Mas’ within the Six
By Twylan Greatest
Within the coronary heart of Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival, band leaders play an important position in shaping the spectacle of mas’. Amongst them is Wayne Sewell, higher referred to as “Mellowayne,” a reputation that has caught with him since his faculty days. Because the chief of Costume Creators Cultural Arts, Wayne is devoted to fostering group, household engagement, and youth empowerment by mas’.
A Journey into mas
Born in Jamaica, Wayne migrated to Toronto on the age of 15. Although he all the time beloved carnival, he by no means noticed himself getting concerned.It wasn’t till Whitfield Belasco, the previous chief of Idea Costume Creators, reached out to him a number of occasions that he lastly visited a mas’ camp.
Recognizing Wayne’s artistic background in graphic design, Belasco invited him to offer suggestions on costumes. That go to modified every part. After providing his insights on design and coloration, Wayne was challenged to enhance a fancy dress himself.
He took on the duty, incorporating vibrancy and motion into the design. Decided to excellent his craft, he studied books, watched tutorials and realized from skilled designers – regardless of encountering the gatekeeping mentality that usually exists within the carnival.
When Belasco retired in 2018, Wayne was chosen to take over his band. Initially, he hesitated, questioning whether or not a Jamaican may efficiently lead a mas’ band in an area so deeply rooted in Trinidadian tradition. Nevertheless, with Belasco’s assist and encouragement, he embraced the chance.
Main a band with imaginative and prescient
Wayne rebranded the band as Costume Creators Cultural Arts, sustaining a part of the unique identify to honor its legacy. The group, which has existed for the reason that inception of Toronto Carnival in 1967, continues to emphasise creativity whereas offering a platform for younger folks to showcase their skills.
For Wayne, management in mas’ requires resilience and imaginative and prescient.
“A profitable band chief should keep motivated and block out negativity,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to cry. Folks will attempt to break you down, however you need to rise above it.”
He additionally stresses the significance of persistence, confidence, and originality. “Don’t observe the gang—pave your personal method along with your creativity.”
Phrases of Knowledge for Future Band Leaders
Wayne’s recommendation to aspiring part and band leaders is simple:
• Be taught from others however keep true to your self.
• Design with cost-effectiveness in thoughts—don’t lose sight of your ardour chasing cash.
• By no means depend your earnings earlier than you begin promoting.
• Flip criticism into motivation.
• Battle in your imaginative and prescient and create one thing distinctive.
Wayne believes that failure is a mandatory step towards success. “It takes three designs earlier than you get what you need,” he explains. “The primary is only a thought, the second is the thought coming to life, and the third is the imaginative and prescient you really imagined.”
Competing for the love of mas’
Since taking on in 2018, Costume Creators Cultural Arts has but to win the Band of the Yr or King and Queen of the Band titles. Nevertheless, it compete yearly, bringing its artistic imaginative and prescient to the parade.
Successful isn’t Wayne’s major focus. His objective is to create an inclusive and unforgettable expertise for masqueraders.
Costume Creators Cultural Arts 2025: A Youth-Led Imaginative and prescient For Carnival 2025 Arts will current “Tropical Kaleidoscope”, a vibrant celebration of the Caribbean islands by a colourful lens. What makes this theme particular is that it was created by the youth within the band, reflecting their artistic enter and fervour for mas’.
The official band launch will happen on Sunday, Might 4, that includes costume displays for each kiddies and adults. Wayne intentionally holds launches on Sunday evenings to advertise a family-friendly atmosphere. Attendees can anticipate a showcase of youthful power, wealthy cultural storytelling, and beautiful designs.
Instructing the subsequent era
Wayne believes that mas’ is greater than only a parade. It’s a cultural legacy. If he may educate the group one factor, it might be the true historical past and significance of carnival. He has even created an in-house booklet that educates younger designers on the historical past of mas’ and the technical expertise wanted to assemble costumes, resembling wire bending for bras.
Many younger folks in his band couldn’t afford to play mas’ previously however by sponsorships and grants, Wayne has made it attainable for them to take part. He additionally ensures that they achieve real-world expertise by involving them in costume-making, DJing, and management roles.
The fervour behind the mas’
For Wayne, Mas is about group and influence. He finds motivation when folks method him, saying, “I do know you—I performed mas’ in your band.” Seeing youth from his band develop into DJs, truck drivers, and creatives inside the carnival scene fuels his dedication yr after yr.
His proudest second? Regardless of putting final on the Lakeshore final yr, he noticed nothing however pleasure on the faces of his younger masqueraders. That, to him, was a win.
For Wayne Sewell, carnival isn’t just about creating costumes -it’s about creating alternatives for the subsequent era to hold the tradition ahead. Comply with Costume Creators Cultural Arts on Instagram @officialcca.
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