Kaios Kids ready to portray ‘Mele – The Circle of Life’

Kaios Kids Mas band, with mas camps in Brooklyn and Queens, is partnering with Platinum Kids Mas to portray “Mele – The Circle of Life” for this year’s West Indian American Junior Carnival in Brooklyn.

Trinidadian Tamera George told Caribbean Life on Sunday, July 26, that she and Yankie Baptiste of Venezuelan and Grenadian roots are producing Kaios Kids with two sections: Azari and Kiluma.

She said “Mele – The Circle of Life” is “a depiction from ‘The Lion King’ movie.”

George said she expects 75-100 masqueraders “of all nationalities across the Caribbean and even the US.

“Masqueraders can expect an experience,” she said. “The children get home-cooked food on the road, unlimited beverages, snacks and goodie bags, great music, and a wonderful and safe experience on the road filled with fun.”

George said preparations are “going well,” with in-house production done primarily by her, Baptiste and the management team, comprising Yahaira Downes, Cierra Khalifa and Zarina Riles.

George said there is also “a circle of cousins and friends who assist us almost daily.

“Kaios Kids aims to keep the mas culture alive,” she said. “Many children are so far removed from knowing where mas originated and what it means to portray different characters.

“We want the children to know mas isn’t only about dressing up and dancing in the street and on the stage,” George added. “Every costume tells a story, and this culture is worth preserving for generations to come.”

Having won several titles over the years, George said Kaios Kids “always aim to deliver a first-place performance.”

In 2017, she said the band placed first for Junior Queen; first for Junior Female Individual (1–5-year-old) and first for Junior Female Individual (6-11-year-old) in 2018; first for Medium Kids Band in 2019; and second for Junior Queen in 2023.

George said Kaios International Adult Mas Band was founded in 2003 by Trinidadian Mark McLean and that, in 2017, she assumed leadership of the adult band, currently serving alongside Baptiste as the Adult Band Leaders.

In 2014, George said Kaios Kids was established under the leadership of Leesa Thornhill, “who successfully led the band for over a decade, making it a staple within the Kiddie Carnival community.”

Today, George said Thornhill continues her legacy as the bandleader of Platinum Kids, the sister band to Kaios Kids.

Since 2024, George said she and Baptiste have managed Kaios Kids with “creative inspiration and artistic direction heavily influenced by Zarina Riles, the young visionary behind its concepts and themes.”

She said they have been able to sustain the band through “consistency with the products and services we deliver to our carnival family.

“We welcome all youth who want to keep our culture alive,” George added. “We will keep the site updated with workshops that we will host for the youth throughout the year.

“Carnival isn’t the only time we want to keep them engaged,” she continued.

DJ Jo Monsta, DJ Arsine and Pretty Posse will supply music for this year’s carnival, George said.

For more information, visit kaioskids.org, call 347-460-3005, or email [email protected]