Mervyn Skeete - Mas Band Leader

Having dabbled in costume making some time ago in south Trinidad, I subsequently ventured to Toronto to further my education.

This accomplished, I encountered some unexpected and unfortunate circumstances which led to seeking solace in an area unrelated to my profession. Costume making was the choice. I then gained some experience working in two of the better bands in Toronto, in one, as a Section Leader.

In 1999 my love for the art led me to designing, producing and portraying the part of “Male Individual” in the Caribana King and Queen Competition, placing 1st and in the process, and being victorious over some of the more established competitors.

My thirst for success continued. For the next 5 years while visiting Trinidad for Carnival, I assisted “master craftsman” Geraldo Vieira with his productions, during which time he emerged winning three King of Carnival competitions.

While all this was taking place, I was offered the opportunity to be Band Leader of one of the top mas bands in Toronto, an offer I didn’t refuse.

This set the foundation for me, yearning to develop a career in designing and producing Queen’s costumes, and when this opportunity presented itself, I found myself competing against some of the best designers and producers in Trinidad and Tobago, supposedly the Mecca of Carnival.
In my first two years of competition, my team produced two second placed costumes in the Queen of Carnival competition at the Di Manche Gras finals, a feat never accomplished before or after in Trinidad and Tobago.

I never imagined success would come so early in my career. This set the stage for my productions to be constantly being in the finals of the DiManche competition.

To date, I am still seeking the elusive title - to win the “Queen of Carnival” competition, which I believe is the ultimate of all designers and producers. Hopefully it will come sooner than later.

TOCarnival.com