Kison Ventour with a portrayal for “Lustria.”
Photo by Nelson A. King
Grenadian-born mas producer Kison Ventour never thought he would be producing mas for long, much less for a decade. So, he is portraying “Wildest Dreams” for this Labor Day.
“I’m portraying ‘Wildest Dreams’ because who would have thought I would be in a mas game for 10 years,” Ventour told Caribbean Life at his mas camp in East Flatbush, Brooklyn, at 381 East 52nd St..
He said “Wildest Dreams” comprises sections: Lustria, Celestial, Serenade of the Sirens, Sweet Dreams, Dreams Weaver, and Nerthus.
Ventour said each section will comprise 20-30 masqueraders, with about 150-180 masqueraders altogether.
“Most of our masqueraders are all from different backgrounds, most of which have Caribbean backgrounds from all islands,” he said.
Ventour said he makes and produces mas “because it’s something I grew up in and love to do.”
“To see your hard work on the road is a priceless feeling; to see the masqueraders enjoying themselves in your work is an amazing feeling,” he said. “It keeps the culture moving forward.
“To see everyone having fun, being free spirits, releasing stress, having a good time is enough for me,” he added.
Ventour said that, over the years, his band, in association with others, has placed second and third in the West Indian American Day Carnival.
However, SkyMaxx Mas has taken first and second places on his own for the last five years.
Ventour said preparation for this year’s carnival is ongoing, with “long nights and early mornings with the team and me.
“Just having a great team, great designers with wild ideas, makes it simple to keep going forward; great masqueraders also,” he said.
On the road, Ventour said he expects to have “an amazing cast of DJs like Queen De Fire, one of the best female DJs out here today, also Militant Jay, Team Greens from Montreal, Canada – just to name a few.”
He said masqueraders can expect to have “good vibes, good energy, and an amazing time on the road.”
Ventour disclosed that he also produces costumes for Atlanta, Miami, Tobago, and Toronto carnivals.
“We thank all masqueraders, all supporters who have been supporting SkyMaxx Mas for all these years,” he said, stating that the band was formed in 2019. “Appreciate you, guys.
“We will keep pushing to make the culture amazing and push forward,” he said. “Thank you.
“It comes a time when you have to spread your wings and do things differently,” Ventour continued.
He said SkyMaxx Mas can be reached on Instagram and Facebook @skymaxxmas, or email [email protected].