down the lakeshore with two close friends of mine. These two will be playing mas for the first time! Are you a first timer? Carnival Virgin? Mas Rookie? 

Here Are Some Tips For You:

-          Insoles will be your best friend – Wear them in your shoes!

-          Bring your OWN water bottle. They heat will getcha if you’re not prepared. I have learned that the hard way. Stay hydrated!

-          Take lots of pictures

-          Have fun! 

  

  

KNOW THESE SONGS or you may feel left out, lol

 

-          Too Real – Kerwin Du Bois

-          Doh Tell Me Dat – Flipo

-          Epic – Machel Montano

-          Truck On The Road – Bunji Garlin

-          Skinny Banton - Saltfish (Soak it Good)

Last but not least, watch the video below.
My Carnival Spice ladies and I will bring di vibes!

If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/4ljPe-rbfFk

H’alright Time Fi Mash Up Di Placeeeeeeeeeeeee!

 

Some Carnival related work I did in the past - Check it:

Written

My “Carnival Spice Up Your Life Article” written for Eligible Magazine

http://www.eligiblemagazine.com/2013/10/05/carnival-spice-up-your-life/

Photo

My Toronto Sun “Carnival Sunshine Girl” Photoshoot

http://www.torontosun.com/sunshine-girl/2013/08/01/shakera

Video

Interviewing the Queen of Bacchanal Destra Garcia

http://youtu.be/WF1Cj3ec-mM

Stay Connected With Me Via:


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

Spotlight: Destra Garcia

Di Carnival Edition

One of the most special parts of the Simply Shakera journey is the awesome people I have met along the way. This spotlight edition highlights the Queen of Bacchanal, DESTRA GARCIA who I had the pleasure of meeting last year. Destra is one of the top soca artists in the world and we were glad to have her here in Toronto to celebrate carnival with us.

During her busy schedule, we had a moment to chat about a bunch of different things: work, food, fans, and even her love life – ha! It was fun. She even gave me tips on what to do when I visited Trinidad; ironically we ended playing mas in the same section with Yuma Vibe.

Destra will be back in the city to celebrate carnival with us once again and we are ready for her to “mash up di stage” … feters, masqueraders, carnivalians – I hope you’re ready!

Here's the interview ya'll:

"Interview: Destra Garcia Visits Toronto, Canada"

If the video isn't visible, click the link here: http://youtu.be/WF1Cj3ec-mM

Stay Connected With Me Via:


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