The Haitian-owned mas band King Posse hopes to make a big difference this Labor Day with its portrayal of “Mystical Queen, Princess, and Kings of Majestic Island.”
Band leader Karine Gilles told Caribbean Life that she based the portrayal on Haiti’s “mythological descendants.”
“Haiti has strong cultural background as the first black republic,” she said, noting that the French-speaking Caribbean nation is “the first independent country with an original history of leaders, with titles such as emperors, kings, presidents for life, etc.
“A large percentage of Haitians are mythological descendants of a king or queen, or an emperor, or a real reason,” she added. “That’s why people from there are very persistent and optimistic.”
Gilles said “Mystical Queen Princess and Kings of Majestic Island” comprises four sections – Queen, Princess, Emperor and King – with at least 50 masqueraders in each.
She said the band is open to all nationalities, including “any participant who embraces Haitian culture.”
“I am enthusiastic, the artists are excited,” said Gilles, who has been participating in the West Indian American Day Carnival Parade since 2003, about the production. “On the float, behind the band, a lot of celebrities will be there.”
She said music will be supplied “through nice bands — Who King Posse, T Micky, etc.”
Gilles said the “commercial area” for the mas camp is Factor Music at 1698 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, between Cortelyou Avenue and Clarendon Road.
She can be reached at (917) 348–6488, or via e-mail at kagie
