While Devine Mas is participating in the West Indian American Day Carnival Association (WIDCA) parade “for fun,” band leader Phyllis Wyllie says masqueraders will “Razzle Dazzle” on Eastern Parkway on Labor Day,
“It’s a creative top,” Wyllie, whose band did not compete last year because she’d faced “medical challenges,” said about Devine Mas’ “Razzle Dazzle” portrayal.
“We’re letting more people enjoy the carnival this year with low-cost costume,” added Wyllie in a Caribbean Life interview.
Wyllie, who has been competing in the carnival for five years, said the small band, of about 50 masqueraders, will compete with three sections: Razzlita, Crystal Burst and Bedazzled.
Adrea Byers, 19, whose parents hail from Guyana, said she will be playing mas with Devine Mas for the fourth time.
“It’s fun once you get into it,” said Byers, a Queens resident, as she donned a “Bedazzled” costume.
“At first, I got nervous that I decided to calm down, then had fun,” she added about masquerading on Eastern Parkway.
Devine Mas Camp is located at 431 Rutland Rd., between New York and Brooklyn avenues in Brooklyn. Wyllie can be reached at (347) 528-4745 or (347) 715-7110.
