Carnival Recap: Belize to Broadway

Jamie Thompson, Belize to Broadway!

We are super proud of Jamie Thompson, part of our Convoy famalay, who is joining the cast of The Lion King on Broadway next month!!  Dreams, hard work, and dedication DO pay off.  We are beyond proud of you- big up yourself! 

We  were lucky to catch Jamie in between the revelry and starting his new job! Jamie played mas with Titan Mas band, the only dancing performers in the San Pedro Independence Day parade, in Belize. He had to explain to us that there are multiple carnivals and parades in Belize during this festive season. Read about them and Jamie’s carnival journey here.

Name Jamie Thompson

What country do you represent?

Belize

Where are you based?

New York City

What you know about this Soka Tribe life? 😉 (i.e. what is your affiliation, how long, how did it start)

I became aware of Soka Tribe via Instagram. Shortly after my discovery, I moved to DC( 2017) and went to Soca Fete and saw them perform. I introduced myself (and my waistline lol).  That was the start of my friendship with Soka Tribe. To date, we’ve co produced Soka Tribe’s 2018 Funk Parade presentation, held at the Kennedy Center in WDC.

What brought you to this particular carnival?8 responses

I am from Belize and I have been a part of Carnival since age 16. I started in the Marching Band in Belize. Our Marching Bands are also a part of our carnival. That was my only way into the carnival. My family would not allow me in feathers and sequins (lol).

Have you played mas before? When and where?

My first time in Mas was 2015 when i returned home for the celebrations. My friend has a band called “Titans Mas Band”. The top band in the country I play mas with them.

What carnivals would you rinse and repeat?

Belize

What do you wish you knew about this carnival before going?

Nothing specific, I have been involved since my teenage years.

Something you might not know is there are multiple carnivals! This year the official Carnival Road March was Sept 17 and on Sept 21 there were several Independence Day celebrations all over the country. This year the Titan band brought carnival to the independence festivities in San Pedro! 

What would you say makes this carnival different from others

Have not experienced other carnivals

Soca Artist that you would want to fete with: Machel Montano

Anything else the Soka Tribe should know about you?

I love to fete!

My social media handle is: @jamiejt87

Mas: Titans Mas Band

Designer: David Matus

Photos by Karen Brodie