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 at 14 before settling in Toronto 15 years ago. Her passion for mas’ was shaped by childhood experiences in dance and theatre, and later, by playing mas’ in  Trinidad and Barbados. But it was a defining moment in 2017 that sparked the desire to lead a band of her own.

A calling rooted in inclusion

That year Niles led a section in a Barbados band and witnessed firsthand how mas’ could be more inclusive.

A group of mas’ aficianodos had flown from Toronto to support a friend—a breast cancer survivor with a prosthetic breast—who wanted to play mas.’ Seeing them celebrate her so joyously opened Niles’ eyes to a greater purpose.

“It was such a beautiful moment,” she recalls. “That’s when I realized I could create a space where everyone belongs on the road.”

From that inspiration, Lux Carnival was born.

Building the Lux legacy

Niles officially launched Lux Carnival in 2023 after serving as a section leader with Sunlime the year before. The name “Lux” stands for Lavish, Unique, Exceptional—and as she explains, those aren’t just words, but the core principles of her band’s identity.

“LUX was built on this foundation: to be Lavish in cultural expression, Unique in social impact, and Exceptional in everything we do,” she says.

 “This is more than a carnival. It’s a movement. A legacy. A testament to resilience and triumph. And this is just the beginning,” she notes.

The heart and hustle of band leadership

Leading a Mas band isn’t for the faint of heart. Niles emphasizes the importance of patience, reinvention, and above all, a commitment to people.

“You have to focus on the fulfillment factor—not just the financials,” she explains. “There are seasons where you lose more than you gain, but the impact you make on others makes it worth it.”

She credits the best advice she’s received as simply: Stay true to your vision and run your own race.

For aspiring section or band leaders, her advice is to do the research, put customers first, and avoid comparing yourself to others.

Milestones and momentum

Lux Carnival had just 10 masqueraders in its debut year—but that small start didn’t hold them back. In 2024, they were awarded the “Small Band of the Year” title, and this year, they’ll take the stage in the prestigious King and Queen of the Band competition for the first time.

The band’s 2025 presentation theme is “7 Wonders of the Caribbean”, a celebration of Caribbean beauty, history, and diversity. Its band launch will unfold over three days—Friday,

April 25 to Sunday, April 27—at Calypso Hut in Brampton. Each night will showcase something different, from traditional costume elements to modern, fashion-forward designs.

Mas’ with a mission

For Niles, Mas isn’t just about revelry—it’s about setting a standard. If she could teach the community one thing, it would be to recognize the value of carnival as a serious cultural and economic force.

“We treat it like a brown paper bag,” she says. “It deserves to be served on a gold platter. We need to be proud of what we do and uphold the standard as a community.”

She also champions accessibility in mas’ designing experiences for children and adults with disabilities or special needs. Lux aims for an 80/20 split between local and international talent, with a strong focus on Canadian creators.

Looking ahead

What keeps her going year after year? It’s seeing her team thrive and knowing she’s helping to build something bigger than herself.

“I’m inspired by the joy mas’ brings,” she says. “If I can create a safe, fun, unforgettable experience for someone—especially someone who’s never felt seen before—that’s everything.”

Follow Lux Carnival on Instagram @luxcarnival.

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