By Twylan Best For Saldenah Carnival’s Male Individual, Adam Ali, mas’ isn’t just about the costume you wear or the title you win. It’s a story he’s been writing since he was nine years old—one that began with beads, foil, and community hours for his older brother, but grew into a lifelong passion for […]
Mas’ in the Six Twenty Years Strong and Still Changing the Game By Twylan Best This year marks a milestone for Toronto’s Carnival Nationz. Co‑band leaders Marcus Eustace and Bryce Aguiton are celebrating the band’s 20th anniversary, and they’re doing it in true CNz fashion, by making history once again. With their 2025 presentation “The […]
Saldenah brings to life the ‘ Spirit of Carnival ‘ By Twylan Best Band launch season is the unofficial kickoff to Toronto’s summer festivities, and no launch would be complete without the city’s largest and most iconic band, Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club. Just a few weeks ago, Saldenah’s 2025 presentation, “Spirit of Carnival,” lit up […]
By Twylan Best Band launch season is always full of surprises and Epic Carnival brought a powerful presentation to the table with its 2025 theme, “Culture.” Band leader Jerrol “Stretch” Augustine danced his way down the stage once the elaborate costume showcase had come to an end; he then opened the floor for the afterparty […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
