Mas bands losing ‘creativity, originality’ – Owen Ralph

Veteran designer and band leader Owen Ralph is concerned with the direction in which mas productions are going, and wants to see more “creative and originality” in presentations for Vincy Mas.

Ralph, who has been involved in mas for over 50 years, said the main issue is the shift from traditional costumes to the “skimpy” outfits.

“The bands with the creativity need to be encouraged…. Not those with a little piece ah thing on their breast and ah little piece ah thing in front and you placing them above bands which spend sleepless nights creating costumes,” Ralph said.

The mas man places responsibility for the state of affairs at the feet of the judges who make the final decisions as well as the masqueraders who gravitate to these types of bands.

However, Ralph believes that if some of the sponsors channel their financial support to the smaller bands which still produce creative mas, then the culture of mas making can be saved.

He noted that because of insufficient support he has had to downsize his band for 2018.

Uncertain about his immediate future in mas, Ralph declared that he is not sure if his band, ‘Owen Ralph and the Professionals’ will be making a presentation for Vincy Mas 2019.

Despite the many challenges, Ralph’s band, which is under the leadership of his daughter Verlene Ralph –James is ensuring that they make their contribution for this year’s festival.

Their presentation for 2018 is ‘Things People Say’: a portrayal of some local sayings.

The six sections include ‘Little donkey has big ears’, ‘Too much cooks spoil the pot’, ‘It takes two to Tango’, ‘Moon run till day catch um’, ‘Ah catching me ass this year’ and ‘Who the cap fit, let them wear it’.

Both Ralph and Ralph–James agree that the band is another of their strong presentations and anticipate another “good showing” in all competitions.

They are appealing to those who are regular mas players with the band to make haste and get registered.

The base of the Owen Ralph and the Professional Mas Band’ is at Mala Village, Sion Hill.