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Mas out front for Carnival 2010 |
Written by : Wayne Bowman
Location : Trinidad & Tobago
Photograph By : Wayne Bowman
Posted : Jun 27, 2009 : 7:06:00 PM |
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Despite clouds of uncertainty hovering over Trinidad’s Carnival 2010 as a result of the H1N1 influenza virus (swine flu), at least two mas bands have already launched their presentations for the coming wining season.
In May, the Showtime Mas Band hosted the media launch of its 2010 presentation at the Alchemy Nightclub, Dundonald Street, Port of Spain. The no frills event failed to attract much mainstream media, which may have been a good thing as the band’s management team made very little information available.
There were no models showing off costumes, nor were there prototypes on display or even drawings of designs, so it was not possible to get an idea of what was being offered. The only revelation made on the night was the title of the 2010 presentation, which is simply: Matrix.
Showtime finds its roots in the Legacy mas band, having over the years presented private sections within that such as ShowTime (2005); Savitri (2006); Descendents of the Last Mohicans (first all-inclusive section, 2007); Chionezu (2008); Dragon Dynasty (2009).
Essentially led by Godfrey Enil, the band is operated by a committee comprising Ricardo Lewis (Road Manager); Kevon Enile (Production Manager); Denecia Enile (Model Manager); Rhoda Lewis (PRO); Leon Bain (Graphic Designer); Damien Leach (PR Officer); Kendall Lumpress (Production Technician).
Now entering its sophomore season, Spice Mas held its media launch at the Zen Nightclub, Keate Street, Port of Spain on June 17th. Despite her position as bandleader, Anya Elias had little more information to offer than the Showtime folks, though Spice Mas was at least able to showcase two sections from its 2010 presentation: The Spice Route.
The two female frontline costumes revealed at the launch were Rubies of Mumbai and Caspian Sea. Other costumes, as well as more information regarding the amount of sections and volume of masqueraders, will be revealed at the launch fete scheduled to take place at Zen on July 19th.
Spice Mas was formed when Elias, who spent years as a masquerader with several bands, decided she was no longer enjoying playing mas as she used to. Encouraged by friends who felt the same way, she decided to start a mas band that would cater specifically to them and other of like mind.
As for the impact the swine flu pandemic may have on Trinidad Carnival, Health Minister, Jerry Narace said at a recent press conference that the Ministry will continue to be watchful over the developments surrounding the virus both locally and globally.
Narace said he is confident that a vaccine will be available before major events such as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit and Carnival come around. The inaugural Caribbean Games, which was scheduled to take place in Trinidad in July, has already been cancelled.
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