By Twylan Best Toronto’s 2025 band launch season has officially taken off, with Lavway Mas leading the charge last Saturday. Lavway’s theme is Africa and the band launched its presentation at the Tropicana Community Services Centre. The event opened with a soul-stirring chantress, a group of traditional African dancers and three live drummers, setting a […]
Mas in the Six By Twylan Best In the evolving world of Toronto Carnival, Sharon Niles stands as a bold new voice. As the leader of Lux Carnival, she brings a vision rooted in inclusivity, creativity, and cultural pride—one that’s quickly gaining recognition on the mas’ scene. Born in Barbados, Niles moved to the US […]
Mas’ in the Six By Twylan Best In the vibrant world of Caribbean Carnival, band leaders are the driving force behind the spectacle of mas’. Dwayne Gunness, the leader of Sunlime, has carved out a name for himself as a dedicated and passionate mas’ man. A lifelong love for mas’ Born and raised in San […]
Mas’ in the Six By Twylan Best In the heart of Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival, band leaders play a crucial role in shaping the spectacle of mas’. Among them is Wayne Sewell, better known as “Mellowayne,” a name that has stuck with him since his school days. As the leader of Costume Creators Cultural Arts, Wayne […]
Mas’ in the Six By Twylan Best In the colourful world of Caribbean Carnival, band leaders are the creative forces behind the dazzling spectacle of mas’. Among them, Hayden Joseph, known for his signature blonde Mohawk, stands out as the leader of Lavway Mas’, a band that celebrates tradition, artistry, and community. But for Hayden, […]
‘Mas’ in the Six’ By Twylan Best Masquerade, or ‘Mas’, as we know it in the Caribbean, has flourished into a grand and globally celebrated tradition, bringing vibrant energy to many cities around the world. But beyond the dazzling costumes and pulsating rhythms, do we truly understand how and where it all began? The Caribbean […]
By Twylan Best Community Development activist Kenneth Jeffers received the “Pioneer in Pan” award at the 27th annual Snowflakes on Steel concert. Jeffers was a founder of the Harriet Tubman Centre, the first Black multi-service centre in Toronto, and introduced several programs including pan classes. With more than 45 years’ experience in proactive advocacy, community […]
