Jamborii Mas. Growing Pains.

This year gave birth to a spectacular Campus Carnival Band. Jamborii Mas, Always a Celebration. However, the moment of birth did not come without blood, sweat and tears.

Jarel Torres explained it nicely in a facebook wall post. He said: "Even though half the band was frustrated with the distributions of the costumes... It was worth the stress! The fudging [Parade of the] band made up for it! It so nice I HAVE to do it twice!"
Jamborii Mas, to date is the largest ever first time Campus Carnival Band. With final masquerader count over 1,500. Campus Carnival is not an event solely run and administered by the promoters of each band it is done in collaboration with UWI Guild. Behind the scenes, UWI guild and Band Leaders work closely to ensure the success of the entire event and the satisfaction of all patrons.

Campus Carnival and The University's Guild of Students

Without rehashing the back and forth arguments, politics and disagreements from the week of Campus Carnival concerns were raised about "underage" students participating in three of the largest Campus Carnival bands. As a result of this and other concerns raised by university administration, UWI Guild was forced to tighten all protocol in the distribution of Guild bands and Alcoholic chits to avoid serving drinks to minors.
For us and several other bands this resulted in a "overhead cap". Initially we received 1100 guild wrist bands leaving about 400 patrons and committee members without guild bands. Stefan Guevera and other committee members could have been seen around campus in deep conversation with members of the Guild in a valiant attempt to satisfy each Jamborii masquerader. In the end we received exactly 1280 Guild bands and a few car\committee passes.
Many patrons from several bands had to wait till the day of Campus Carnival itself to receive guild bands or wait to be personally escorted into Campus Carnival by a Mas Band representative. Band leaders were forced to calm disgruntled patrons en mas. Frances De Lancey, of Psych Ward™ explained "I never paid my crisis management course any attention until I had to deal with angry patrons who could not get into UWI for the event they paid for." For Jamborii, as a large band this issue quickly exasperated our delicate distribution process and forced all committee members into overtime.

Disgruntled. Frustrated.
Words shared by band leaders and masqueraders alike. Also not exclusive to Jamborii Mas, disgruntled patrons have popped up on the walls and fan pages of all major Campus Carnival Bands, forcing band leaders to issue statements addressing the concerns of patrons as shown below.

In addition to the issue with the bands, the Parade of the Bands started later than expected and finished earlier than expected. The after party was cancelled and then un-cancelled for 90mins all of which was totally out of the control of all Campus Carnival Bands. Ironically when upset patrons say they are disappointed about the after party, false advertising as bands advertised a 7pm - 2am after party or being told by security that they have on the "wrong hand band" they blame the bands and promoters as many do not know better.

Also Jamborii Mas had two drinks trucks, one with non alcholic beverages and tequila and the other with extra ice stock and all our premium drinks including cases of Nuvo, Johnnie Walker, Red Bull etc. These trucks were separated, also no fault of ours but as a result of poor road management by the university's team on the ground causing some drinks to go warm for a short period of time.

Internal Wranglings.

Why so serious?

This issues with the guild were not the end of the problems for us this year. Over 1000 of our patrons collected their full packages with ease. In the rush of procuring guild wrist bands at the last minute and moving from DCFA (Center for Creative Arts) abruptly sizes and colors became abstract almost leaving a few grossly dissatisfied patrons. The Jamborii Mas customer service team immediately over printed jerseys and set up a temporary distribution point at social club all in more valiant attempts to satisfy each patron.
In addition to this, although the Gerra pork was an excellent addition to the palate our Corn Soup and Cold Stone Ice Cream was notably absent. Cold Stone Creamery sampling was cancelled at the last minute due to a "miscommunication", even though Jamborii Mas offered to purchase the ice cream to uphold their commitment to masqueraders. Between this and two Corn Soup suppliers proving unreliable even the planned cool down after lime was plagued with 'growing pains'.


The Time of your Life

Jamborii Masqueraders

After ALL of that, one may ask why play Campus Carnival anyway? Or why play with Jamborii Mas? 

Well although this was our first year and we did have our hiccups the experience will last a lifetime. Jamborii Mas set the benchmark for all new Campus Carnival Bands. Never settle for mediocrity, Jamborii delivered to the people. Patrons received free bmobile lollies, horns, smirnoff cups, Jagermeister shot cups and bandanners. With these tools, two music trucks (as promised), two drinks trucks(also as promised) Jamborii Mas served patrons in fine style. The ONLY Campus Carnival Band to stock Jagermeister and serve Jagerbombs directly into masqueraders mouths' the procession quickly spun out of control. Even when the music stopped for the truck to turn the crowd sang along to the prompting of Stryker Regal. Music eloquently mixed by Runako Greaves, Pure Plyrz and Destruction Sounds patrons had to admit, in the words of Ren Renz,

"after all the hustle and stress I HAD FUN!!! IT WAS BESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!! :D (allyuh made up for all the stress so *thumbs up*"

See comments and pictures and judge for yourself if you prefer not to take our word for it.

The procession makes its way out!

Jamborii Bartenders at your service

Queen of the pack!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

See yall next year!

Jamborii Mas.

Always a Celebration

Jamborii Mas FAQ

[Frequently asked questions]

When can I collect my package?
THURSDAY: Pre collection (Organize with the people you paid or committee member you know) 
FRIDAY: OFFICIAL Collection Day 2pm - 7pm
SATURDAY: We start selling uncollected packages!


I didn't register for Jamborii Mas yet?

Wine to the side! Or stay home sleep and Wine to the bedside! (your choice)

My sister\neh-nen\aunty\cousin\best friend from the states still wants to register and play, what to do?

Sign them up online here and they will be placed on our standby list incase anyone is selling a package or we have extra.

So I am playing with Jamborii Mas.. what do I need to do to get my package?

Your receipt and your national ID. If you received a student discount you need to bring this student ID also.

I did not get a receipt what to do?
Send an email to jamboriimas@gmail.com include who you paid and your full name in the email.

Where can I collect my package?
Behind KFC on the field near JFK carpark. Walking distance from UWI Back gate.

How can I verify that I am on the list?
Ask the person that registered you to check the system for you.

What will I get in my Jamborii Mas Package?
Assorted Grocery items(snacks, coffee, juice, chocolate bars), Bandanners, 1 Whistle, 1 Plastic Cup, Discount Coupons, Stickers, A Jamborii Mas information booklet

Can I go in other Bands and come back to Jamborii Mas?
Of courseeeeeeeeee you can! Not that you would want to though. lol. But of course you can go wherever you want when you want.

Can I bring drinks?
You will be allowed bookbags or plastic bottles with your own "rehydration fluids". However, we will not allow ANY bottles around our parade area.

I signed up for Make up or Custom Nails, how do I get that done?
Contact Anan at 357-0576 or email jamboriimas@gmail.com subject "Make up" and state you will like information about your appointment.

I signed up for Make up or Custom Nails but I didn't pay for it yet! What to do?
Contact Anan at 357-0576 or email jamboriimas@gmail.com subject "Make up" and state you will like information about your appointment. Of course paid patrons have first preference. New bookings cost $70.
PS. Carnival Make up is usually $300.

If I forget my National ID home what will happen?
You will be given a non alcoholic drink band or you must go home get your ID card and present it at our collection point.

If I forget my Student ID what will happen?
You will be asked to pay $100 or present your student ID before you can collect you package. (This is ONLY valid for those who paid the student price)

What time is the parade?
12 midday till 7pm

For the full JOKER face what to do?
Contact Armani at 684-7463 or email jamboriimas@gmail.com subject "Joker Face" and state your full name and contact info. The full airbrushed face and hair will be an additional cost.

Jeeze. Will they ever stop? Will joker ever learn?

What time is the after party?

7pm till 2am

If I am below 18 Should I panic and cold sweat? Will I be banned?

No. You will not be served alcoholic drinks and be de barred admission into the after party.

Will yall have security present?

Yes we will  have two armed police officers (to arrest you), 5 Bouncers (to put you out), 10 SWAT 'baton wielding' Private security officers (to beat you down) and 5 Civilian Security Officers (resistant to chain up, lies, stories excuses, scams)

PS. Questions are added to this blog post daily! 

Jamborii Mas. The End.

The phrase often touted by over enthusiastic Jamborii Mas committee members. Jamborii Mas is a brand new Campus Carnival Band that has already made its way into the hearts, minds and pockets of over 1000 people. What has caused their apparent success? What has been happening with Jamborii on Campus? Will they live up expectations on February 26th?

When questioned Jamborii Mas committee members refuse to recognize any 'success' till the job is done. One member noted, "There is still alot to be done, our job is far from over and their is still room for failure but even more room for resounding success."

So you probably were seated last week in the UWI undercroft listening to some poetry at UWI speak and in the middle of the proceedings someone dressed as Joker appeared; laughing uncontrollably interrupted things. Such an annoyance was on the brink of becoming a nuisance until Superman came to save the day. Dressed in a black and white converse, royal blue fitted pants, matching jersey and jockey Superman is ready to save the world from boring nightlife. A sight for sore eyes a visit from Superman would always brings a smile to your face.

The Joker is apprehended by a determined superman. TROUBLE in Metropolis yes!

Superman has an uphill climb as the darkside seems to be in control. Superheros running around? Is this what Jamborii has to offer? 

Customer Service

In addition to the dynamics and WTF moments from a grown man in a blue tights Jamborii has more to offer than meets the eye. Jamborii has one of the most advanced online registration systems and a 24 hour customer service team. Still in its teething stages after signing up and paying patrons get a receipt in their email which they print out, much like a n online plane ticket. Although some patrons have complained about the delays, many are satisfied with the service and appreciate the individual attention the Jamborii customer service team takes.

Anan Mohammad one of Jamborii's Customer Service Representatives energizes in the booth

A Living Room

Not just a tent and a table, Jamborii Mas has managed to secure a fairly enclosed area utilizing cloth and a carpet cut to the size of the tent creating a place for relaxation and registration. The above picture is an example of this, who else can take a sleep on the floor of their tent?

Jeandelle counts money in the Jamborii booth

The Package of a Life time

Jamborii Masqueraders will not just receive some sun block and baby oil, but a range of grocery items such as tang, coffee, tea and cereal in his package. In addition to this, encouraging artistic and creative design within its patrons Jamborii Mas allows all patrons FREE Bodyart, FREE Face-painting and FREE Jersey Airbrushing. Usually any one of these services is $60-$100 (for a temporary tattoo, an airbrushed jersey or your face painted). This in addition to free Cold Stone Ice Cream with a retail value of $50, Jamborii Mas is the only band to serve its patrons Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and desert. Drinks are not limited to the usual Scotch, Vodka and Rum, but specialty liquors and premium Vodka will also be served. Jamborii Mas will stock Jagermeister, Goldschlager, Grey Goose and you  may even see a bottle of Ciroc if you come to the bar at the right time. When asked how the drinks are going to be shared to patrons Armani Fernandes explained "We will have two drinks trucks, 1100 superheros and villans is alot of thirsty people" All this and then an exclusive cool down lime in the engineering undercroft with complementary Nuvo samples.

Life with the Papparazi
Once you enter the Jamborii Camp, prepare not only for the experience of a lifetime, but prepare for pictures and videos to immortalize this experience for you. This band boasts at least 15 roving photographers and five different videographers all with the experience to capture your best moments.

Superman takes an evening stroll through UWI, looking for the Trouble in Metropolis!

Clearly this is NOT A Campus Carnival Band. This is Jamborii Mas.
All pictures in this article are courtesy JB Photography. All rights reserved.

Shots, Shots, Shots

Not exactly your run of the mill photo shoot, Jamborii Mas put together something interesting at Armadillo Studios Woodbrook. Check out the behind the scenes video here in HD.