Beyond the Feathers: Navigating Toronto Carnival's Competitive Mas Culture | ft. @madangelo

Carnival veteran Nicholas, who has been participating in big mas since childhood, winning multiple titles and now leading his own section with Saldenah, discusses Toronto Carnival's challenges, controversies, and his hopes for the future.
He shares concerns over prizes for big mas competitions, which don't cover the cost of creation, despite inflation and rising ticket prices for the stadium, prize money hasn't increased. Nicholas also points out the feeling of being undervalued among those behind the scenes, and describes a "dog-eat-dog" atmosphere in the Toronto carnival community.
He also shares his aspirations to focus on keeping children actively involved in the culture by bringing carnival shoe decorating workshops and the first kiddies jouvert to Toronto.
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[@mizzstizzie]

Awesome interview 👏🏾... Nick is a gem because he keeps it raw and real. He has passion with good intention and more than anything his experience and innovation is what will influence the upward trajectory of Toronto Carnival in the best way.
P.s The stage rain down at King and Queen will go down in history as one of the most Iconic moments of King n Queen in Toronto.
Congrats to both of yall for this, very dope conversations ❤

[@JourneytoCourtney]

Big, big episode Keyanna! Our stories do matter and I hope there are more opportunities for us to support each other in documenting them. Keep up the stellar work!

[@JohannaPGrant]

Also the Carnival designs are too raunchy