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 […]
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 […]
Celena Seusahai, three-time Carnival Queen of the Bands and CEO of Tribal Carnival, has once again raised the bar for Caribbean culture by making a bold statement on the global stage. On March 31, she was featured in Drake’s latest music video, Nokia, an artistic IMAX production that not only showcases Toronto’s vibrant culture but […]
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, […]
