The four-year-old Brooklyn mas band Inspired by Zoe expects to reign this Labor Day with “The Lion King.”
“My sister suggested it and, when we brainstormed how beautiful and meaningful of a storyline it had, it made more sense,” said band leader Assata Rodriguez, told Caribbean Life.
Rodriguez, 28, who was born in Brooklyn of Trinidadian parentage, said “The Lion King” comprises four sections: Three females and one male.
The female sections are: Princess Nala, The Kingdom Prints and Zazu the Bird. The male section is Simba the Prince.
Rodriguez said each section comprise 15 masqueraders of Haitian, Trinidadian, Guyanese and American nationalities, among others.
She said the band is expected to perform outstandingly, stating that it placed 3rd last year for medium bands in the junior category.
“This year, we have all intentions to win 1st place for small band,” Rodriquez said, adding that “Inspired by Zoe” is this year better organized, “detailed as always,” and will have “a memory that’ll last forever.”
She said preparations are “coming together,” though “it’s difficult being the band leader, owner and designer,” with assistance from family members.
Rodriguez said her unidentified nephew will serve as this year’s DJ.
The mas camp is located at 568 Rogers Ave., between Fenimore Street and Hawthorne Avenue in Brooklyn.
Rodriguez can be reached at Inspi
