Friday 26 August 2016

Friday 26th August: Notting Hill Carnival Mas Camps - Mas Africa at Mandiga Arts









In order for the smaller bands to make an impact in the sea of floats in the parade, CAMF are starting to team them up on collaborations with larger established companies.  Here MAS Africa have been learning skills from Mandinga Arts to make a lion costume for their king and in turn widen their artistic practice for the future.  By sharing knowledge and technique, the art form can grow, flourish and continue.  Here you can see Barbara putting a hinge in the jaw so that it will open to reveal the child's face as they are performing.  Also on hand at the master-class workshop are some of Mas Africa's young members who have grown up in the band and the next generation of new talent to take over the art direction.  This year's theme of "Roar" has been chosen for the children's section to promote the message of how to deal with bullying.  When I visited their own Mas Camp I witnessed the dance rehearsals to the Katy Perry song "Roar" which was incredibly cute and I cant wait to see how it all comes together on the day!  This white foam headdress will be decorated and ready to prowl with the procession along the route of Portabello!  Its going to look GRRRRRRRREAT!

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