Machel re-lives his days as the biggest soca start ever in his new video “Vibes Cyah Done”.

Does anyone smell a groovy soca win???

(Photo- Torontolime.com)

This long weekend Toronto celebrated with thousands at the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival aka Caribana.

Celebs came out to jump and wave with masqueraders, drink and have an awesome time in some great weather.

Lance Gross and Laz Alonzo were showing the crowd their swexiness.

Rocsi and soca artist Machel Montano took “Advantage” on the Toronto Revellers truck.

While we were jumping and waving here in Toronto for Caribana, pop star Rihanna went back home to enjoy herself at Cropover with friends and family.

It’s only 4 days away.

The nail polish on my fingers have chipped away from making costumes and I’ve been bumping some of the biggest soca tunes on the season.

For all those that feel behind on all songs and want to catch up here is a list of mixtapes that will solve all your musical woah’s.

DJ PRIVATE RYAN – TRIBE (Promo Mix to Launch Tribe’s Carnival Season)

KOS RADIO – Listen (Listen to live soca mixes)

D’BANDIT – PowerGen (2011 Soca mixes)

No matter how you put it I love to play mas and volunteer during the Cariba..I mean Toronto Carnival season.

Since I was a child I always wanted to participate and when I got the chance it was over. My mind ran free and all I can think about is “jammin’ down di road..”

This time also means that I’m back in the mas camp helping out and burning the fingerprints off my hands to glue beads, glitter and anything that a costume needs to look spectacular.

With TO Carnival a few days away I was thinking who cares if you care and look what I have been up to…LOL

This year I will playing with Saldenah Carnival (this is perhaps my fourth time) Black Hole. I have never played in black before because I was worried that it would clash with my complexion and all of that but after looking at the costume at the launch it was a sure winner in my eyes.

Later on in the week I will post some great makeup techniques that will make this costume look great via taylashes.wordpress.com (my new makeup blog).

Stay tuned and look out for more info leading up to the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is only 11 days away and there are many people that want to play mas but are unable to because of the price of costumes.

Since I began playing years ago I have seen prices go from $80-$100 to $180-$400.

It’s a massive jump in prices and not everyone can afford the cultural experience while breaking the bank.

Tru Dynasty has decided to help those that want to participate and are willing to provide low income families to chance to jump and wave.

If your interested check out TruDynasty.com.

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This Saturday the kiddies marched down Yorkgate to show off their colourful, vibrant and enchanting costumes.

As the soca music bumped on the street the sun couldn’t stop the youngin’s from parading and mimicking their parents.

Although all the children looked like winners the true winners were the Toronto Revellers that won man and woman individual pieces with their “OZ” theme.

Toronto Caribbean Carnival is ONLY 2 WEEKS away and everyone wants to look their best on the road.

Need a makeup artist to complete your total Carnival look?

Taylashes is offering a great TORONTO CARNIVAL MAKEUP SPECIAL ONLY $20 for full face makeup application.

$5.00 for lashes or $10.00 for Carnival lashes.

Book your appointment today by emailing taylashes@gmail.com

Yes it’s true! The list of the mas camp orders is out and although all masqueraders may not like their position on the road it’s all in good fun.

The positions were officially announced today in a random draw and the parade will begin the the (A) sections, which are the larger sized mas camps.

The parade is a few weeks away and will be starting at the top of Lakeshore with the following bands.

1. Mas Toronto (A)

2. Saldenah Mas-K Club (A)

3. Tru Dynasty (A)

4. Callaloo Mas (A)

5. Tribal Knights (A)

6. Toronto Revellers (A)

7. Carnival Nationz (A)

8. Mas Players Int’l (A)

9. (B)

10. (B)

11. (B)

12. (B)

13. (B)

14. (C)

15. (C)

It looks as if there is still no agreement to the Caribana name change or whether there will be a festival this year due to the name debate.

On May 12th the court the ruled that the name Caribana could not be used by the Festival Management Committee however could be used with consent from the owners. This all seems confusing considering both groups work together to put on the festival every year.

There always seems to be rumors or drama surrounding Caribana. If its not last years garbage strike, not representing all Caribbean islands, cutting out reggae floats from the parade or not having enough money to fund the event. There is no balance between the Caribana Arts Group and the Festival Management Committee.

Maybe there needs to be a whole entire new team or they need to put the Caribana name to bed to prevent complications.

Henry Gomez, Chair of the CARIBANA™ ARTS GROUP advises, “Sponsors and patrons who pay for costumes in the masquerade bands should be very cautious about putting their money into a festival that might not happen this year, and bandleaders should also be cautious about promised seed money.” He also stated, “Neither should they be aiding in the attempted theft of the Caribana Festival from our community, to profit a few individuals.”

SOUND OFF: What do you think about this situation?

So it looks like organizers of Caribana have to go back to the drawing board to come up with another name for one of the largest North American cultural parades.

last week the Ontario courts ruled that the current organization running the festival can no longer use the trademarked name that was created by the organization that originally organized the parade. (whewww…that was a mouth full)

The Caribana trademark is officially owned by the Caribana Arts Group.

What names do you think would be most suitable?
The Jump Up and Wave Festival, Toronto Carnival?!?!

Ok..I have totally neglected the Caribana portion of this blog and I have way too much info to share to make up for all that I have missed.

Since my last post around 7 Mas Camps have launched their colourful costumes for Caribana 2011:

Tribal Knights was first to bat. VERDICT: Get costumes and it set the tone for the Caribana season with the theme “Legends”. They had flattering costumes for every size and skin tone which is a plus for me because I do pick costumes based on how they will look against my skin.

Tru Dynasty. Coming back for the win. VERDICT: A lot more daring this year round especially with the costume that only consisted of nipple covers, inspired by a Josephine Baker theme. They are probably the band with the most small head pieces yet staying on theme with all their costumes.

Blues Fusion first timers. Took more safe route and depended on feathers, feathers and more feathers.

Black Sage in living colour. VERDICT: They will be one of the most colorful bands on the road. When the sun hits these costumes you are surely going to see a rainbow.

Mas Toronto brings the creativity. VERDICT: This was the mas camp that broke my masquerader virginity. They will be bringing a lot of creativity with bold headpieces and going a traditional route as well with not going the bare as you dare.

Toronto Revellers are not in Kansas anymore. VERDICT: This is probably one of their strongest presentations. They have also adopted the wire bra trend. Another fun and creative mas camp.

Carnival Nations brings out the creatures. VERDICT: They have proved themselves to be one of the most popular groups in Caribana already rumored to be sold out. With extravagant head pieces and teenie weenie bikinis.

Saldenah the come back King. VERDICT: They have definitely have proved themselves with variations of costumes which allows for multiple costume options.

FINAL VERDICT:
Wire bras are IN we have easily adopted the Trinidad Carnival inspiration and we have girls that aren’t afraid to wear them.

Creativity.

Everyone is going to the leading major A bands.

Check out the Interview with Tribal Knights and Beauty In You.

Dexter Seusahai – Tribal Knights

Diana Henry – Beauty In You

Caribana is in getting in gear. The extension of the Caribbean festivities has also brought about change and a bigger appreciation of island arts.

It has been announced that Lynrod Douglas, founder of the Black Pages, has been elected as president of the Arts Foundation. The Arts Foundation of Caribana supports carnival arts and culture through education, scholarships, training, development programs and research.

Hopefully with the new change we will see more money and support put in Caribana as well as scholarships to support Caribbean youth.

Photo courtesy: Karibana blogspot

The countdown is over because Toronto mas camps have begun to reveal their costumes for 2011 Scotiabank Caribana.

Dexter Seusahai and the Tribal Knights team was the first to launch with an impressive display of colors and larger than life head pieces themed “Legends”.

Be prepared!

To see more click here.

October 21.10 – Toronto Revellers Reveal OZ

It’s only been a couple months since Caribana 2010 and Toronto bands are already giving hints and clues to the 2011 costume ideas. The Toronto Revellers have revealed that their theme for next year is “Welcome to Oz”.
This is perhaps the earliest I have seen a launch idea exposed but Im excited already.
Aug 4.10 – Caribana Diaries

Caribana was amazing this year and even though I had minimal sleep I was still able to document and have fun all at the same time. Day 1 and 2 I was able to party till 5am, sleep for 3 and march down the road like a true solider. Check out some goofy stuff me and my friends experienced on our long weekend.

Postings for Caribana 2010 3-4 coming soon….

June 11.10 – Tribal Knights CTV Commercial

On Twitter @Caribana_fest posted a pic of the lovely ladies of Tribal Knights shooting for a CTV commercial.
May 20.10 – What is West Fete??

I was just taking a gander through my facebook and saw this advertisement about West Fete.

What is West Fete you ask???

This is the first that I have heard of this event but it’s a carnival that will be happening in Brampton (15min drive west of Toronto). The event will be happening on August 7th and there will be a parade (with costumes) music, food and performances.

This is a nice addition to celebrate our Caribbean culture but what about the return of Hamilton Carnival and Barrie that follow the same weekend and the week after that. And we do have the Caribana festival in Toronto, so will people be there to support and what type of drama will be created from a parade happening the following week?

Hey….I’m just saying, one persons idea is another persons drama.

I love a fete, anytime, anywhere, anyplace!!!
Good luck to the West Fete organizers, hopefully I will get to come out and support.

May 18.10 – Tru Dynasty Band Launch

This was truly a busy week for me but I was still able to build up my energy to prepare for the Tru Dynasty band Launch on Saturday May 15th.

This will be the first time that this mas will be independent from Caribana leading “A” bands like Saldenah and Callaloo.

With strong costumes and diversity in styles the band plans on making something for everybody and still maintaining the sexiness and swagg that people expect from all bands during the parade.

I had the opportunity to wear “I Love Money” and that is soooooo true to my character. The forest and light green costume was one of the crowd favorites with a great detailed backpack for the frontline. But “Dazzle and Diamonds” took the cake. Modeled by the band leaders the costume screamed glamor when it hit the stage and will get high responses from masqueraders.

Check out the video below

May.10.10 – Saldenah Carnival “Portraits”

Saldenah Carnival presented “Portraits” and I must say the costumes were beautiful. I feel like every year Saldenah steps up their costume game and always gives something that wows the masqueraders. Check out more pictures here.

May.6.10 – Tru Dynasty Presents….

New Band Tru Dynasty lead by Thea and Dario Jackson is presenting FEVER-What Makes You HOT….

I got the sneek peek, behind the scenes on the great costumes and I must say that people will love the creativity of this group.

I’m not being bias (because I’ a model, which is the hardest job ever) but I havent seen a year where each band thus far has great costumes.

I’m super excited and I will be modeling for them at the band launch May 15th 2010 at Embers Banquet Hall. I believe I will be “I Love Money”, so use your creative imaginations and think about how the costume will look……here’s a hint… if you attend the band launch you will find out

If you need tickets please contact through email and I got you.

I will try to get you behind the scenes coverage of my preparation and the launch.

The picture you see modeled by Charmaine is “Rays of Sunshine” just one of the many costumes that will giving you the fever.

If you like what you see thus far check out Tru Dynasty at www.TruDynasty.com

And according to the leaders “Toronto Band Launch is May 15th at Embers Banquet Hall 781 Warden Ave. Those who have reserved a seat on the Atlanta Bus Trip will get in FREE! Also, those who have one of Thea’s business cards received with your dvd will get in FREE as well. Just present the card at the door.”

Hope to see all of you there.

May.4.10 – How to Save A Dime!!

Money doesn’t come easy these days. Between the HST (Ontario 13 % tax increase on all goods) and no one finding employment you would think that this Caribana might be pretty bad.
Well….. not to worry because it will all change you start finding ways to buy while its still cheap.
Caribana makes most of its income during the weekend when people from all over flood the GTA looking for places to party and sleep last minute. The businesses know to hike up prices for late bookers because there is limited hotel space during that weekend to begin with.
To avoid the crappy hotel and broke pockets try these steps that will surely help you SAVE.

1. BUY EARLY BIRD OR ADVANCE TICKET: Most of the early bird tickets for parties and fetes are out NOW or in the middle of May. Who can deny a $20 ticket oppose to a $40 advanced ticket or $60 at the door. BEWARE of the fraudulent parties and stick to some of the names that you are already familiar with like Glow, Soca or Die, Hot 97 just to name a few.

2. DRIVE ALIVE OR TAKE A CAB: I know ballin’ in a limo for the weekend sounds great and flashy but carpooling, cabbing around the downtown area or staying in a hotel in the safer way to get around. You save money, have a designated driver or have the cabbie drive you safely home. This has always worked best for me. Drinking and driving is not wise people. Staying in the downtown area is also sensible during that weekend because parking prices are usually above $20.

3. GET A HOTEL WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS MONTHS IN ADVANCED: If you want cheap hotel prices in advance gather a bunch of your close girl/guy friends and get a quad occupancy room. Make sure you research the hotel well because some hotels charge certain fees that may not always be in your budget, especially if you dont own a credit card. Try sites like Priceline.com or Travelocity.ca. Do research and go on the websites of your desired hotel and try to look for special offers because they wont tell you.

By following these three simple rules plus miscellaneous items such as costume, food and liquor (for those that drink) your weekend can add up to………… $600 for the whole weekend (quad occupancy hotel, cab during the weekend, liquor and tickets to parties).

I know the price sounds high but believe me when I say its surprising how much money you save when you spend accordingly

May.3.10- Caribana Beating the Myths

The reason why I enjoy Caribana time in Toronto is because my family has been bringing me to the parade since I was a itty bitty girl. I use to look up to my older sister (a soca and reggae lover) and wish I could get the opportunity to play mas. When I got older and was able to make whatever amount of money I could I bought my first mas costume with one of my close girl friends and fete in the rain like it was no ones business. Did I mention that my parents are Jamaican???

One of the biggest misconceptions that I dont understand is that if you or your parents is from a particular island that they must live up to some stereotype. The first reaction that I usually get when people see me at a Fete or I say I’m playing mas is “Your the first Jamaican I know that listens to soca” or “I thought you were Trini”.

First off there are many Jamaicans that listen to soca music (hellooooooo Byron Lee is a Jamacian) and Trini’s arent the only island that makes soca songs (even though many of their artiste have massive hits). And nobody bothers anyone else when they enjoy listening to reggae music….What’s up with that?!?!

I find that Caribana is one of those days that puts all the Caribbean islands together and for the most part all the stereotypes are eliminated, except the ones like….

All gun totting Jamaicans will be following the reggae float (hey the only ones I see with guns are the police following the truck like a hawk)

All Bajan men are flighty (however I only see the on same man who creates his own costume parading like a woman down the road)

and last but not least…

All Guyanese fight or too drunk to make it pass the stage (Like they say “Rum is my lovaaaaa”..watching a drunk Guyanese man is the most hilarious thing I see on the road)

However, in Toronto West Indian people breed some of the most horrific stereotypes which means that we have double the police presence, more complaints and bad representation from some of our city’s finest hooligans.

Whatever the stereotype I still love my West Indian people

May.3.10- Carnival Nationz

Carnival Nationz launched their 2010 theme “Sparrow d’Legend” Saturday night and unfortunately I missed the presentation.

The costumes are very beautiful and daring (like the bar that just is enough to cover the nipple is a bit too scandalous for me). With a total of 14 sections and well designed costumes each style is a representation of the Soca artiste Sparrow’s popular songs.

The costume pictured at the top “D’birdie” is one of my favs because the colours are delicate and when hit with the sun will look absolutely radiant.

Apr.30.10- Caribana is Coming!!!!!!!

Caribana is around the corner and of course mas camps all over the city are getting prepared to show their designs for this year. Although the Toronto Caribana season has started a little rough with the whole drama about Tribe TO and the De Freitas debacle and the Caribana.com confusion, all will be well this summer.

So far 14 bands will be participating in the parade fighting for the title of Band of the Year. Carnival Nations who have captured the title 3 times have not yet announced the theme but are a force to be reckoned with followed by basketball player Jamal Maglorie’s Toronto Revellers and special guest Machel Montano.

We cannot forget Tribal Knights that are the first to launch this year with the theme “Glitz and Glamour” will be palancing with JW and Blaze.

Newbies on the road Tru Dynasty has already been creating a name with a current bus trip heading to Atlanta Carnival and the sneek peek of their costume. I have no idea who is going to win but I know who I’m playing with and I will be sure to give you more information about it months before Caribana

Now if you are interested in participating, and by participating I mean buying the costume check the bottom with the list of bands.

Apr.29.10- Caribana Launches New Site

The weather is getting warmer, the clothes are getting smaller and Scotiabank Caribana is just around the corner.
As a fellow Caribbean girl there is something about Caribana time that makes you extra proud of your heritage.
The site Caribanafestival.com launched today and provides all sorts of information about events, accommodations, contests and videos leading up to the parade.

Check out my Caribana tab in the beginning of May to get the scoop