Kush & Kemet Mas

2010-08-12T23:05:00.001-07:00

Fuhara...The Inspiration

2010-08-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

KUSH & KEMET MAS PRESETS ......

FURAHA KAMILI!!!!

(Trinidad & Tobago Canival 2011)

We sojourned the Earth to study joy...We transcended time to capture bliss...We found Buddhists Monks, Ethiopian Monks & Hindu Sadhus robed in saffron , aglow in meditation.We were lured by Egyptians who bathed in lotus oils and made offerings of eucalyptus and myrrh to the gods. We floated on bejeweled waters and danced with nymphs as they trickled liquid diamonds upon our faces. We frolicked with village people and desert people who washed their sorrows and ignited their spirits with the rainbow's hues. And...we discovered that enchantment lies within, free to all who cherish life. Now, as we reflect on our fantastical journey, we rejoice in the moments that make our hearts sing!!!

2010-06-19T08:41:00.001-07:00

2010-06-16T19:26:00.001-07:00

2010-06-16T18:24:00.000-07:00

Good Vibes, Old Flames & Distant Relatives

We artists need inspirational fuel...the right vibes to sustain the creative process. Last Saturday, my friend & business partner Yaa (of Kush & Kemet Child) and I headed off to the Tabernacle, here in Atl, to tap into such sustenance...and sustenance it was! Despite certain unexpected developments, we made it to the Tabernacle and squeezed our stunning selves through the expectant crowd. Just who were we ever so eager to see? Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and Nas. As long as I have been a keen supporter of Nas & ... (is my boyfriend reading this...) in love w/ the young Mr. Marley, I have never seen either perform. It turned out to be a delightful first meeting. Ok, so Damian may not have singled me out from the other adoring female attendees, but I do know that at least from my perspective, the encounter was wonderful.

Allow me to note that my admiration is neither silly or new. Since my Convent (high-school) days, I have been captivated my Damian Marley’s growth as an artist. In my opinion, he has gracefully balanced honouring his father’s legacy & sculpting his unique style. I remember seeing him- his magga feet in classic Clark’s, locks bobbing confidently to the reggae beat- and knowing he was The Truth. That first sighting on some Trini music-video show left an indelible impression on me. Certainly, there was to be a lot more polishing to the teenager’s craft since the early nineties, but I could tell even then (in my 13 yr old intuitive recognition of greatness) that “Jr. Gong” would emblazon the world with charisma and wisdom hauntingly reminiscent of his father, the legend Bob Marley. Years later, my inkling has proved absolutely right.

Since, his “Half-Way Tree” Days, Damian has perfected his blend of dancehall, dub & hip-hop. He has woven love odes with socially conscious anthems. His conviction, eloquence and charm have amassed numerous awards and immeasurable admiration from hip hop icons to female followers. The utterly explosive “Welcome To Jamrock” album secured him as an esteemed musical leader of our generation. With his latest project, “Distant Relatives” (an album created with friend Nas), Mr. Marley took things further. A loving exploration of African history and culture was molded into songs that affirmed African strength. I am certain that the obviously strong brotherhood between Damian and Nas was integral to the power in the music. One could detect the value of this by listening to the cd, but on stage their partnership was extraordinary.I would be surprised if there was a person present who did not feel the love between the brethren, and for their music and culture. It floated through the air and lifted my somber mood, it gave me just the boost I needed!

2010-06-05T07:02:00.001-07:00

Sooo Much To Do...

My heart’s racing. I must remember to take deep breaths. I must remember to focus on the moment. I must remember to enjoy the process... WOW! This Carnival Business Is Not For The Faint Of Heart. It is June and Carnival is in February. You may think I have plenty time... Ha!Ha!... You’re funny! Experts take a year...those who’ve been doing this for years and years take a year. Yours truly is absolutely new to this & I have 8 mnths. or so to complete all the requisite tasks. Why would I inflict such madness on myself? Because, I insisted on running away from one of my greatest dreams: Kush & Kemet Mas. I could have spent some years working with another band, learning the ins & outs. I could have done several other things differently. The truth is though, that if I don’t do this now (albeit unreasonable) I’ll never do it and I would regret that for the rest of my life. I have at least one source of comfort as I dive into the gigantic tide that’s called “Mas -making”. I know that Kush & Kemet Mas is part of my purpose in this life. Surely, the Creator hasn’t given me this vision without intending to sustain me all the way. So, I’ve taken the plunge. Thus said, you will excuse me if you see me around and I’m covered in sequins, thread, sweat & other curious things. Just know that the result will be fantastic.

Peace & Love,

Djenn

2010-06-05T06:39:00.000-07:00

2010-06-05T05:44:00.000-07:00

The Conscious Carnival Experience

Kush & Kemet Mas is an exciting & pioneering approach to Carnival. We are dedicated to harnessing the extraordinary potential of 'Mas' to be an instrument of individual and collective upliftment. We at Kush & Kemet Mas view ourselves as artists immersed in an amazing multimedia art-form. Through dynamic design, conscientious choosing of materials, keen craftsmanship and social partnerships, we offer a wonderful alternative: a conscious and captivating Carnival experience. Let's change the world while we get on wassi!

2010-06-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

Enough To Know

Carnival,Loyalty & Letting Go

My friends can attest to the fact that I’m a bit biased when it comes to Trinidad & Tobago Carnival.Well, maybe that’s a gross understatement. I have been known to have certain extreme reactions to any comparisons between any other “Carnival” (except Brazil’s, that is!) and Trinidad & Tobago’s. I even cringe to call any other similar festival “Carnival”. I have become quite infuriated to hear other islanders draw parallels between their festivals and my precious High Mas. I have been known to lecture anyone around about the 200 yrs-or-so history of Trini “Mas” ... about the fact that our Carnival has tremendously influenced that of other Caribbean countries and has been exported to Miami, NY, Toronto, London, Berlin and to other spots on this Earth too numerous to mention. In obvious and non-obvious ways, one who knows can recognise the very Trini traits of these celebrations. I often feel sad that we (Trinidadians) aren’t often given the acknowledgement we deserve in this regard.

I may never be able to convey the extreme affinity I have towards Trinidad & Tobago Carnival. I’m making peace with this. I’m coming to accept that it’s enough to hear a pulsating soca beat in a dancehall song and know. I’m accepting that it’s enough to see steel-pan being played in a Hollywood movie or in a Bahamian tourism advertisement and know. It’s enough to see J’ouvert embraced in Jamaica and know. It’s enough to see revellers chip in the streets of Atlanta in costumes that look like Tribe’s or Island People’s and know. As I stand next to a sequined and feathered masquerader dancing to Machel Montano, Destra and Faye-Ann, I can smile silently, knowing that I am the product of a remarkably artistic and industrious nation. It’s enough to witness human beings who may or may not appreciate my culture as I do, allow music and dance to free them.... if even for a few hours. I’m realising that this is more than enough.

2010-06-02T15:36:00.000-07:00

History & Hope

Trinidad & Tobago Welcomes New Leadership

Days after a historic electoral victory in Trinidad & Tobago, I am still jubilant. My celebration is not just due to the fact that my country now welcomes its first female Prime Minister, Kamla Persad - Bissessar. For me, the event was monumental because it showed that many of my compatriots are awakening from years of apathy and ethnic divisiveness. The electorate’s widespread support for Mrs. Bissessar, an Indian woman & her multi-party Coalition, the People’s Partnership, was an emphatic referendum of out-going Prime Minister, Patrick Manning and his party, the People’s National Movement (PNM). Experts will certainly analyze the factors that led to such a decisive outcome over the next months and perhaps years. What is beyond debate even now, is that Trinbagonians responded enthusiastically to the Coalition’s call for change...A change from the injurious modus operandi of Mr. Manning’s regime.

Fiscal recklessness, corruption and apparent disregard for escalating crime proved to be the Achille’s Heel for Patrick Manning and his consorts this past Monday. Many argue that the former Prime Minister’s arrogance even led him to set the General Election months before constitutionally required. This blind confidence also convinced Mr. Manning that his Party would boast a landslide victory against the Coalition. As voters visited the booths in record numbers (70%), a significant shift among loyal PNM supporters became apparent. Analysts agree that such deserters played an integral role in securing the win for Mrs.Bissessar’s Coalition. Even if Mr. Manning has been genuinely surprised by Monday’s results, the writing has been on the wall for months. Plummeting popularity in the polls and persistent demands for investigation into alleged acts of corruption provided ample warning of Mr. Manning’s and the PNM’s impending demise.

Indeed, the former geographer will have plenty time to ponder the impact of his actions on his political career. Mrs. Persad- Bissessar has no such luxury though. In her inaugural speech to the twin island nation yesterday she made clear her dedication to leading her country & its people. She encouraged citizens to transcend the superficial boundaries of race, region and class in helping her rebuild Trinidad & Tobago. Deciding to forego the customary festivities of such inaugurations, the new PM rolled up her sleeves, stepped into her galoshes and confronted nation-wide flooding...declaring to critics and supporters alike that she is ready for the challenges ahead...She is ready to fulfill her promises.

WE'RE BACK!!!! Kush & Kemet Mas...The Conscious Carnival Experience

2010-06-02T15:26:00.001-07:00

Allyuh Ready?

We’re back!!!!!! Your favourite Carnival company is back...back to paint the streets of Port of Spain with love, hope & harmony... back to empower, beautify & get on wassi! Kush & Kemet Mas...The Conscious Carnival Experience... Allyuh ready?

"Bliss" Inspiration Board

2009-07-26T16:54:00.000-07:00

Kush & Kemet Mas presents Bliss!

2009-07-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

We sojourned the Earth to study Bliss...We transcended time to capture Bliss...We found Buddhists Monks,Ethiopian Monks & Hindu Sadhus robed in saffron yellow, aglow in meditation.We were lured by Egyptians who bathed in lotus oils and made offerings of eucalyptus and myrrh to the gods. We floated on bejeweled waters and danced with nymphs as they trickled liquid diamonds upon our faces. We frolicked with village people and desert people who washed their sorrows and ignited their spirits with the rainbow's hues. And.. we discovered that enchantment lies within, free to all who cherish life. Now, as we reflect on our fantastical journey, we rejoice in the moments that make our hearts sing... In harmony we sing, this is Bliss!

the kush & kemet family

2009-07-14T17:51:00.000-07:00