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 Fernando, Trinidad, Dwayne migrated to Canada in 1981. His love for mas’ grew from childhood, first through playing pan. However, when his grandmother decided his late-night rehearsals were too much, she encouraged him to find a new activity—leading him to volunteer with a band.

Once in Toronto, Dwayne’s journey in mas’ began after being invited to an event with The Caribbean Camera where he met Frankie Farsul of Borokeete Canada He worked with Farsul before taking a short break. He resumed with Merlin Singh of Callaloo Mas’ until 2009 and then “continued to gain experience” with Alicia and Errol Achue’s Mas’ Toronto in 2010, Mervyn Skeete’s Connections (2012-2013) and Louis Saldenah of Saldenah Carnival (2013-2015).

Through years of dedication, Dwayne built a strong following, which led him to launch his own band, Sunlime, in 2016. However, due to decisions made by the Toronto Carnival Committee, his official debut was delayed for four years.

When five new bands were finally accepted, Sunlime was the

only one to survive.

The meaning behind Sunlime

The name Sunlime reflects Dwayne’s love for travel, the Caribbean sun, and a good lime. He embraces warmth, good vibes, and community—a spirit he infuses into his band.

The art of band leadership

Dwayne believes that to be a successful band leader, one must have dedication, adaptability and a willingness to pay attention to feedback. He acknowledges that the industry has changed—from the days of handing out flyers to the modern era of social media marketing.

A key to success, he says, is surrounding yourself with trustworthy and supportive people:

“I wouldn’t be here as a band leader if it weren’t for my team backing me. It’s a collective commitment,” he adds..

Words of advice for future leaders

Over the years, Dwayne has learned invaluable lessons, many from simply observing others.

His advice to upcoming band leaders and section leaders is:

• Plan accordingly and seek mentorship.

• Stay authentic and creative—stand out rather than follow trends.

• Listen to those around you, but don’t let negative noise distract you.

• Pay attention to the habits of others—learn both what to do and what not to do.

Sunlime’s Competitive Success

Since its launch, Sunlime has made a mark in Toronto Carnival.

• Band of the Year – Small Band: 2016, 2017

• Band of the Year – Medium Band: 2018, 2022, 2023

• King of the Band Title: 2016 (an unexpected but proud achievement in their first year)

Despite these accolades, Dwayne’s primary focus has never been winning competitions.

Instead, he prioritizes creating an unforgettable experience for his masqueraders.

The cultural significance of mas’

If Dwayne could teach the community one thing, it would be the deeper meaning of mas’.

“It’s more than just a parade or a costume—it’s history. I hope more people will respect it and choose to actively participate rather than storm the parade.”

Playing mas’ for the first time

Though he’s always been “behind the scenes,” Dwayne took on a personal challenge five years ago when friends dared him to play mas’ in Miami. Since then, he has also played in Trinidad with Showtime Carnival, deepening his connection to the culture.

Sunlime 2025: Gimme Bass

For Toronto Carnival 2025, Sunlime’s presentation, “Gimme Bass,” captures the electrifying feeling of music on the road. The name was a team decision, breaking away from Dwayne’s

usual one-word themes.

“We want people to feel the thump of the bass deep in their soul—music that makes you want to move, wine, and fully embrace the culture.”

The band launch is set for Sunday, April 13, 2025. Attendees can expect:

• Live entertainment

• A more intimate environment

• Diversity in presentation

• A well-organized, timely show

After previous virtual events, this year’s launch will be “in person.”

A legacy of passion and dedication

What keeps Dwayne coming back to mas’ year after year? His determination and love for the culture.

“I was denied many times before I finally made it. Never give up on what you love. Hardships will come, but you learn to navigate them. Experience sharpens your skills, and I’m proud of the footprint I’ve left with Sunlime.”

With a loyal following, a dedicated team, and a passion for excellence, Sunlime continues to offer an unforgettable experience for all who join.

Follow Sunlime on Instagram@sunlimemas.

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