Meet the Mas Bands: Arts-A-Light Mas
Arts-A-Light Mas is an arm of the Eyukamba Foundation, and celebrates the traditions of Carnival rooted in the Church.
Arts-A-Light, Eyukamba Foundation (1999/1999) by Nwene MorrisNotting Hill Carnival
Arts-A-Light Mas (Formerly 'The Bride' Outreach/ 'The Bride'
Arts-A-Light Mas, formerly 'The Bride', was founded by Angela Morah, who organised a group of creative Christians in West London.
Arts-A-Light Mas has adapted to align with CMA and BASS in Notting Hill Carnival, and all Arts-A-Light groups are part of the Eyukamba Foundation.
In 1995, 'The Bride' went on the road at Notting Hill Carnival and became the first Pentecostal Mas Band affiliated with NHC. Arts-A-Light celebrates the traditions of carnival and the intricate links with the Church, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe.
The Bride began her journey with Notting Hill Carnival with the theme of Heaven followed by Revelation. This theme was chosen as it is about the New Heaven and it represents the unity of a group of Christian's from different churches.
Arts-A-Light, Eyukamba Foundation (1999/1999) by Nwene MorrisNotting Hill Carnival
This individual costume of The White Horse and The Rider captures the verse in Revelation 19:11 where it states that Christ returns on a white horse.
This photo was taken by Nwene Morris in 1999.
2000 Theme: The Wedding Banquet
Pushing boundaries, this costume reflects what you would see at a typical wedding, with a mas player flamboyantly dressed as a giant Banquet Cake.
Arts-A-Light, Eyukamba Foundation (2000/2000) by Arts-A-Light, Eyukamba FoundationNotting Hill Carnival
Over the years, Arts-A-Light have represented brides of different nationalities, and this beautiful Asian Bride costume was one of them. The representation of the Bride is a perfect portrayal of the culmination between religion and intricate dress.
Arts-A-Light, Eyukamba Foundation (2000/2000) by Arts-A-Light, Eyukamba FoundationNotting Hill Carnival
Another representation of a type of bride playing mas, this image shows a European Bride performing at the old Judging Point.
Arts-A-Light, Eyukamba Foundation (2001/2001) by Revival TimesNotting Hill Carnival
2001 Theme: Judgement Day
For the theme of Judgement Day, Arts-A-Light created this Chariot of Fire mas costume to represent angelic activity. The Chariot of Fire signifies doctrinal things of good and truth.
Arts-A-Light, Eyukamba Foundation (2001/2001) by Revival TimesNotting Hill Carnival
2001 Theme: Judgement Day
Also for the theme of Judgement Day, the mas band created a Seraph, a celestial being which has 6 wings, and is said to serve as a throne guardian of God.
2005 Theme: Reflections
Arts-A-Light chose the theme of Reflections for Notting Hill Carnival in 2005. They did this as reflections represent the stained-glass, mirror and light through which we see ourselves and our lives, and are transformed into the image of God.
This mas costume is the Sunray Bird.
2010 Theme: God's Heartbeat
The theme used for costuming in 2010 was God's Heartbeat. One of the 'heartbeats' of God is his word, and this male individual costume captures that as a place where God's word is taught is from a Pulpit in Church.
Arts-A-Light, The Rose of Sharon (2010/2010) by Nwene MorrisNotting Hill Carnival
The Rose of Sharon
This beautiful costume represents The Rose of Sharon, which is one of the names of God. The Rose is valued in many parts of the world, and is accessible to all, provides food (nectar), is very tolerant of any condition or situation and brings life and colour when others are past their best.
2020 Theme: Heart of Hope = Love
Hope is made more real by the events of today. Arts-A-Light used the theme of Hope, Faith, Healing and Love in 2020 as they prepared for the 'new normal' and got ready for the streaming in the absence of the live street Notting Hill Carnival event.
Arts-A-Light, Eyukamba Foundation (2020/2020) by Arts-A-Light, Eyukamba FoundationNotting Hill Carnival
Accomplishments
A number of the costumes seen in this story have won prizes for Arts-A-Light. 'The Bride' also developed a new genre of British music, 'AfroGospellypsoca', which is a blend of African, Gospel, Calypso and Soca Music, to meet their need when they joined the carnival, as prior there was hardly any Christian carnival music.
Arts-A-Light Sound System set
Here listen to Arts-A-Light's Sound System set from Notting Hill Carnival 2020: Access All Areas.
If you've enjoyed getting to know Arts-A-Light, be sure to follow them on their socials:
Facebook: @eyukambafoundation-Artsalight
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