As Miami Broward One Carnival Approaches, “Everything That Glitters” Sparkles onto the Miami Caribbean Scene
By Chailani Rowe
SOUTH FLORIDA – Year One of Miami Broward One Carnival has been a whirlwind of excitement for Dysfunctional Kao Masquerade. As one of the newest J’ouvert bands, the team which is led by Shawniqua Glover and Deedee Henry are ecstatic to be part of the 2015 festivities.
Established in Atlanta in 2009, Dysfunctional Kaos Masquerade was produced as an alternative carnival costume band. In a city with one of the largest Caribbean populations in the United States, they felt compelled to create a new group to represent who they are. “We were told on numerous occasions that Jamaicans don’t do Carnival,” Deedee Henry recalls. “Yet here we were, spending our money and time playing mas, building mas. We wanted to not only create beautiful pieces, but also prove that being from a specific place didn’t change our love Carnival.”
In 2015 a new venture was born. The opportunity to participate in Miami Broward One Carnival J’ouvert was ideal. Taking place on October 10, the J’ouvert experience allowed the ladies to push their creative boundaries and created concept of being Miami’s first Glitter J’ouvert band. “Everything That Glitters started as an event concept,” Ms. Henry shares. “The more we looked at it, the more we were convinced that it would be unique to our band and Miami Carnival to have a glitter J’ouvert band.”
With the help of Gemma Small (St. Vincent), Alethea Corneal (Jamaica), Vanessa John (Trinidad), Duane Cunin—better known as DJ Double 12—and countless others, Dysfunctional Kaos is on the road for 2015 Miami Broward One Carnival Jouvert. Mas Fitness, NOW Magazine, Bai Beverages, VP Record AllTool Rental Co., Cellular Express, Naz Roti Palace, Juice Media, Marley Beverages, and Vodkila Spirits are among numerous sponsors. Broward County Circuit Judge Candidate Russell Thompson is also among those to lend his support. “Jouvert is a great time to celebrate being who you are,” says Shawniqua Glover, Creative Director. “We want to see people and flags from all over the world with us.”
Miami Broward One Carnival J’ouvert takes place in Central Broward Regional Park at 3700 NW 11th Pl., Lauderhill, FL 33311. Registration with Dysfunctional Kaos is still available online at www.dysfunctionalkaos.wix.com/weareakaos or by telephone at 786-663-2154. The troupe offers multiple options for participation starting at just $45.
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