Models Shai, JoJo, and Madison portray “Pantera” in the band ‘Splendor of the Amazon.’
Photo courtesy Kaisokah Moko Jumbies USA, Inc./Jason Edwards
The virtually based Kaisokah Moko Jumbies USA, Inc. is portraying “Splendor of the Amazon” for Brooklyn’s West Indian-American Day Carnival, hoping to attract up to 90 masqueraders in the Junior Carnival category.
“We picked this theme because it allows us to express our creativity on a different level,” Trinidadian-born band leader, founder, and executive director Jason Edwards, a Queens resident, told Caribbean Life.
He said “Splendor of the Amazon” comprises seven sections, with about 12-15 children per section.
“Our goal for masqueraders is 80-90,” said Edwards, stating that masqueraders comprise children from all over the Caribbean: Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Puerto Rico, etc.
“This year, like the past two years, we have opened our band to the special needs community, giving them the space to enjoy carnival like every other child,” he disclosed.
“This year will make the third year in a row they have joined us for the Junior Carnival in Ms. Nancy’s section,” Edwards added.
Over the years, Edwards said Kaisokah Moko Jumbies USA, Inc. has been placing among the top Junior Bands, “which is a blessing, thanks to my team – from our designer to wire benders, tailors, builders, supporters, our Jumbie team, parents, section leaders.”
He said the band placed first in the medium-sized category last year, and its Kings also placed first and second, with the Queens capturing the first, second, and third spots.
When asked how Kaisokah Moko Jumbies USA, Inc. hopes to perform this year, he paused and added, “Hmmm, in all honesty, I just want a grand carnival for the kids to enjoy themselves.
“This is the only children’s parade here in New York City, and I just want everyone to have a great time,” he said. “This is the road.”
Edwards said preparations for this year’s parade began soon after last year’s carnival.
“For us, preparing for the parade starts once the current year is finished,” he said. “At this point, we have a few weeks left until the parade. We are just working on our big costumes and finalizing packing the boxes for each section.
“This year, like every other year, our masqueraders can expect that all-inclusive experience, with lots of water, juice, snacks, breakfast, lunch,” added Edwards, stating that he enjoys producing costumes.
“We have been doing our band since 2010, and this culture is such an amazing thing,” he continued. “Working with the team, meeting new people who love carnival, is why I have a mas band.”
Edwards said masqueraders will sway to an “in-house” sound system, JumbieSound and Trama Unit Sound, with “a full DJ team lined up,” including DJ Matty, DJ Lani, Mr. Lah, DJ Cheeke, and DJ Versatile.
Despite fervent enthusiasm for playing and producing mas, Edwards admitted that it has been “extremely difficult to sustain the band due to the hardship of getting sponsorship from companies and with the increase in prices.”
He said the public can reach the Kaisokah Moko Jumbies USA, Inc. on Instagram at Kaisokahjumbiesusa, or call (347) 286-5505.