Freedom Mas Kick off the start of Band Launch Season 2024

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was an entertaining, inspiring and visually exciting day on Sunday, February 25^th, 2024, when Freedom Mas kicked off the start of band launch season 2024. In this the third year of the first and only Jamaican band, led by Johanna Grant, the unveiling of the adult and kids’ costumes were showcased under the theme “What If” at the Small Arts Inspection Building in Mississauga near the intersection of Dixie Road and Lakeshore Shore.

The promotional material on Instagram states, “We are bringing the spirit of Carnival through music, dance, and delicious food. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of the Caribbean with live DJs, playing reggae, soca, and dancehall music that will keep you grooving all day long.” They describe what attendees would be able to experience as they “Explore the diverse marketplace filled with local artisans and vendors offering unique crafts, clothing and accessories.”

There was a wide range of vendors present who showcased a range of services and products targeted to the: Black, African and Caribbean community. One of the vendors was Rose & Ruby Jewelry, which offers the Ultimate Jewelry Guide in which everything you need to know about: cleaning, traveling, measuring and maintaining your pieces. I spoke with Antoinette and Norman of Yardpot Catering Ltd about the different types of authentic: products, services and catering they offered. They are proud of their Jamaican roots and willingly promote the varieties of snacks, treats and products.

I spoke to Johanna who has been the band leader of Freedom Mas since its inception about what she expects for Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2024. She is excited to be the first Mas back to start band launch season 2024. The fact that it occurred during Black History Month was intentional and foundational to connecting carnival to its historic roots as a symbol of independence, freedom and empowerment. There were young and old in the audience who witnessed the visually stunning and stimulating costumes that were showcased during the presentation.

There were several sections that were featured at the band launch, which included:

• Phoenix Mist @thebutterflyave
• KADENCE Rhythmic Flow of
• Essence of Dreams-@queentcarnival
• Thoughts of the Future@angelicxarnival
• Port Royal Pirates of the Caribbean

In the audience was Jennifer Michelle Hirlehey, Board Chair of the FMC and CEO, Mischka Crichton, Stephen Dasko, Councilor of Ward 1, as well as Martin Reid, Councilor of Ward 3 of the City of Mississauga enjoyed the festivities and celebrations as they interacted with the audience.

Linden King, former Chair of the Black Caucus of Mississauga came out to show his support as well as MPP Charmaine Williams Brampton North. “This is another celebration of talent and culture and it’s my privilege to see the product of another Black woman and business powerhouse raise others to excellence and be a part of our history.”

Stephen Dasko, Councilor for Ward 1 Mississauga and Region of Peel was in attendance and was pleased with the turnout at the launch and the high level of community support. “Congratulations to Johanna and the team of the Freedom Mas Band for a great afternoon celebrating Black History Month Carnival Edition.”

The dates of some of the upcoming band launches for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival are:

Lux Carnival – Saturday, March 23^rd

E.P.I.C. Carnival – Friday, April 5^th

Toronto Revellers – Saturday, April 6^th

Sublime Mas- Saturday, April 13^th

Fantasia Carnival – Sunday, April 14^th

Lavway Mas – Friday, April 19^th

Saldenah – Saturday, April 20^th

Tribal Knights – Friday, April 26^th

Carnival Nationz – Saturday, April 27^th

Anyone interested in learning about Freedom Mas can check them out at:

Website:http://freedommasband.ca

Facebook: Freedom Mas Band

Instagram: @freedommasbqbd

YouTube:Freedom Mas Band