This film by Daniel Amoakoh and Trippin celebrates the love and culture of London’s Mas bands
“I can’t care for anything like I care for Mas. Trust me, I’ve tried. There is something about anyone who can turn anguish and pain into a radiant enough celebration to bring sun where there was once a constant, unending rain. In fact, I call Mas a love language.” These are the words from London poet and BBZ member, Kai Isaiah Jamal, which open short film, Mas.
Directed by Daniel Amoakoh and produced by Trippin, this beautiful documentary, which delves into the origins and importance of London’s Mas bands, features the likes of Gemz, Hotwax, Mangrove Mas & Steel Band, as well as Soca Saga Boys. With many of the bands born out of activism, the film paints them within the context of the rich heritage, legacy and cultural significance of their spiritual home, Notting Hill Carnival.
“The whole thing when it comes to bands, a lot of them are quite family oriented. When you go with a band you always feel safe,” says Hot Wax’s Antoine Ettienne. “In our band we get a lot of people choosing to come with us for their first time because of word of mouth and that family vibe we have. Anyone is welcome. We try to keep in contact with everyone.”
With its origins in the Caribbean, carnival began after the end of slavery, when the newly freed were finally allowed to be on the streets together en masse. The kaleidoscopic costumes and ornate headdresses that are synonymous with the event were originally donned in mockery of their former masters. The carnival made its way over to the UK with the Windrush generation and Notting Hill Carnival has punctuated the British summer since 1966. While it might have been cancelled this year, the need for carnival - and Mas - in these times when immigration and anti-racism are top of the agenda, is stronger than ever.
“We are loving people, we are carefree, but not careless, we take responsibility and we are proud,” says Gemz’s Giselle Carter. “Remember we are not just talking about the costumes. Everyone loves the rice n peas, the calypso, soca…. That is a very rich contribution to the British landscape - and we are going to ensure that we continue to make a positive contribution to the British culture.”