Kaios Kids to portray 'Mele, The Circle of Life' at Brooklyn Junior Carnival
The Lion King-inspired presentation, in partnership with Platinum Kids Mas, is expected to bring 75 to 100 young masqueraders to the road.
NEW YORK, United States. Kaios Kids Mas band, which has mas camps in Brooklyn and Queens, is partnering with Platinum Kids Mas to portray "Mele, The Circle of Life" at this year's West Indian American Junior Carnival in Brooklyn.
Trinidadian Tamera George told Caribbean Life on Sunday, July 26, that she and Yankie Baptiste, who has Venezuelan and Grenadian roots, are producing the presentation, which has two sections, Azari and Kiluma.
George described the theme as "a depiction from 'The Lion King' movie" and said she expected 75 to 100 masqueraders "of all nationalities across the Caribbean and even the US".
"The children get home-cooked food on the road, unlimited beverages, snacks and goodie bags, great music, and a wonderful and safe experience on the road filled with fun," she said.
Keeping mas culture alive
George said preparations were going well, with production handled in-house by her, Baptiste and the management team, helped by a circle of cousins and friends.
"Many children are so far removed from knowing where mas originated and what it means to portray different characters," she said. "Every costume tells a story, and this culture is worth preserving for generations to come."
A history of titles
The band placed first for Junior Queen in 2017, won two Junior Female Individual categories in 2018, took first for Medium Kids Band in 2019 and placed second for Junior Queen in 2023.
The Kaios International Adult Mas Band was founded in 2003 by Trinidadian Mark McLean. George took over leadership of the adult band in 2017 and now co-leads it with Baptiste.
Kaios Kids was established in 2014 under Leesa Thornhill, who led it for more than a decade and now leads Platinum Kids, the sister band. George and Baptiste have managed Kaios Kids since 2024.
"We welcome all youth who want to keep our culture alive," George said, adding that the band would host youth workshops throughout the year. "Carnival isn't the only time we want to keep them engaged."
DJ Jo Monsta, DJ Arsine and Pretty Posse will provide the music.
