One of the most anticipated band launches for the season was Funatiks and Enigma Vibes mas band presenting ‘Ooh la la lay’.

I don’t know one person that didn’t take a look at that theme and think what does this mean? So the intrigue level was on a high.

As a band in their 3rd year of mas on the road you may not know the bands history but you will know that the band has a lot of solid mas experience in their management team.

Here’s a little history for you…

Funatiks Mas is a fairly new band to Notting Hill Carnival with a management team that has substantial years of carnival experience behind them. At the helm is the well known radio personality Martin Jay. They are one of the few all inclusive bands on the road offering you a whole carnival experience.

Enigma Vibes mas band is entering it’s fourth year on the road. They have never been a solo mas band but they have been sections in some of the biggest mas bands on the road. Their designer Rohan Husbands is arguably one of the best designers the UK has to offer.

They presented four sections for this year:

• I am Power
• I am Fabulous
• I am Soldier
• I am Enigma

Costumes prices:

• £200-£240 for regular options
• £280-£325 for frontline.
• Males £180-£240
• Deluxe/Individual is around £400
  (check websites for exact prices).

The Presentation

After my excitement of what this presentation would be like I was left wanting more. The modelling approach was definitely more my style, (never a dull posey walk) with all the models really giving energy.

There was an excellent spoken intro for all of the sections which added to the dramatics of the presentation, this was exactly what we needed to get us into the mood. The start of the presentation had the male from I Am Power waving the Funatiks flag…this was so epic, reminding me of a Trini mas band launch.

The presentation was split into two so the mas bands were portrayed separately. This wasn’t great for Enigma Vibes as the energy from the crowd died down from the first presentation. It was apparent that a lot of the costumes were missing which was unfortunate as potential masqueraders would have wanted to see the full range of options.

The Theme

Like I previously said I was left wanting more and that’s mainly because the theme wasn’t what I thought it would be. After all the anticipation to then be left with a confusing presentation. I didn’t really get what the sections had to do with ‘Ooh La La Lay’… In my opinion the title ‘I AM’ would have been much more fitting. Also the sections all together as a band didn’t really mesh. Don’t get me wrong individually I definitely think they are great costumes but I think visually with them all being in the same band it doesn’t gel well. It didn’t tell me the story of why they are ‘Ooh La La Lay’.

The costumes in themselves are beautiful, the individuals presented were really amazing. I had a absolute moment when The Enigma came out. The wings were so amazing, perfect for the show stoppers that love making their presence known on the road.

I think with all the sections they have there is definitely something for all masqueraders. If you look at their websites you have endless options of add-ons to really make your costume suit YOU, which for any picky masquerader is important your band caters to you.

Essentially I wish the band ‘brought it’ abit more… Without the killer presentation it kind of didn’t get the appreciation it should have, but no doubt this band will sell out. They have a winning formula, and killer designs so I would recommend a look at their website.

Funatiks – www.funatiksmas.com
Enigma Vibes- Check them out on Facebook

Check out all the pictures of the launch and tell me what you think of the costumes!! Share your views in the comment area!

My Mas Score 8/10