Sunshine International Arts

How did I become a carnivalist? - Celia Burgess Macey
2020-08-21 08:00 - 17:00 UTC | CAFE, STUDIO 5 209A, COLDHABOUR LANE, LONDON, SW9 8RU, United Kingdom
How did I become a carnivalist? – Celia Burgess Macey
This is quite a long story . My first exposure to the culture of carnival and of Trinidad in particular was in 1964
#siasummer20nhc#siafamilymystory Click Here
From the band -Dance of Jouvert… de People, of this Earth – S.i.A 2018 Photo by Donna Travis

The history of paradise: on Peter Minshall’s Paradise Lost
2020-08-20 12:00 - 17:00
The history of paradise: on Peter Minshall’s Paradise Lost
It’s the stuff of Carnival legend: the eruption of masman Peter Minshall’s Paradise Lost on the streets of Port of Spain, forty years ago. Now a new documentary, using long-forgotten archival footage, brings the band back to life. Ray Funk tells the story
© MEP Publishers | The history of paradise: on Peter Minshall’s Paradise Lost | Caribbean Beat Magazine https://www.caribbean-beat.com/issue-137/peter-minshall-paradise-lost#ixzz6TIQQD1TX

Master of the mas...Jonathan Ali
2020-08-20 08:00 - 17:00
Master of the mas
Will Peter Minshall produce another Carnival band? Since his last outing some four years ago, Trinidad and Tobago’s leading living masman has shown no signs of rejoining the decreasingly creative fray. As he nears his seventieth birthday, the speculation that we may have seen the last of Minshall increases, though many no doubt still hold out hope that he will return, if only for a las’ lap.

What a normal summer looks like for S.i.A #siafamilymystory
2020-08-19 08:00 - 17:00
What a normal summer looks like for S.i.A
What S.i.A has been up to over the last 6 months… Click here

Dr. Claire Holder - Future of the Notting Hill Carnival
2020-08-18 12:00 - 17:00
Dr. Claire Holder was the longest serving Director of the Notting Hill Carnival. She is now reentering the Carnival arena to present and pursue a strategic vision for the rejuvenation of the event. Here she explains her early involvement with the Carnival, why it is so important to the African and Caribbean community of Britain and her proposal to construct a ‘Council of Elders’ to advice and support the management of the event.
Dr. Claire Holder – Future of the Notting Hill Carnival

Freedom – Family – Fun! What does Carnival mean to you?#siasummer20nhc #siafamilymystory
2020-08-18 08:00 - 17:00
Carnival is an explosive array of colour. Ornate, extravagant, ‘Mas’ (costumes) stimulate the visual senses and community comes together as one. Cutting through the loud Soca soundsystems is the individual’s voice of what Carnival means to them. We asked some of our participants what they love about carnival:Carnival

Beeraahaar Sweet Combination #NHCpioneer #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-17 13:00 - 17:00
David and Christina is always fun to be involved with we have work alone side them for many years and lots of projects.
#siasummer20nhc#siafamilymystory
Hackney carnival pioneers David Grant and Christina Oree, 83 and 79, are still going strong.”The idea was to develop a spirit of unity between all different ages, cultures and backgrounds, and the youngsters chose the name “sweet combination” to signify the different nationalities in their band.”
Another good read -Band Leader – Christina Oree & David Grant

Sunshine's NHC 2020 Statement
2020-08-17 08:00 - 17:00
Sunshine’s NHC 2020 Statement

Following the news that Notting Hill Carnival 2020 has been officially cancelled, we wanted to take the opportunity to get in touch and tell you about our plans.
First, a word from S.i.A’s Director, Ray Mahabir:
“Notting Hill Carnival is a time to rejoice and celebrate. After 23 years of involvement as a family-oriented Mas Band leader, I am saddened that my members are unable to experience this annual festivity. More than this, for most of my members this is the one time of the year that they can come together to celebrate the cultural roots of their forefathers, and the heritage that they belong to.

I feel for my members, as the carnival we create is down to each person’s love and passion for the artform. But we can all agree that lives come first. S.i.A must take into consideration the well-being of our members and their loved ones.

With this I know that the true meaning of community and carnival culture will live on and will ALWAYS be there!
See you all on the road in 2021
…aH sea of …HopE… LOVE…LIFE…de silver lining…”

Ray Mahabir – Sunshine International Arts

Reach the Unreachable Kenya 2019 -
2020-08-16 12:00 - 17:00
#siasummer20nhc
Reach the Unreachable Kenya 2019 –
As the Artistic Director of S.i.A, my main focus so far has been within Britain, as well as some international projects. I have spent the past 23 years taking carnival arts to new audiences national and international, but one piece of the puzzle was missing. In 2018 I decided it was time to re-visit Caribbean carnival in it’s birthland – Trinidad and Tobago – but I could not ignore the roots and history it has in Africa (as well as Europe).
These three areas of the world make up what is known as the ‘Transatlantic Triangular Trade Route’. My idea was to reverse this route and educate the three continents in the Art of Carnival. Click Here

La Bel- Commission for the British Liberty exhibition 2015. #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-16 08:00 - 17:00
The Bele Costume-By Ray Mahabir – Commission for the British Liberty exhibition
A journey through time, the Bele Costume by Ray Mahabir is indicative of Caribbean history, struggle, freedom and celebration. The costume relates the cross-cultural rags-to-riches story of Carnival and inspires mental imagery of the Bel Air dance, culture and folklore through the ages.
Carnival costume designed by Ray Mahabir of Sunshine International Arts in 2015, based on Bele or Bel Air, a drum dance and song closely linked to Caribbean history, struggle, freedom and celebration. On display in West Africa: Word, Symbol, Song,
photographed by Toby Keane Click Here

Minshall... A Ship of Fools 2003
2020-08-15 14:30 - 17:00
Minshall A Ship of Fools 2003
Peter Minshall’s 2003 Carnival presentation, “A Ship of Fools”, has tremendous creative material to choose from the present goings-on in this so-called independent republic with all the brouhaha about the apparent newspaper exposure of a secret Muslim sect with a “lab” of supposed biological and chemical weapons of war, ready to attack American and British capital investments here as well as all their personnel and private property, if Muslims are provoked by an attack on Iraq.
#siasummer20nhc

Neil Macey from ‘De hill’ to Hackney #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-15 12:00 - 17:00
#siasummer20nhc
“All the youth in the neighbourhood used to play mas with that band so it was like one big family. In my neighbourhood there were lots of steel bands. We had Tokyo, Fascinators, Hill 60, and City Symphony” Neil Macey
Photo Neils dad in Sailor mas Click Here

International Slavery Museum, Sailor Mas costume 2007 #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-15 08:00 - 17:00
International Slavery Museum, Art Commission Brief – Sailor Mas costume 2007
#siasummer20nhc
Concept for the Sailor Mas costume (Fancy Sailor) Ray Mahabir- February 2007 Perhaps the most visual manifestation of cultural transformation is Carnival – a complex merging of European religious festivities within Latin America with elements of African festival. Trinidad is the cradle of carnival but the festival has been transported across the Caribbean, North and South America and to Europe.
Notting Hill Carnival in London, established by Claudia Jones, is the main carnival in Britain, celebrated by black and white. Other carnivals take place in cities across the country. Click Here

About Liverpool International Carnival 2016
2020-08-14 14:00 - 17:00
Ray Mahabir talks about Brouhaha and about Liverpool International Carnival 2016.

In memory of the Jahagis
2020-08-14 08:00 - 23:30
A video presentation outlining the arrival of East Indian Indentured labourers to Trinidad during the period 1845 to 1917. This presentation was done for Indian Arrival Day celebrations at St Augustine South Government Primary School (SASGPS). The background music is in Hindi and is based on Psalms 91: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.” I think the person singing is Anil Kant.

MULANA ‘the art of people’ 2001-2020 #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-14 08:00 - 17:00
MULANA ‘the art of people’ 2001-2020 #siasummer20nhc Click Here
“During part of this trip to India I visited the village my forefathers come from in India – I am five generation Indian, my family came from a village called Sidhownay village, Bikhapur, Fyzabad, which is nearest city to Lucknow and is the capital city of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
On my return to the UK I developed Sunshine International Arts (S.i.A), a UK based arts charity. After coming to the UK to live I found what I call my “new village” – Loughborough Junction, Brixton, London – the home of Sunshine International Arts.

The Making of Ma Ma La Terre performed by Avion Mookram 2000 #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-13 13:00 - 17:00
This post will showcase the cross section of artist who are involved in the creation of large scale carnival costume and the hard worked and passionate that goes into each costume. Ma Ma La Terre
This piece was showcased at the Victoria and Albert Museum exhibition Carnival in Close-up , From the Caribbean to Britain and beyond October- November 2000.

Ray the story part 2 #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-13 08:00 - 17:00
“As a carnival designer what is important about what you are creating is knowing the true meaning of masquerade (Mas) and how wearable art works. Mas is a unique and important art form that allows any individual to become a performer – this often shows when someone is wearing your creation and they are able to glow and shine as a true star!” Ray Mahabir

THE EXPERIENCE OF INDIAN INDENTURE IN TRINIDAD: ARRIVAL AND SETTLEMENT
2020-08-12 13:00 - 17:00
THE EXPERIENCE OF INDIAN INDENTURE IN TRINIDAD: ARRIVAL AND SETTLEMENT #siasummer20nhc
Between 1845 and 1917 a total of 143,939 Indians migrated to Trinidad under the system of Indian indenture. Most of these indentured labourers were drawn from the agricultural and laboring classes of the Uttar Pradesh and Bihar regions of north India, with a comparatively smaller number being recruited from Bengal and various areas in south India. Approximately 85% of the immigrants were Hindus, and 14% Muslims.
http://www.caribbean-atlas.com/en/themes/waves-of-colonization-and-control-in-the-caribbean/waves-of-colonization/the-experience-of-indian-indenture-in-trinidad-arrival-and-settlement.html

Nelson Island and Indian Indentureship in Trinidad. My Roots and My culture.
2020-08-12 08:00 - 17:00
SUNSHINE INTERNATIONAL ARTS. Carnival and Community Arts
Drawing on his Indo Caribbean roots, Ray Mahabir has used his experience gained by working with the masquerade tradition of Trinidad Carnival as inspiration for his designs for costumes used in processional art. #siasummer20nhc
http://www.natt.gov.tt/sites/default/files/pdfs/Nelson-Island-and-Indian-Indentureship-in-Trinidad_02.pdf

Flamingo Carnival Arts was founded in 1983.#siasummer20nhc #siafamilymystory #NHCpioneer
2020-08-11 12:00 - 17:00
Flamingo mas band was the first band S.i.A collaborated with for NHC ,we performed alone side the band for four years alongside NHC before taking to the road on our own as S.i.A – Martha was always welcoming and accommodating at a band leader
Flamingo Carnival Arts was founded in 1983, in common with many small groups, The organisation which is Flamingo began in someones front room. Martha Fevrier

THE BLACK ART OF MAKING MAS Welcome to Glorious Backstage Arts
2020-08-11 08:00 - 17:00
Welcome to Glorious Backstage Arts
Providing opportunities to develop experience in: theatrical costume design and construction; dance and theatrical presentation; arts and event management.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=ANzXZ9P900E

Mahogany Arts- a group of multi-disciplinary artist. #NHCpioneer #siasummer20nhc
2020-08-10 13:00 - 17:00
Another band and true carnival artist are Clary and Speedy from Mahogany mas band they are also a regular band that S.i.A works with on national and international projects…
‘My first memory is of winning a carnival competition in a gorgeous little fairy costume,’ Clary recalls. ‘I still have the cup from it.’ Speedy’s parents, on the other hand, were bitterly opposed to carnival. ‘My father was a local politician and he disapproved. I was always sneaking out to play mas. One time, I ended up making 400 costumes overnight. That’s how I got my nickname.’

From October 2020 -Creative Spaces For Hire at C.A.F.E.
2020-08-10 08:00 - 17:00
Part of our mission as a creative space firmly rooted in the heart of the community is to offer a venue to meet the needs of our locals, creatives and general public. Studio 3 , Studio 4 and our Main Arch are available for hire for a number of activities
Spaces for hire

2000 Canboulay, out of the fire comes ?
2020-08-09 08:00 - 22:00
#siasummer20nhc 2000 Canboulay, out of the fire comes, DANCE OF THE CLOTH.
Created for South Connection Carnival Club the bands Notting Hill carnival production entitled-Ray Allan Mahabi
#siafamilymystory
#NHCpioneer #CaribbeanHistory #carnivalHstory

Alwin Chow Lin On,
2020-08-09 08:00 - 17:00
Alwin Chow Lin On, ‘Chow’ to all who knew him in the UK, 30 April 1935 – 29 July 2011
#siasummer20nhc
“At this time I had the opportunity to work with Alwin Chow Lin On(who was instrumental in a lot of Minshall large costume) We called him- Chowie. I got very involved in larger costume designs the way he worked and drew his structured and calculated was a dream it took me back to my Architecture school days”.Ray
#siafamilymystory
#NHCpioneer #CaribbeanHistory #carnivalHstory

Avion Mookram “I remember Carnival Monday/Tuesday February 1954”
2020-08-09 08:00 - 17:00
What an interesting story from St Vincent Street San Fernando (South Trinidad) to leading one of Notting Hill Carnival major band – South Connections
Avion has been part of my life from the first time I came to London to now at S.i.A -Ray
Avion Mookram
#siasummer20nhc
#siafamilymystory
#NHCpioneer #CaribbeanHistory #carnivalHstory

Notting Hill Carnival — the untold story ISHMAHIL BLAGROVE JR
2020-08-08 12:00 - 17:00

Notting Hill Carnival History: How Race Riots Inspired London’s Caribbean Carnival, Chloe-Rose Crabtree
2020-08-08 08:00 - 17:00
#siasummer20nhc #CaribbeanHistory #carnivalHstory

Notting Hill Carnival is London’s biggest street party, with costumed revellers and steel bands bringing the city to life in a colourful celebration of West Indian culture. In sharp contrast to its euphoric atmosphere, Carnival’s origins lie in race riots that saw the newly arrived immigrant population attacked by white nationalists.

The Notting Hill race riots

Calypso- Kaiso music has its origins in West Africa (particularly in present-day Nigeria) and in the Kingdom of Kongo and was brought over by the enslaved Africans,
2020-08-07 08:00 - 17:00
#siasummer20nhc #CaribbeanHistory #carnivalHstory
Caribbean Music: “Kaiso” — Some history and examples to listen to!
Growing up in the Caribbean, especially being raised by Trinidadians, I have been exposed to a variety of music from across the region. Particularly music out of Trinidad. By Jamtaylor
………
Calypso originated within Trinidad when slaves from West Africa were brought into the Caribbean islands to work on the sugar plantations. It is believed that Calypso evolved from the West African “Kaiso.” Known as “the poor man’s newspaper,” Calypso first emerged in tents, where slaves who were forbidden to speak to each other would meet in secret; a way of preserving west African traditions, communicating news and mocking their cruel masters. By Egypt Today Staff …
