For 2025, Carenage’s Western Mas Productions, spearheaded by the Bayne family, diverts from its traditional award-winning ‘Apache Indian Mas’ presentations with a new theme, ‘Africans Rising.’
For Band Leader Curtis ‘Fly Man’ Bayne, this year’s ‘Africans Rising’ presentation is a way to uplift the youth and reclaim lost African traditions.
From affordable costumes for adults and children to serving old-school snacks like fudge, tamarind ball, and chow at the mas camp on Haig Street in Carenage, Mr. Bayne and his team designed both an educational and life-giving environment.
“Right now, to teach the youths their culture because a people without culture is like a ship without a captain and a compass, and this is what’s happening to the nation in Trinidad with all the youths. Any generation that can call the youths a generation of vultures or vipers, that is cursing the youth. You got to bring out the best. You got to talk to them positive. Uplift them!”
Mr. Bayne said the handcrafted sections represent the tapestry of colours, textures, minerals, and metals of the African landscape and culture—and, most importantly, its people.
“We are calling on everybody. Not because we’re playing Africa, we just … is a mas, and we are calling’ everybody to come and have a good time. Every creed and race.”
Beyond inspiring youth and nurturing community through creativity and collaboration, Western Mas Productions hopes to inspire a better world.
“Love starts with the family. Strong family creates strong community. Strong community creates strong constituency. Strong constituency creates a stronger nation. And stronger nations build a better world.”
A family deeply rooted in culture, the Bayne family’s mas band has risen as reigning champions in the Small Mas Band category several times over the years.
TTT News
