Africa gives Mac the hat-trick
BY Michelle Loubon
(TRINIDAD & TOBAGO GUARDIAN)

Bandleader Brian Mac Farlane scored his hat-trick with Africa—Her People, Her Glory, Her Tears. Previously, the band won with India (2007) and Earth- Cries of Despair; Wings of Hope (2008). The euphoria at the Rosalino Street, Woodbrook, mas camp contrasted sharply with the sedate announcement by National Carnival Commission Chairman Howard Chin Lee.

As the Psalmist David might have said, Mac Farlane’s cup runneth over. For 2009, Kadaffi Romney, 44, portraying Manzandaba In Flight, and Stephen Alexis, depicting Ndlovu In Search, had copped the queen and king titles, respectively. Among the masqueraders, managers and team players awaiting their leader’s arrival, were his brother Robert, who said the1,200-strong band was produced at a cost of some $2.8 million. Dressed in jeans and a black Africa T-shirt, Mac Farlane mounted the steps to a welcome akin to royalty.

Confessing he was exhausted to the point where he put toothpaste on his razor, he beamed when asked to share his emotions on taking the lion’s share of this year’s prizes. “I feel ‘fabulated’... excited...exhausted. Winning is for the masqueraders. I present the art because I am passionate about our culture.” Though he had complained bitterly to his road manager, he admitted he was seduced by “a crazy virus.”

Mac Farlane said he had done his homework. Veteran mas men like Raoul Garib, Peter Minshall, Wayne Berkeley, deceased George Bailey and artist Carlisle Chang had at some time wielded their influence on carnival. “You grow with it. Like with everything, you develop.” Cameroon’s Elephant Mask Dancers, Zambia’s Sachihango Hunters and Ghana’s Shai Womanhood Ceremony was a testament to his dedication to the cultural expression. Had it been a church setting, Mac Farlane might have said “To God Be The Glory.”

But he settled for the simple yet profound sentiment: “My work and inspiration comes from God.” Planted in the courtyard, was the national flag. His voice conveyed the melancholy he felt at the “morgues that are getting filled with young people.” Mac Farlane’s patriotic colours shone when he spoke about his proactive approach in organising a Peace Rally which was attended by about 300 people. “We need to get conscious. We need to think of ways to use culture, discipline and order. We need to have love and compassion.”

Masqueraders enjoy themselves in Africa—Her People, Her Glory, Her Tears, on South Quay, on Carnival Tuesday. Photo: DILIP SINGH