Latest update February 14th, 2025 7:23 AM
Masquerade folklore rapidly slipping from society
The Joker is Wild masquerade band performing on Saffon Street during the 2008 Christmas festivities.
Although the masquerade band has been a significant feature in society throughout the year, many have decided that the art form has lost its impact and authenticity, since those participating are more interested in soliciting cash than providing fun and entertainment for spectators.
While in older times masqueraders left audiences spellbound with superb dance performances and antics, this year around, the consensus is that the traditional feature has disintegrated in terms of entertainment, sparkle and crowd appeal.
Speaking yesterday to Adrian Waldron, the manager of Guyana’s most popular masquerade band, Joker is Wild, this newspaper was informed that the art form is on a transcending downfall because of more than one reason.
While he noted that the art form is rapidly fading because of the fact that youths are more interested in the ‘finer things’ of life, he also indicated that people are losing interest because the relevant authorities are not doing anything to promote the discipline.
Waldron noted that though it is a phenomenal traditional discipline, masquerade does not receive the deserved exposure and coverage to escalate it to the highest point of public interest and focus.
He added that, some time last year, his band members attended a meeting with officials of the Guyana Police Force Traffic Department, at which they raised issues relating to the fact that they were slapped, spat upon, and had water thrown on them by passengers in mini buses. Waldron said they were advised to give the buses’ registration numbers to the police, so they can take the necessary action.
This year around, it was noted that, for the festive Christmas season, there was a distinct reduction in the number of bands on the roads, and even youngsters are rigging up their ‘saucepan bands’ minus flouncing costumes, as they attempt to make ‘quick money’. This also may be another factor that is contributing to the lack of public focus on the traditional feature.
Waldron is also of the view that the older folks are giving up masquerade, resulting in the downward spiralling of the dance form. He also expressed the need for the relative ministries to provide personnel to train masquerade flouncers, so as to ensure that it returns to the pinnacle of popularity it once occupied in years gone by.
(Alex Wayne)
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