By Anthony Joseph The sounds of steelpan and heartfelt reflections filled Tropicana Community Services in Scarborough as family, friends, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the life of Hameed Shaqq, affectionately known as “The Pan Piper”. Born and raised in Arima, Trinidad and Tobago—a place whose indigenous name means “plenty water”—Shaqq’s lifelong journey brought his […]
by Stephen Weir Thea Jackson had a terrific opening last week. Standing amongst her section at the ‘Epic Carnival’ band launch she is happy signing up new revellers who want to ‘Walk De Road’ at Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade on August 2nd. Still, with only 5 months to go the consumer designer/creator is […]
Sunlime turns up the heat for 2025 The band launching season is nearing its close but there are still highlights to celebrate. And Sunlime’s launch was definitely one of them. Held just over two weeks ago at Tropicana Community Services, the event was packed with energy, colour and mas’ enthusiasts. Sunlime’s 2025 theme is “Gimmie […]
By Neil Armstrong Many Torontonians have memories of commuting on the subway and hearing the sweet sounds of steelpan and witnessing the dexterity of steelpan musician, consultant and researcher Hameed Shaqq. His hands are now stilled; he passed away on May 5 and will be buried on May 9. The musician was wrestling with an […]
Mas’ in the Six Louis Saldenah of Saldenah Carnival By Twylan Best Toronto — In the rich and rhythmic world of Caribbean Carnival, few names hold as much weight and legacy as Louis Saldenah. As the leader of Saldenah Carnival, Toronto’s most awarded mas’ band, Louis has spent nearly five decades shaping what carnival looks, […]
By Stephen Weir The Toronto Revellers, led by NBA star Jamaal Magloire, are dressed, hyped, and officially on the court warming up for the 2025 Toronto Caribbean Carnival. This past weekend, the Mas Camp held their highly anticipated band launch and are promising a high-energy lead-up to the Grand Parade on August 2nd. “Our launch […]
Mas’ in the Six This week Johanna Grant of Freedom Mas’ Band By Twylan Best In Toronto’s ever-evolving Carnival scene, Freedom Mas’ Band has emerged as a powerful voice for cultural reclamation, community representation and Caribbean pride. At the helm is Johanna Grant, a trailblazing band leader committed to honoring the roots of Carnival while […]
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 […]
By Stephen Weir “How much is this bottle of made-on-the-farm cider?” asked a shopper at the newly opened downtown Toronto five-storey market at Front and Jarvis Streets. “Five dollars,” answered an excited vendor sporting a funny hat, standing behind a food booth in the brand-new North Market building. Well, he wasn’t exactly right—at least not when […]
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 […]
