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

Waitin' For Di Stage...

ONE DAY I will have stage photos with my eyes open! HA! ... I can't help but be in the moment and while enjoying the vibes. Photos like this make me so excited for what’s in store for the summer. My nephews are preparing for school in September, my best friend is getting married, and of course Toronto Carnival season is underway.

As you know with the Carnival Spice team and I, Carnival runs all year round… but we can’t help but excited with the extra buzz in the summer! I want to highlight some of the awesome events and initiatives that Carnival Spice has in store. If you are considering participation in Caribana this year,  THEN YOU DEFINITELY do not want to miss this::

Carnival Spice Summer Sessions

Let’s jam to the sweet sounds of soca, dancehall, chutney and more! Dance up a sweat with amazing members from your community and have fun while getting a great workout! You will definitely leave feeling ENERGIZED from the Caribbean vibes!

BONUS: With Toronto Carnival just weeks away

We will help you get ready for di road!!****

Join Us June 4th - July 21st at the following locations:

DOWNTOWN, TORONTO

527 Bloor St West (inside Dance Annex)

Saturdays 12pm - 1pm

SCARBOROUGH

2065 Midland Avenue #2 (inside Southside Muay Thai)

Mondays 7pm to 8pm

MISSISSAUGA

626 Burnhamthorpe Road West (inside Grooves Dance Studio)

Wednesdays 8pm - 9pm

BRAMPTON

180B Sandalwood Pkwy E suite #2000 (inside Synergy Performing Arts Academy)

Thursdays 7pm - 8pm

Summer Session Promo Rate is $99 and includes:

- unlimited access to all Carnival Spice classes at all four locations

- Carnival Spice "Caribana" workbook; feat. carnival playlists, costume discounts & more

- free gift for the first 50 registrants 
(hint, it will make jumping and waving much easier!)

- offer expires Friday, June 3rd, 2016

Register ONLINE HERE

OR send email transfer and contact information to info@carnivalspice.com (Password “carnivalspice”)

Check out some of the action in the video below:

If the video link is not visible, please click here: https://youtu.be/CZmNjzvpT6U

Mississauga Dance Fitness Workshop 

Mississauga crew ahganize yuhself! 

Bring your sweats, water bottle, and rag or flah! 

MISSISSAUGA CENTRAL Saturday, May 28th, 2016 11am to 1pm

626 Burnhamthorpe Road West (inside Groove Fitness Studio)

located east of Mavis - minutes away from Square One Shopping Center.

Click HERE For Further Information.

TESTIMONIAL from Spring Workshop Participant Kadaajah J.L

CARNIVAL SPICE PRESENTS: "Summertime Lunch & Lime"

Join us Sunday, June 26th, 2016 from 1pm - 4pm for a chance to connect with your community and experience Caribbean culture while tantalizing your taste buds.

Enjoy Creole food with a Caribbean flair while relaxing in the atmosphere of Harlem Restaurant. Dress to the nines. Mix and mingle. Let yourself go while we entertain all your senses.

$30 ADVANCE TICKETS

- food inclusive + live performances*

- limited tickets available

Click HERE for tickets

The Toronto Carnival Run with “Di Spice Crew"

Once Carnival Spice summer session is complete we would love for everyone to participate on our team “Di Spice Crew” 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. 

Join our team HERE

Thanks for reading! 
Join me on my social media pages below:

Facebook: Simply Shakera
Twitter: @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