WE COVER STORY: Mac Farlane’s Carnival 2008 - Earth: Cries of Despair, Wings of Hope

By Marie Fleming


Brian Mac Farlane (photo by Mariamma Kambon)

My recent interview with mas maker Brian Mac Farlane, left me with great respect and interest in what he does. Starting off doing voluntary work with big-mas man Raoul Garib from 15 years old, Brian managed to perfect his talents by working with a handful of different mas makers, learning all he could before heading out on his own. It was the year 2004, when one of his role models (Peter Minshall) decided not to stage a presentation; this was the turning point for Brian. As he sat at home watching the parade on TV, he could not help but notice how much Trinidad Carnival was losing grasp of its true meaning. His passion started to boil inside him and in February 2005, MacFarlane Carnival was born and hit the streets for the first time. Brian had his heart set on making a difference and doing something that would open people’s eyes to where we as Trinidadians have come from, and where we are going. In his inaugural year no one was surprised that he won and each year he continues to achieve a handful of accolades.

Mac Farlane Carnival 2008 will bring to the stage Earth: Cries of Despair, Wings of Hope and without a doubt this will be sure to touch the hearts of each and every onlooker. This portrayal depicts destruction in the world today, which we human beings are responsible for. “It displays the reaction to the actions that has been done globally,” said Brian. With sections such as Fires of Rage, Radiation, Famine, Ultra Violet Rays, Demise of the Oceans, and Oil Spill, they all make up chapters in the story of the social and economic crisis that is taking place all over the world. With this year’s theme, Brian wants to send a message to everyone; he wants people to know that we have to stop and look at what we’re doing to this world that we live in. “We must realise that there is hope and making a difference will be possible with the youth of today,” said Brian. The story of Earth is concluded by joining with 5 sections of #1 Kiddies band, Rosalind Gabriel and it is here that we will see the ‘Wings of Hope’. It will be a sense of paradise being reborn as our innocent children will parade through the streets full of colour and life representing the deterioration Earth being saved from destruction.

The choreography of the presentation has always been and will be remarkable in 2008. Rehearsals begin this month as they hire dance groups and individual performers to set the streets on fire. While masqueraders are not restricted in any way to follow routine, it touches Brian’s heart to see them get deeply involved in what they as a band represent so much that they themselves start practicing their own little routines in preparation for the judges. In keeping up with the significance of Earth, Brian’s mas is being built using as many natural materials as possible. The intricate detail seen on every costume is all hand crafted and much creativity is shown by recycling materials such as coins and corks which are being crushed and used as various decorative pieces. They achieve much of their colour by grinding sand and soil, representative of the core story being told. Some of Brian’s much loved sections are Oil Spill (this is derived from the traditional Oil Devils, yet done in a modern contemporary style) and Beings of Trepidation (meaning ‘fear’, instead of masqueraders carrying forks, we will see them carrying the modern day machine guns as we humans have been reduced to killing each other, creating war).

Brian Mac Farlane intends to do whatever he can to preserve the culture of mas as with each winning year he brings a statement to the stage. It is our culture that we need to hold on to as it makes us who we are. This year’s presentation will continue to bring to the street the sense of theatre with elaborate representations as he has for the past three years. With role models such as Wayne Berkeley and Peter Minshall, one can only imagine the ingenuity and creativity being set forth by Brian.

Mac Farlane is a band you will not want to miss for Carnival. The band offers a semi-inclusive bar which will provide the basic alcoholic beverages such as rum, beer etc. and an additional $500 will give you access to premium drinks on both days. Even though some of the sections are sold out, there are still quite a few sections with availability. Because of the nature of the band, Brian says they normally don’t sell out until the week before carnival. And while Brian still looks for another band to give him a run for his money he does hope that others recognise the value he brings to the streets each and every year. Costumes prices range from $3000-$3800 TTD and for those who find this a bit pricey, have the option to be part of this captivating portrayal by opting to play traditional Mud mas with them on Monday only for $600TTD. Being part of such a fascinating presentation makes all the difference. His band continues to grow in numbers and in popularity among the young and old, male and female. They now sit at roughly 1500 masqueraders (who Brian refers to as his ‘family’), all passionate about showing the rest of the country who they are and the difference we as a people can make in our country.

2008 Mas Section (photo by Mariamma Kambon)


Mac Farlane Carnival’s Accomplishments:

2007 – 'India - The Story of Boyie'
*George Bailey Award (Large Band of the Year) - 1st place
*Lil Hart Award (Large Band of the Year) - 1st place
*Downtown Large Band of the Year - 1st place

2006 – 'Threads of Joy'
*George Bailey Large Band of the Year - 2nd place
*Harold Saldenah Large Band of the Year - 2nd place
*Lil Harts Large Band of the Year - 2nd place
*Downtown Large Band of The Year - 1st place

2005 – ‘D' Washing by Fire by Water’
*George Bailey Award - Medium Band of The Year - 1st place
*Harold Saldenah Award - Medium Band of The Year - 1st place
*Lil Hart Award - Medium Band of The Year - 1st place
*Downtown Band of the Year - 2nd place
*King of the Band: “Prince of Deliverance”, portrayed by Fareid Carvalho - 3rd place

Earth: Cries of Despair, Wings of Hope Sections:
1. Party of Hypocrisy
2. Winds of Horror
3. Floods of Terror
4. Fires of Rage
5. Army of Fear and Destruction
6. Pestilence
7. Radiation
8. Invading Sands
9. Famine
10. Ultra Violet Rays
11. Demise of the Oceans
12. Oil Spill
13. Beings of Trepidation
14. New Dawn (Kiddies)
15. Passion of Humanity (Kiddies)
16. Oceans of Rejuvenation (Kiddies)
17. Abundant Grace (Kiddies)
18. Paradise Reborn (Kiddies)

WE GIRL – Maria Vaz

An accidental model, natural, exotic beauty Maria Vaz sort of fell into that line of work after working as a make-up artist for a modeling agency only to be asked to sign on with them as a model. This Jamaican beauty whose features will have anyone wondering what her ethnicity is credits not only her looks but her character for her success in the modeling business. She says she's very down to earth and knows exactly when to turn on her magnetic personality to land her the job.

A little over a year ago, Morena Entertainment's CEO, Yami Johnson told Maria that she was too beautiful to be a makeup artist and not be noticed behind the scenes so she offered her a modeling contract with her company. Maria was interested and excited to know that her dream of working in the entertainment business was about to become a reality but in a different way. Since her first modeling job in Latin group AVENTURA's music video, Maria has been busy doing videos for artists such as Canadian rapper Belly, Nas, Bone Thugz, Gym Class Heroes, Keysha Cole and Nelly. She showed off her catwalk as a model on BET's Rip The Runway, she featured in Fabolous’ album insert and also in fashion spreads and editorials for various urban and fashion magazines. She recently shot her very first commercial for Escada perfume and received a special request from AVENTURA to perform on stage with them at their sold out concert in Madison Square Garden. "I was surprised when my management called me about this request and also to know that they were paying me to do it when it was such a privilege," says Maria. "I can't believe I can actually say that I performed in Madison Square Garden, it can be very intimidating and exciting because not too many models can say that they experienced being on stage at the Garden and having all eyes on them."

Maria feels blessed for everything she has accomplished thus far. She closes 2007 with a cover in I.B. CONCEPT magazine, articles in new issues of The Source and KING magazines and recently shot a commercial for Honey Bunches of Oats cereal. She is also the sexy nurse on the cover of Ghostface Killa's newly released album as well as the lead girl in the music video for his first single. "I have a lot to be thankful for and I know that what I've accomplished so far is a good start to my modeling and acting career," says Maria. We know there is much more to see of Maria because 2007 was just the beginning of her successful career.


Photographer: MIKE JONES
Wardrobe Stylist: Albee Johnson
Management: Morena Entertainment, LLC
Bookings: models@morenaent.com

WE WATCH – What’s new in DVD’s, MUSIC, GAMES & BOOKS

NEW MUSIC


Artiste: Pressure
Album: Love And Affection
Label: Don Corleon Records

B.V.I. native, Pressure has already sold thousand of copies within the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. The album, titled after its smash hit ‘Love And Affection’ (which has topped reggae charts all over the Caribbean, Europe and North America) was officially launched in North America in December. Other hot tracks on the album include ‘Ghetto Life’ and ‘Touch The Sky’. Available at http://www.greensleeves.net/.


NEW DVD’s

Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End
Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) along with Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) sail into uncharted waters and meet a new rival, Captain Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat), on the high seas. Available at http://www.bestbuy.ca/.

NEW GAMES

PlayStation Portable (PSP®)
Slimmer, smaller, lighter! The latest PSP® handheld system is 19% thinner and 33% lighter than the previous model, with twice the memory (64MB) for lightning-fast game play and awesome graphics. The new unit also features an AC power cord, AC adapter and a smaller, more efficient battery pack that lasts up to six hours. The 4.3" LCD screen sports a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, 480 x 272 pixel resolution, and 16.7 million colors for graphics that come alive on the screen. PSP® is available at http://www.thesource.ca/.

NEW BOOKS


The Guyanese Wanderer – By Jan R. Carew
Born and educated in Guyana, the US based author, Jan Carew, delights readers with 10 stories of Caribbean folklore written in a Caribbean dialect.
Available at http://www.chapters.ca/.

WE MUSIC: Nadia Batson – 100% Caribbean Girl

By Karen L. Richardson



It’s finally here. Nadia Batson’s debut album hit the streets on December 17th - not a moment too soon. Her career began 15 years ago, singing background vocals for everyone in the business. At just 31 years of age, Batson is already a veritable veteran in Trinidad’s music circles.

The 13-track album is called “Caribbean Girl.” It’s named for the release that earned her an impressive third place finish in Trinidad’s 2007 Groovy Soca Monarch competition. “I figured that it's time that I compile all of my songs...can't keep releasing singles. Plus I felt like it would also be an exhibition of my growth,” said Batson.

The title is a natural fit for the quintessential Caribbean girl. Nadia is a proud West Indian. When you hear her pristine voice hammer out My Land or One Island, it only takes a moment to understand what she’s about.

“I represent where I'm from 100%. I think that we as Caribbean people are not fully aware of our richness, our beauty and our potential, the way we talk, our warmth, our food. We are so beautiful,” said Batson “and so I have no problem being the Caribbean Girl, ‘cause I'm extremely proud of that.”

But there’s so much more to Miss Batson. She’s a lover of music, and she strives to create the best, both for herself and for other artists in the business. “Good music to me would be that song that can evoke a certain feeling out of me, whether it be happiness, sadness, anger, anticipation, whatever,” Batson shared. “So any song that can be my mouth piece, I like.”

The accomplished singer-songwriter has indeed come a long way. “I just used to write poems and sappy teenage love songs. It wasn’t anything that I had really planned on making a career,” said Batson. Writing, however, eventually became her calling card. Having written high energy soca hits like Flames and Expose, Nadia’s songs have catapulted Antigua’s Tizzy and Barbados’ Barry Chandler into the international spotlight. Batson’s work was aptly recognized when she walked away as 2006 songwriter of the year at the annual COTT Music Awards.

With the release of her very own album, the focus shifts to Nadia the vocalist. “I would have to say that the most important lesson learned was that I always need to believe in myself, cause I am a talented person who deprived myself of true happiness and success for too long. I need to always remember who I am,” said Nadia.

The collection is a mix of previously released singles and newer tracks that display a depth many do not expect from the soca genre. Listeners will see Batson from a more intimate vantage point on As My Pen Drops and Ready For My Loving.

For 2008, she is singing her way through a hectic carnival season with Kes the Band. Versatility oozes from her microphone as she croons in a groovy soca-chutney style Meri Zindagi. On My Posse, the word-of-the-day is pace. In contrast, the ongoing theme for her career is stamina. And with each new milestone, there is no doubt Nadia Batson has what it takes.

For more on Nadia Batson check out www.myspace.com/nadiabatson

WE DESTINATION: Tobago – The Ultimate Carnival Cool-Down

Flights, hotels and car rentals are booked months in advance by the multitude of Carnival revellers seeking an escape after Carnival Monday and Tuesday. The white sands, shallow bays and beautiful clear waters along the shores of Tobago are just what you need to rejuvenate the body and soul after a hectic Carnival schedule.

Most visitors tend to stay in Crown Point (close to the airport), along Store Bay and Pigeon Point which hosts most of the major resorts, hotels and villas and is where much of the after-Carnival activities take place. For diving and snorkelling, enthusiasts head up to the North East coast at Charlotteville which boasts some of the world’s best diving and water sports.

Aside from being famous for its secluded beaches and spectacular coral reefs, Tobago also offers some of the best bird watching and is home to the the oldest protected forest in the Western world, The Tobago Forest Reserve. For avid golfers, Tobago offers two championship golf courses, The Mount Irvine Golf Course and the Tobago Plantation.

You can experience fine dining at places like Café Iguana at Crown Point, Coral Reef Restaurant inside the new Hilton Hotel or at the classy Coco Reef Resort overlooking Store Bay. For a more relaxed casual meal, you must visit the food kiosks at Store Bay and try the world famous ‘Miss Jean’s Crab and Dumplings’.



Tobago Happenings:
Carnival Las Lap - February
Celebrity Golf Tournament - February
Plymouth Jazz Festival - April
Tobago Heritage Festival - July
Food Festival – October

For more information on accommodations, dining, eco tourism, activities, road maps, etc visit http://www.visitstcroix.com/, http://www.tobagotoday.com/, http://www.mytobago.info/, http://www.simplytobago.com/.

WE MUSIC – Dr Jay asks the question…

This month, we turn to a question for which everyone has his or her own answer. With the Trinidad Carnival season rolling up right around the corner, most conversations with our fellow Soca-lovers revolves around the plans and prep to ensure that "we ready fuh mas again". So what is your survival guide for the greatest show on earth, Trinidad Carnival?
There's a plethora of travel tips and online blogs dishing out advice for first time mas players, so I'm going to tell you what they won't. These are my tips for Trinidad Carnival in no particular order because they are all important and should be heeded equally:

- If you THINK you can lime with the big boys and feel the need to SAY that you can lime with the big boys - you probably CAN'T lime with the big boys. Keep in mind that when all your friends have also been liming with Johnnie, they can't lift a big man off the ground. They can't and they wont.

- If you hear that KFC is better than Royal Castle, please don't believe them. I don't care HOW much heck I catch for this one; I love a Royal Castle. Don't get me wrong, Trinidad KFC still beats Canadian KFC with a cricket bat but it still can't test Royal Castle Chicken & Chips.

- If someone tells you that the best way to experience J'ouvert is to walk around town trying to bounce up the various bands, don't listen to them. Be smart and play it safe. This is not the movie 300 and you are not the King Of Sparta. Pay your money to play your dutty mas with a J'ouvert band with security.

- Don't be the one. You know who I'm talking about, ent? Don't be the one in the crew who drinks the most, but when it's your turn to buy a rounds, yuh vanish like yuh name is Criss Angel.

- Ladies? I'm talking to you. I know that most women choose to wear tights on de road for mas which is great but what is not so great is when I can see the panty part all out in the road. What's that all about? How come some ladies wear tights where I can see all kinds of seams and lines all around the backside? I have never complained about seeing bamsee before, but ladies, please don't do that to us men.

- Now this advice is for the guys. One thing that everyone should experience is a Trinidad All-Inclusive fete. It is all you can eat and all you can drink but not like in Toronto where they give you one shrivel up cocktail weenie and call that George. A Trinidad All-Inclusive features food stations as far as the eye can see, so don't let me see man standing up nibbling on a small plate of cantaloupe. Unless a sexy lady is feeding you fruit, eating produce at an all-inclusive is unacceptable. And another thing! It is all you can drink, not all you can waste. Waste not; want not. Especially when it comes to a drink. Have some blasted respect.

- We have all heard of 'vex money'. It is sage advice from your mom. Always walk with your vex money because you just never know what the night has in store and you may need to be prepared to find your own way home. So put that money in your sock and remember: it can't help you get home if you just spent it on a round of scotch and coconut water.

- And lastly, don't eat a roti on the pavement in St. James even if your friend or family, who lives in Trini, says it safe. Our Canadian belly is not acclimatized like a Trini Belly and unless you want to lose a day's vacation while your belly is running like Ato Bolden, leave Aunty Indira and she roti right there.

So what de Doctor wants to know is: what's YOUR prescription for Carnival survival?
…. and THAT is the question.

Dr Jay de Soca Prince welcomes your feedback on this topic at drjay@wemagonline.com

WE ENTERTAINMENT – Aroni Awards Inspiring Youth

By Carol A. Allen


The Manifesto Organization received the Culture Award present by Divine Brown, Starting from Scratch and Tricky Moreira

An evening of inspiration filled Ontario Place's Atlantis Pavilion on Sunday, December 9th, as a diverse group of young people were recognized at the 2nd Annual Aroni Awards Gala.
The gala is named after the late Aron Y. Haile, a jazz-loving free-spirited Software Developer. He died tragically in a bus crash on December, 2003 while on vacation in his hometown Eritrea, East Africa, just days short of his 30th birthday.

Last year, Haile’s dream of having an awards ceremony inspiring Black youth to strive to achieve their goals, became reality. Brother Mesfun and sisters Helen and Lia, along with Harmony Movement, volunteers and sponsors, created a very successful inaugural awards ceremony.

Returning Host and Canadian Idol judge, Farley Flex, co-hosted with actress Elle Downs
A silent auction preceded the show which opened with a dynamic drum and dance performance by Ngoma. Vocalist Andrea Henry, Poet Boonaa Mohammed, Pianist Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Comedian, Jay Martin and Canadian Idol finalist Matt Rapley also entertained the audience.
Spoken Word Artist, Dwayne Morgan, performed a piece dedicated to Keegan Allen, who was senselessly shot in the head at a dance competition on Thanksgiving Day. He died one day later in hospital from his injuries.

Allen, an outgoing 18-year old, who loved to dance, was posthumously recognized with an “Inspire" Award for his eight-year involvement as a youth volunteer with Tropicana Community Services.

Zaqiya Tafari accepted an Aroni Image Award for Entrepreneurship. The 25-year old graphic designer, started his own company despite being a former gang member and high-school dropout. He turned his life around by volunteering with various organizations.
On receiving his award, Tafari stated, "It's a wonderful achievement because young people don't always get recognized. A lot of them are misguided, don't have role models and easily get involved in the wrong activities. I was one of them, but when I got into trouble and realized the impact it had on my family, I decided that I had to make some changes in my life."
He added, "we are more than just athletes and entertainment--we need to see more people in health and sciences. We have the power to empower ourselves."

Danavan Samuels, a Youth Advocate for more than 20 years, organizes the Toronto Urban Music Festival and the Irie Music Festival, which he co-founded. His award for ‘Community’ was presented by Cabinet Minister of Health Promotions, the Hon. Margarett R. Best.
The Manifesto Organization was awarded for promoting culture through their newly-launched four-day Urban Music and Arts Festival held in Toronto this past September.
Luwam Thomas, a bandleader, dancer and keyboard player received the Arts award and an award for ‘Sports’ was presented to Danny Fee, a member of several community sports initiatives.

Three $1500 Education Bursaries were given to Agapi Gessesse, Babakayode Fatoba and Fanieal Abraha pursuing studies in law, medicine and social work respectivelyConcerned that this event would be a "one hit wonder," Mesfun Haile was pleased with the turnout and anticipates that this will encourage people to continue to provide opportunities to acknowledge the youth.

WE FILM - A WINTER TALE

Frances-Anne Solomon brings the real Toronto to the silver screen in February ‘08
By Stacey Marie Robinson



Frances Anne Solomon’s feature film, A Winter Tale, is destined to touch the spirits of Torontonians with its theatrical release in February 2008. The movie tells a truly Canadian story, with universal messages and international appeal. After a young boy is the victim of a misdirected bullet, his death inspires a healing process in the Parkdale community when neighbourhood men form a support group.

A Winter Tale has already sparked conversation and an optimistic buzz. In 2007, it won the Outstanding Canadian Feature award at the ReelWorld Film Festival in Toronto, it opened the African Diaspora Film Festival in Manhattan, and it has had festival screenings in Trinidad, Halifax, and the U.K.

“I didn’t want to do a hip-hop movie and feed into those stereotypes; I really wanted to pull away from that and go for the human element,” said Solomon. “Second generation immigrant kids born and raised in Toronto – from the projects or not – they don’t see themselves on screen, the breadth and truth of their experience. My intention was to reflect that truth and reality.”

Gemini-nominated Solomon has written for the BBC in London and has an extensive background in film, radio and television production. She was the creative force behind the Canadian sitcom Lord Have Mercy; the current Caribbean-Canadian musician profile series Heart Beat (Tuesdays at 7:00pm on Bravo!); and the Caribbean-Canadian resource LiteratureAliveOnline.ca. All works were produced through Solomon’s sister companies Leda Serene Films and Caribbean Tales.

Much like her other acclaimed projects, A Winter Tale features a cast hailing from a variety of backgrounds and performing experiences. The stars include Genie-nominated Peter Williams (as Gene); African-Canadian actor Michael Miller (as DX), Jamaica’s first lady of theatre Leonie Forbes (as Miss G); and Trinidadian comedian/actor Dennis “Sprangalang” Hall (as Professa). Due to their outstanding roles in the film, Forbes and Williams were recently honoured by the Jamaican consulate, and Hall by the Trinidadian consulate in New York.

“I consider it to be a very ‘Toronto’ movie, and very much about what it’s like to be an immigrant in this city,” said England-born Solomon, who was raised in Trinidad and studied Theatre Arts at the University of Toronto before returning to the U.K. where she worked and resided for many years. Living in Toronto once again, Solomon called an open audition and met with one hundred individuals from across the GTA. She was inspired by their tales, and derived her plot directly from the experiences of her cast members and residents of the Parkdale community.

“I want A Winter Tale to be a slice of life…we have struggled a lot,” said Solomon, recognizing that there is healing in the honest emotional expression of a painful story. Along with the commercial screenings taking place next month, she will be hosting a project called Talk it Out where students and viewers across the country will be able to discuss the film in-theatre. “Young people are not fooled by happy endings. They don’t want to be fed more lies, which is why they have liked the film so much. They recognize it, and answers are provided through its truthful presentation.”

For more information about A Winter Tale and related events in February, please visit www.awintertale.ca.

WE COMMUNITY - Camp Jumoke: Everyone Loves the Child

By Krysta L. Celestine



Approximately 10,000 children in Canada have sickle cell anaemia. Another 45,000 could carry the trait. The disease, which is an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells, is not limited to, but is most common in people of African descent. In fact, one out of every ten people of African descent carries the gene. The symptoms, which include fatigue, abdominal pain, fever and vomiting, are excruciating, (in severe cases--deadly) and can make leading a normal life very difficult.

Camp Jumoke (the word “Jumoke” from the Yoruba language of Nigeria translates to “Everyone Loves the Child”) allows children with the disease to be children. Each year, the not-for-profit organization raises funds to send kids with sickle cell anaemia to summer camp, at no cost to their parents.

The organization was founded in 1994 by a group of doctors with the intent of “allowing kids to have a space to go and to be themselves and not worry about being sick or restricted”, says Donna Sobers, Communications Director at Camp Jumoke. “(Jumoke) allows kids to challenge themselves, enrich their lives, and (basically) give them a chance to do things that they wouldn’t normally do”.

Supervised by a team of volunteer medical staff, kids at the camp are in good hands. “Parents feel safe. If it’s too cold for the kids to swim, they won’t go”, says Sobers.

Each year, Camp Jumoke hosts two fundraisers: a bowl-a-thon, which is taking place on January 19th at Play Time Bowl, and a walk-a-thon. The annual walkathon which has attracted people of all ages from the GTA, surrounding areas and Ottawa, has been a resounding success since its inception in 1994. This spring, the walkathon takes place at Nathan Phillips Square, and promises to be as successful as previous years.

“We’re proud and passionate”, says Sobers, who boasts that the organization receives no outside assistance from the government. “The money comes from the supporters”. Currently, the organization is able to send 40 kids to camp every year, and Sobers hopes that membership will increase, but this can only be done with an increase in public support. The organization is always in need of volunteers and sponsors, and for as little as $17.50, you can change the life of one special child.

To find out how you can change the lives of children affected by this disease, contact Camp Jumoke at 416-410-2995. More information is available at http://www.jumoke.org/.

WE CULTURE - The History of Trinidad Carnival

By Antoinette Ifill



Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival is unique amongst its Caribbean neighbours for the one fact that it is not staged as a tourist attraction but has deeply rooted foundations in the history of the twin island republic.

At the end of the 18th Century, the French were invited by Spain to colonize the island of Trinidad and brought with them the tradition of ‘Carnevale’, a period of merriment before the somber reflection of the Lenten season. These celebrations began in December and ended on Ash Wednesday, during which the white elite portrayed the lower classes and slaves in costume. It was common for the upper and middle class to dress as field slaves called “negre jardin”, while the Africans were forbidden by law to partake in the festivities.

The abolition of slavery in 1834 gave freedom to the former slaves to in turn mock their slave masters in costume and the Carnival celebrations were eventually taken over by Africans and “coloured” persons of mixed descent. With this shift in the dynamic of the revelry, the whites withdrew from the festival hoping that it would loose it’s popularity by decrying the Carnival as a “Jamette Carnival” of which only the lowest class would participate in such an immoral and obscene activity. It was due to this disapproval of Carnival celebrations practiced by the Africans that the festival was reduced to only two days.

Unperturbed by the concern of the whites, Africans continued making Carnival into an observance of their own by introducing musical instruments such as African skin drums, masks and dances reminiscent of their native rituals. One of the most important activities of the Africans during the days of Carnival was the Cannes Brulees (French for Burning Cane), a festivity of song, dance and stick fighting. The Cannes Brulees was birthed during slavery; when fires erupted in the cane fields the slaves were rounded up to harvest the cane. This event became known as Canne Brulees, which was later changed to Canboluay, commemorated on Carnival Sunday.

As pressure was placed on the Africans to give up their Carnival festival, hostility brewed between the black underclass and white upper class culminating in the Canboulay Riots of 1881, a two day rampage by the retaliating lower class that resulted in deaths and mass destruction of property. Subsequently, the Canboulay Festival was abolished in 1884, replaced by a more restricted festival which began at dawn on Carnival Monday. Today this celebration is known as J’ouvert.

Africans used costume to highlight their plights as well as mock the aristocracy in masquerade developing unique Carnival Characters such as the Negre Jardin, European Clowns, Jamettes, Dame Lorraine and Sailor Mas. For most of the latter half of the 19th century, the white elite removed themselves from Carnival celebrations until the festival was rid of its unrefined elements. Upon their return it was from a position of observation in their vehicles, and it would be another forty years before the upper class rejoined the street celebrations. Today Trinidad Carnival, a celebration once so divisive, can be seen as the one event that unites all classes, creed and races, if only for a few days, of complete harmony and celebration.