Issue 18
Addicted Mas presents BLAZE - “Release the Fire Inside”
This is not a fete in here….Rudder in his prime Miss Universal Carnival UK launches
July 2013
Contents Addicted Mas presents BLAZE “Release the Fire Inside” This is not a fete in here….Rudder in his prime The Afro Chronicles: The psychology of wearing Naturally Textured Hair Part 1: The pursuit of curly coils Labour Day, Trinidad 2013 Malawi launches corruption bureau It is true sex makes you healthier 90 Degrees of Fashion
Production and concept: D.T. Kalloo
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Cover photo courtesy Addicted Mas
Well, well Andy Murray has finally managed to put British tennis back in the corridors of Wimbledon by winning the men’s final and, finally summer is here. Yes! Summer is officially here and it can only mean one thing for the Caribbean diaspora, Notting Hill carnival. Sadly, after almost 50 years, there’s no coherent authority that’s solely responsible for the running of what is so often regarded as Europe’s biggest street festival. Nevertheless, everything’s always alright on the day. London Notting Hill is then transformed into colourful mural costumes in the hues of the Caribbean and, everywhere you look, there’s a smile on the faces of Londoners as the rhythm of multi-culture flourish. So come rain or shine for Notting Hill carnival be sure to Live yuh life like yuh playing Mas.
D.Kalloo
Addicted Mas presents BLAZE - “Release the Fire Inside” come our way, claiming fully our heart’s desire and our true destiny”. See the full synopsis and breakdown of costume design on their website at: http://www.specialistevents.com/mas_section/synopsis.php.
The Mas brand of Specialist Entertainment, Addicted Mas, is without doubt the UK’s fastest growing costume section, with numbers increasing year by year since their first presentation at Notting Hill Carnival in 2010. Brother and sister duo, Junior Inniss and Melmia Inniss, work alongside designer, S. A. Armstrong each year to bring to light innovative and cutting-edge costume design. The team has been involved in costume production, events planning and management for over 10 years. Addicted Mas promises each masquerader a stress-free Carnival experience which includes a personalised friendly service from start to finish, dazzling quality costumes, great music, professional security and indescribable fun and vibes on the road. Unlike many Carnival bands in the UK, Addicted Mas costumes have true meaning and each year designer, S. A. Armstrong prepares a synopsis which details the concept and inspiration behind his designs. This year’s theme is entitled “BLAZE – Release the Fire Inside” and his synopsis begins; “Releasing the fire and passion we all carry within us, like fire breathing dragons of mythology, we soar through life obliterating any obstacles that may
Their 2013 costumes have been launched and the preparation towards the countdown to Notting Hill Carnival has begun. Costume prices remain the same as in previous years with a female bikini costumes costing £100 and a male costume costing £85. Addicted Mas joins Cocoyea Mas Band on the road at Notting Hill Carnival 2013, anyone who knows anything about playing mas in the UK will know that Cocoyea Mas Band is one of the most established, experienced and wellorganised mas bands on the road.
This is the Addicted Mas call to all masqueraders of Notting Hill Carnival: “Lose all fears and inhibitions, and realise the desire you carry in your heart. Come join us as we set the streets alight with the boldness of our expression fed from the fire of our heart’s desire. Release your fire inside!”
For more information on playing mas with Addicted Mas, please contact Melmia Inniss on 07949 269 948, Junior Inniss on 07506 672 699 or Donna Corbin on 07908 584 685. You can also find further information on their website at: www.specialist-events.com/carnival.php.
Blaze – Release the FIRE Inside ‘Releasing the fire and passion we all carry within us, like fire breathing dragons of mythology, we soar through life obliterating any obstacles that come our way, claiming fully our heart’s desire and our true destiny.’ There are millions of people in this world who are not living the life their hearts desire. Instead they act out a life that society, fear and inaction dictates how they live. As a result the soul, which is the part of us where dreams and desires inhibit, becomes tarnished and worn. When the soul is denied true expression it becomes dull and starts to shrink, like a fire which can roar fiercely alive when fed, but if left to fade, eventually dies. The same is true of the soul when we do not pursue our heart’s desire; we fade from existence worn by the weight of unfulfilled dreams and lost opportunities and we start to exist rather than live, dogged by a lifetime of regret and unfulfilled destinies. Then there are those who live their lives to the fullest, those who from an early age, can identify their passions and unleashed the fire in their hearts to create their own destinies, fulfilling every hope, dreams and aspirations they desire in the process. These individuals always seem to stand out with positive energy, a fire that attracts people and opportunities; they burn bright with illumination colours of yellows, gold and oranges, ablaze like the flames of the brightest fires. This is the Addicted call to all masqueraders of Notting Hill Carnival: ‘‘Lose all fears and inhibitions, and release the desire you carry in your heart. Come join us as we set the streets alight with the boldness of our expression fed from the fire of our heart’s desire. Release your fire inside!’’
The Mas: The Heart & The Dragon Throughout the costume design the motif of the heart is repeated in both male and female costumes. A universal symbol of love and passion, the heart was believed by ancient Egyptians to be the seat of wisdom, emotion and the soul. Even in the present day the heart is described as the place where we experience the pains of sorrow or elation and joy. It is in the heart that our desires burn like a fuel propelling us into action.
No other mythological creature exemplifies the power of a fire breather than a dragon. Like the heart, the dragon is also a universal symbol in myths and cultures all over the world in different forms. In the mas, the dragon is an analogy of that individual who has released the fire that burns within us upon the earth; an awesome power that we need not fear, for it can clear a path to which we can all achieve our fullest potentials.
The Afro Chronicles: The psychology of wearing Naturally Textured Hair Part 1: The pursuit of curly coils
By: A. (Soshina) Stephen “The mysticism of afro hair is its versatility; it can remain in its natural state or change, emulate and conform to other forms.” – Soshina. S I present to you a series of articles/ writings addressing the natural and afro hair phenomena from different perspectives. My hope is to enlighten, shed some light on and create awareness concerning the various views (even those outside the afro race) around the Black/African halo and hope that the reader will form their own conclusions. I have been natural for 7 years now and, the journey been a myriad of ups and downs from the decision stage, the acceptance stage and the confidence stage. My decision to go natural was partly bedding in the teachings of my late PanAfricanist mother (my direct example and teacher) and, the look that I saw my other natural hair friends at the time boasting, yes that pursuit of the curly coils. Mindful of my own journey I wanted to put things into perspective and question the hype and psychology of boasting natural afro hair in 2013 since embarking on my own natural hair journey. I remembered sitting in my father’s hair salon in the West Indies asking, well rather begging the hairstylists to “cut the straight (relaxer)” from my hair. They refused and said if they did they will find it difficult to do my hair when I come for a wash…one
even said “we prefer you with long straightened hair…you look prettier” the other was concerned about them losing their jobs thinking my father would fire them for committing such atrocity. In the end and in an effort to rid myself of the ‘cream crack effect’ and get what I wanted, I picked up some styling scissors and with every “squigiit” sound of the blades I saw the floor piled with hair and when I looked up I saw my scalp, patchy. I admired my patch work, breathed a sigh of relief and sat on the swivelled chair for them to finish what I had started. Two things came to my realisation that day 1. I could not put the responsibility of my identity and my destiny in someone else’s hands (it’s not theirs) and 2. Their
reactions to me cutting my hair in a time when there were NO NATURAL hair gurus or hypes incited me even more. These two realisations forced me to find out why we as a people, were so opposed to something on our head with which we were naturally born with. What was all the disenchantment with the natural hair and how was this mentality born? And so my journey began… At the beginning: The 1960’s era birthed the advent of the natural hair movement which consumed the Afro-Diaspora community, but this sensation was not one born of the glam and fashion of natural hair as seen today as the article title suggests, but instead emerged out of both a racial and political uprising against the oppression and suppression of the blacks in the West. For almost the first time outside of Africa, the Afro was worn to symbolise black pride. Synonymous with the afro in the racial movement of the 60’s was Angela Davis, someone whom I still look up to and Kathleen Cleaver both of who’s talks can be viewed regarding their decision to wear their hair in an afro. Now fast forward Four decades plus, and we are now seeing a bigger than ever before pilgrimage to the African holy crown, the afro (since 60’s, 70’s panther era, civil rights movement what natural hair represented then) a reemergence I would say. More and more persons, celebrities’, corporate personalities are embracing the natural hair phenomena. Natural hair products, books, blogs and vlogs, mixologists and salons all created for those in the pursuits of the curly coils.
But what in essence does this truly mean? Is there more awareness around the wearing of natural afro, has social, political and economic perceptions shifted to accommodate the “Fro”. Is the fro still a symbol of racial and political revolution or are we now as a people more embracing of self and identity in the face of social evolution? Further instalments in this series will explore these questions in details so keep reading; I look forward to sharing with you. Be sure to catch Soshina Stephen second part in the series in the next issue of Culturepulse. Share your experiences with Soshina at: Soshina.s@gmail.com
This is not a fete in here….Rudder in his prime
By A Armstrong I have only ever seen David Rudder n concert 3 times in my life. The first time, as far as my memory allows me was the early 90s at the Spectacular Forum in Port of Spain, Trinidad. It was my baptism to any Calypso/Soca artist concert and David Rudder, I felt then was in his prime. Fast forward some eight years later at the Camden Palace, London. I am dancing the night away with my friend Samantha draped in my Trinidad and Tobago flag in the fete Cocoyea, David Rudder on stage. He performed to a packed house of soca loving Trinis and other soca-starved masses in the Diaspora. I left the fete fully entertained, soaked in perspiration and ultimately satisfied that this version of King David Rudder, was indeed his prime and it really could not get any better than that. Enter present day 2013 and I see on the social network site Facebook, Rudder 6.0. Here was another opportunity to see David Rudder in action some 27 years after he turned Trinidad and Tobago carnival upside down, winning the Calypso Monarch, Young Kings, Road march title
and Panorama with his two immortal classics, Bahia Girl and The Hammer. Through my editor at Culturepulse, I am contacted, by no other than David Rudder, himself who directs me to Pepper’s offices to collect my ticket. At Pepper Marketing, I purchased my Rudder 6.0 T- shirt in preparation for next David Rudder concert, ‘This is not a fete in here.’ David, like everyone would tell you is a charismatic entertainer and I anticipated a good show from the veteran, ‘Rudder is a boss’ I reminded myself, ‘a master of the art form...like Sparrow, Kitchener and Chalkdust, guys like him only get better with time.’
Working in Port of Spain and listening to a couple of the radio stations every day, I must confess there was hardly any exposure to the concert on mainstream media. Interestingly, Facebook was the platform where details of the concert were delivered. There was even a countdown to the concert and sketches of the rehearsals, ticket information and how to get live stream for those who could not be there in person. More or less everything about the concert was marketed through Facebook and Pepper Marketing in Port of Spain.
…Rudder in his prime In true Trini style, I got to the show late. Saturdays are long challenging days for me and, getting to the Queen’s Park Savannah for 8pm, quite simply proved unrealistic after a day’s toil. That said, I missed 3 Canal’s performance, which I did not mind, having seen them on both sides of the Atlantic in recent times. Also, I missed Freetown Collective, they on the other hand make my head hurt and the last thing I needed for Rudder 6.0 was a headache. Sadly, I missed the first part of David Rudder’s performance comprising of music of the 60s and 70s reggae, soul, and pop, probably some of the music that would have influenced Rudder in his youth. On entering the Queen’s Park Savannah, I could hear King David’s voice, echoing through the mecca of carnival, I could see the man himself, his rendition 1990 drawing to an end. Rudder at 60 looked more like 45, his voice as fresh as the crisp blue shirt he was wearing, a contrast to the already drenched men and women in the audience. Between Rudder’s voice and his presence on stage it took me at least twenty minutes to recognise the people around me. This was a mature audience, a buffet comprising of 40 and upwards age bracket, with a sprinkling of 20 to 30 year olds, all making up the ‘North Stand posse.’ There they were, up front, hands in the air wet with perspiration jumping and waving as King David entertained the court. He fed the crowd with classics such as; Oil and Music, The Ganges and the Nile, Trini to the Bone and Bahia Girl. The audience feeding off the rhythm of Rudder’s energy, the engine room working in tandem as hands waved and bodies swayed.
Looking around, it was evident the North Stand posse was largely a seated audience of grey haired fans. The Grand Stand crowd, in true Grand Stand tradition sat quietly relaxed lapping up the quiddity of Rudder’s repertoire. Had I not ventured to the back for a beer, you would not have known they were there.
Back at the North Stand you were quickly reminded just how much of Rudder’s music you forgot you actually knew. The words came easily with just a few chords or a beat sending your body first, then your mind to a flash back of the 80s and 90s. Peter Minshall had left by the time tunes like Calabash and Jungle Fever had the audience in frenzy, big screen beamed images of Callaloo and the River on the streets of Port of Spain in the 1980s. The magic of Rudder’s excellence and renewed energy, with every song the brilliance of a superb artist unfolded. My favourite part of the night was his song, The Ballad of Hulsie X, this 1988 political commentary had the entire savannah ‘going down with Hulsie’, which for some reason had me wondering what if Hulsie Baggan was the first woman PM instead of KPB?.
…Rudder in his prime Rudder 6.0 also slowed things down too. The poet, social commentator, historian, artist, and griot reminded us of our social blemishes, regional scars and imperfections with tracks like Haiti, 50 years and Mad Man Rant. Performing his 1986 monarch winning song, Hammer and Dus’ in dey Face, he had the crowd savouring every note. Arms reached out wanting more, hard core ravers at the front were singing, jumping, waving and occasionally getting on stage as the spirit of the soca reached out, engulfed and possessed them.
As the night went on, Rudder at 60 appeared stronger as the night turned to morning. He seems to feed of the energy of the audience in a perfect symbiotic exchange as they fed of his energy, each supplying the other with more and more vigour and enthusiasm. The once crisp blue shirt drenched and changed for a black one, his thirst quenched by water. He was at it again revitalised and looking as though he could go another 6.0 as he brought the show to an end with a crowd assisted recap of his songs and Bill Withers, Lovely Day.
Looking at the time line of Soca music from its inception with Lord Shorty’s Endless Vibrations to Bunji Garlin’s Differentology in 2013, and David Rudder’s music stands out almost like a genre in its own right. Between 1980 and 2013 no artist has put the aspects of Calypso and Soca together quite like him: poetry, storytelling, humour, social commentary and countless musical influences make David Rudder a Grand Master of the art form. His contributions to Soca and Calypso are in my opinion as seminal as their very creations. Judging from Rudder 6.0 his contributions looks set to continue for many decades to come. Looking at Rudder, standing above the audience, master of all he surveyed, I thought to myself, ’60 and still in his prime.’
Photos: A. Armstrong, D.Kalloo and David Rudder
Labour Day, Trinidad 2013 Having always been an advocate of the Labour Movement, it was ironic that for the first time in my life that I journeyed to Fyzabad to be a part of the Labour Day celebrations on June 19th. The sun was punishing me for my ignorance of leaving home without a hat however, the vibration of the atmosphere and cold beer compensated to some extent. As the crowds gathered in their colours of blues, reds, yellows and purples representing various sections of the countries union factions the people began to teem with an urgent enthusiasm. Media teams were busy interviewing the big players in the union business such as David Abdullah and Ancel Roget. All around you, posters of Butler, Weekes,
A loud speaker summoned the crowd and about a dozen heavily armed police officers, looking like something out of the Bad Boys movie moved and took up position at the front of the procession. Prayers were said in different faiths and a brass ensemble led the march with a rhythm section mid-way, providing the engine as the peaceful, incident free march proceeded from Advocat Junction. As the heavens opened and the heavy downpour cooled scorched earth the march proceeded without interruption. The Bad Boys quickly donned the plastic rain gear as the rhythm section kept pace the marchers in pace.
CLR James and Roget reminded us why we were there. Above, it appeared as though the heavens thought I had endured enough punishment from the fury of the sun and dark rain clouds converged in much the same sequence as the people on the ground.
I was filled with emotion as I watched from the crest of a hill, the mass of people meandering along the road, spectators converged on the roadside with umbrellas to cheer on the crowds of union members carrying placards condemning the present government and lamenting on the previous one. A loud speaker broadcasted intermittent messages that challenged government on issues of the day
Labour Day, Trinidad 2013
Rain failed to dampen the traditional ritual that was started by the late Uriah Butler in 1937 when he marched for peace, bread and justice. The carnival-like atmosphere, complete with Moko Jumbies and Midnight Robbers converged at Charlie King junction where the march ended and union leaders address the large gathering. Tributes was paid to two stalwarts, Elbert R. Blades and Thelma Williams and preceded by a cultural programme with performances of calypso, soca, chutney and various genres of cultural dances from talented youngsters.
D.Kalloo
Malawi launches Bureau to tackle corruption Has the Malawian government suddenly recognised that close to a third of its budget is currently being siphoned through corruption? Justice Rezine Mzikanada, director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau announced last week that 30 per cent of the government’s budget ‘disappears into the corruption abyss.’ This level of widespread corruption that continues to plague Malawi is not pertinent to small African nations but is widespread in many small and developing countries across the globe. The corruption mechanism seems thriving though, in former colonial nations and, what they classed by the West as, under developed countries. Malawi has been classed as one of the poorest countries in the world and rampant with corruption. According to the Malawian finance minister, Malawi is expected to lose almost K200 billion from its 2013-2014 budget of K639 billion to corruption. For a country struggling with debts and poverty, a hefty sum will pass its way through irregularities and into the pockets politicians and businesses. The irony of the corrupt governments or politicians is that, you already known where the corruption exists. In many instances, the corrupt individuals or groups are widely known. The obstacle is the power to remove or prevent further corruption in such corridors. Many Malawians believe that although the government has set the tone to tackle corruption, it is still unclear which cases have been dealt with and, if any at all have been dealt with thoroughly.
One area where corruption remains rife is the public service sector. Transparency International recently reported that the Malawian police service has had a world corruption rating of 4.7 while the judiciary services is at 4.1 and parliament with 3.9 rating. Such rating is not helping Malawi’s development, both at local and international levels. The Anti-Corruption Bureau vision is to steer and make ‘a corrupt-free Malawi’. Like any society, tackling corruption can be highly sensitive especially in any attempt to eradicate corruption where the system itself is marred, the process then becomes viral and those charged with the responsibility of fighting corruption becoming corrupt themselves. Opposition leader John Tembo speaking recently said ‘corruption in Malawi remained a constant obstacle to development.’ President Banda also warned that while the country suffers from high-level corruption to simple bribery, she would not allow people to enrich themselves dubiously. However, corruption continues to tarnish the Malawian democracy. Tembo, in a statement called for what he described as ‘an effective crusade, one that will end corruption and secure the country’s future.’
D. Kalloo
It is true sex makes you healthier You may have heard over the years that drinking a glass of red wine was good for you and in latter times, some research said it was bad. Recently scientific research has proven it good again. However, if you are serious about healthy living, forget red wine and grab yourself a good session of loving at least twice a week according to research by a leading university. The studies found that having sex makes you fitter and, can boost your immune system. Having sex it seems, is the ultimate health package. You burn calories, boost your cardiovascular system and now, to add to that enhance your immune system. Your immune system depends on your level of antigen immunoglobulin A this helps your body to fight infections. iGA as it is referred to in medical terms is found in saliva and mucosal linings, which play a vital role in the body’s immunity. iGA produces about 75% of your body’s total immunoglobulin. Wilkes University found that those who took part in the study and had sex twice a week had higher levels of iGA by up to 30%. Those ho abstained from sexual activity had lover levels. However, the study found that those who engaged in sex more than three times a week had lover levels of iGA than those who abstained.
During sexual intercourse, the body produces a hormone called oxytocin, commonly known as the ‘love hormone’. Oxytocin escalation then triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. According to researchers, after sex if you suffer from recurring headaches or arthritis oxytocin can help reduce the level of pain. Oxytocin produced through sexual activity also helps the body to sleep better, hence the reason you feel sleepy after having sexual workout.
Miss Universal Carnival launches in Soho Carivog International launched its newest venture on Monday 15 July 2013, Miss Universal Carnival UK at the trendy Soho venue, Bitter Sweet. Unlike the Miss Trinidad and Tobago UK pageant, which Carivog has managed successfully for the last ten years, Miss Universal Carnival UK will focus on a different objective. It is the first show of its kind, one that would, according to the organisers; create not only a platform for to celebrate all aspects of carnival arts but will provide and create an avenue for costume designers and builders to showcase their creativity in a setting other than on the streets at carnival time.
The show will also demonstrate a collective of Diasporic carnival contestants that is truly universal. There are 16 contestants taking part in the show representing: Antigua, Barbados, Brazil, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Nigeria, Poland, Puerto Rico, Scotland, St Kitts, St Lucia, Trinidad, Tobago and Venezuela. The show will take place at the Centre for Carnival Arts, Luton.
Miss Universal Carnival UK will draw on a diverse collation of creative artisans and professionals who, through the evolution of carnival arts will bring a new dimension to the show. The show will encapsulate a community spirit, one of the fundamental genesis of carnival and the nexus by which it has survived and thrived through the Diaspora. Artistic director of Miss Universal Carnival UK, Ansel Wong said
that carnival stamped “its presence on the physical, cultural and political landscape of society.” The event is backed by a host of volunteers and sponsors that include Western Union, Grace Foods, Palola, Chinara Enterprises Ltd, Design Essential, Kbell Cosmetics, Soca News and Kiss Lashes. Miss Universal Carnival UK is supported by its creative partners Masquerade 2000, Bajan Revellers, Poison UK, Dragon Mas Band, Eclipse, UCOM, Genesis, Bacchanalia, Enigma Vibes, Wassiville, MK Designs Collective, Eco Fashion Wear by Aleah’s Collection, Simon-Hartman, Albert St Clair, Ben Black and Trinis in London.
For further information and tickets, please contact: UK Centre for Carnival Arts www.carnivalarts.org.uk or +44(0)7958336694 Melanie Peterkin-Philip, Media & Marketing media@carivog.com Ansel Wong, Artistic Director artisticdirector@carivog.com General enquiries to: missuniversalcarnival@carivog.com
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‘Exploring the Diaspora’
Experience a taste of Africa at its finest IN barking on the 14th August 2013
Over 40 stalls showcasing African authentic produce, Kente weaving, drummers, singers, Poet from Kenya, dancer/singer from Congo, Ghana, Gambia and Nigeria, food, fashion, music and more are descending on Barking Town Centre this summer. Africanshowcase is a market/ festival displaying the music and arts of Africa with fantastic workshops, paintings, artefacts and stunning handmade African jewellery on display. For one day audience/shoppers/ community will be treated to a procession of acrobat and dancers, a head wrap workshop for adult by Kente weaver and top Musicians Kasai Maisa & Solek Crew
A fun day out for the community to have a taste of African delights Sponsored by Barking & Dagenham Council, Labera and Arik Air Ola Mustapha, of Kiskirine Events, which is behind the events, says: “The aim of the African showcase market festival is to bring the African cultural experience closer to the public and celebrating diversity through commerce”. “We’re delighted that London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council/Barking Town Centre Manager Ralph Cooke and Janice Hunte and other boroughs are supporting this would-be-annual event which was inaugurated in Brent in 2003 and look forward to sharing the fun with more of the public”. For more info: www.africanshowcasemarket.com
90 Degrees of Fashion
By Nichola McDonald
We rallied through the rainy days, but a heat wave here in London has made us realize that summer’s in and all its hot, steamy glory really has arrived. With the highly anticipated heat wave in full swing, here in London it is a great time to discuss your attire during a heat wave. It’s all about keeping cool with a style that suits you best, therefore, if you want to stay cool, here are some fabrics that breathe – Cotton, Linen, Tencel Blend and Light wool. Cuts – Having room under the arms is key, for you guys short-sleeves shirts are ideal for this, along with the simple option of a vest or t-shirt and ladies maxi dresses on the loose side. For those who love their pants or jeans, try linen pants or perhaps a pair of short jeans, both are more comfortable to wear in high heat, always try to utilize pieces that have flowing cuts that provide less contact with fabric to skin.
90 Degrees of Fashion
Office -The heat is on, yes, although we would all prefer to strip down to our bathing suits or less, that is not exactly office-appropriate. Here are some summer-appropriate looks that are both cool and chic. Whether it is a chiffon skirt, lace tank or a dress, again, the less fabric you are wearing the better you will feel. Lucky for us, lightweight fabrics and roomy shapes are both on-trends right now. With the summer heat burning the midnight oil in old London town, the 90 Degrees of Fashion continues to reinvent itself, so my dear heat revellers “bask in your glory of what is, London 2013 90 Degrees of Fashion�.
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Cover and back photo courtesy: S. A. Armstrong Addicted Mas Designer Notting Hill Carnival 2013