DE MAS KINGS & QUEENS

Interview with Orlando’s Own “We Ting Mystic Mas”

KUOMagazine had the pleasure of interviewing one of Orlando’s own Allan Gopie who shared a little on who’s “We Ting Mystic Mas,” that’s playing mas for 2016 Orlando Carnival on Sunday, May 29^th at the Central Florida Fairgrounds We also wanted to know, what has been their biggest challenges they have encountered? KUOMagazine wanted to get a little more up close a personal when it comes to what their ethos, their biggest challenges, inspiration in designing their costumes, what culture means to them, and a few beauty tips for the road, We Ting Radio/Natural Mystic Soundsation 20^th Anniversary….and so much more…. So let’s start the conversation…….

KUOMagazine: Allan, who makes up "We Ting Mystic Mas," also, which Island do you all represent and how did you come up with the name for Mas band?

We Ting Radio (Allan): First, I would like to thank KUOMagazine for bestowing the honor of interviewing me, I am humbled by this opportunity. We Ting Mystic Mas is a family band comprised of family members of We Ting Radio and Natural Mystic Soundsation, who is celebrating 20 years in the entertainment industry. The beauty of We Ting Mystic Mas is we do not represent any specific island, but we represent the WORLD. Carnival and Mas is not something that should be specific to just the Caribbean as all over has many different variations of Carnival and we represent. The name We Ting Mystic Mas is the combination of We Ting Radio and Natural Mystic Soundsation.

KUOMagazine: I like that Allan, because in the name “We Ting” represents everyone as Carnival is a representation of everyone and not a specific island. Seeing your costumes at 4th Annual Orlando Carnival Guide on March 20th, I have to say they were beautiful and the ladies wearing them. I know each mas band is different when it comes to designing, them, style. Allan, where do you and the team draw your inspiration this year?

We Ting Radio (Allan): Our designs for this year is based on the full creativeness from our designer Sherry Lowe, owner of By SheLo. The concept we explained to her was that we want to bring heat or fire to the road – take carnival by storm. Sherry birthed the concept of A.R.S.O.N – A Revellor Spirit On Nirvana and then each section was based on this “FIRE” Our anthem for this year is We Ting Mystic Mas – bringing the heat to the road! All of our sections revolve around that concept – Children’s – Burning Flames, Men’s – Cool Blaze and our 3 Women Sections – The Perfect Match, Phoenix and Fire Starter

KUOMagazine: What has been We Ting Mystic Mas biggest challenges this year as you’re getting ready to play mas for 2016 Orlando Carnival?

We Ting Radio (Allan): The few challenges that we have encountered really has nothing to do with us, but what was transpiring with the delay of finalizing Orlando Carnival and the multiple entities that wanted to control it. So now that there is One Carnival and it is in the mecca for Orlando at Central Florida Fairgrounds, we really hope people will come out and support it fully.

KUOMagazine: What advice would you give someone who wants to play mas or form a Mas Band of their own?

We Ting Radio (Allan): We have many of first time mas people questioning me and what I tell them is the following, play mas with who you know you will have a great time with and value your safety.  We Ting is a family group and what I mean by family is that all the personalities that is a part of We Ting Radio and NMS fully function as a family.  We never say team – we only say family members. And my motto - #FamilyStickTogether means we will make sure everyone is safe on the road with us and make sure you have a blast with all of our DJ’s and sound for this and any other events that we do.

KUOMagazine: Has We Ting Mystic Mas played mas anywhere else other than Orlando (like other Caribbean Islands or USA)?

We Ting Radio (Allan): WTMM is a newly formed mas group, but every one of us has been in mas throughout many areas of the world. Personally I have been a part of Miami, Toronto Caribana, Trinidad, Orlando and New York as MC, DJ or mas band coordinator.  Other members of this family has played various roles as well.

KUOMagazine: Is there a Kiddies section for Orlando Carnival 2016 or Orlando Kiddies Carnival 2016will there be in the future?

We Ting Radio (Allan): We do have a Kids Section only for Orlando Carnival 2016, which is called Burning Flames at a cost of $30 to register, and includes the costume, food and drinks for the kids.

KUOMagazine: Question: You play mas because?

We Ting Radio (Allan): I play mas because I love to behave like one big backside. I love when your surrounded by people and there are smiling, laughing have such a great time in their vibrant colors and enjoying the moment of happiness in life.  When the music is blazing and the bass hit ya! It is a feeling you can’t fathom on the outside but only in the mist of it.  Also, the beautiful woman makes for great eye candy as well!

KUOMagazine: lol, I can’t argue with that Allan. What has been your favorite memories of Carnival and where?

We Ting Radio (Allan): Like, I said I have been active in Carnival in many…many different ways.  My favorite memory was back in 2012 for Trinidad and Tobago’s 50^th Anniversary for Miami Carnival 2012.  I assisted the Miami Carnival with marketing and obtaining a couple of artists as well as a DJ. The place was packed, maybe over 45,000 people and Machel was the headliner for the Main Stage Sunday.  I have been to many of his performances, but I was doing a live broadcast of the main stage and I was on the stage doing my radio broadcast.  My daughter is a huge Machel Montano fan and she was 12 at the time.  She was on the stage with me and got to see Machel perform from right on the stage. The memorable moment was when Machel sat down to take a breather and let Farmer and Patrice do a couple songs, he sat right next to my daughter Aishwarya – who was like frozen!  So she got to meet, see and speak to her idol.  Those moments of helping people meet their favorite artist is why I love doing what I do.

KUOMagazine: Can you share 3 Beauty tips for Carnival day?

We Ting Radio (Allan): The beauty stuff I leave to the professional Ameilia but here goes my take on this

1.     Do Not Wear a lot of Makeup: Let your skin breathe!! Dehydration is a huge problem for many people on this day and many of the makeup keeps heat in.

2.     Dress Comfortable: Make sure your costume fits you so when you’re out on the road whole day and night you can go til the next morning!

3.     Good Foot Ware: Yes, heals are sexy but don’t need to tote you on we back! Wear comfortable footwear!

KUOMagazine: Have you ever won band of the year or King/Queen if you played mas before?

We Ting Radio (Allan): This year we winning band of the year!

KUOMagazine: I love that positivity Allan. You have to claim what you want. So, what’s next for We Ting Mystic Mas and where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

We Ting Radio (Allan): What’s next for us Orlando Carnival 2017 as well as Miami Carnival 2017.  We Ting Mystic Mas will be in Trinidad J’ouvert 2017. The remainder of this year the station has many many other events and productions, but we will calendar for 2017.  In 5 years with our DJs throughout the world, we will have representation in over 5 carnivals a year.  

KUOMagazine: Very Nice Allan, many #BigTing happens 2017! As a band leader, what are the key ingredients to make a successful Carnival this year?

We Ting Radio (Allan): For Carnival and for Life – the key ingredient is UNITY and FAMILY – if you and your family members unite for a common goal, you have no choice but to be successful.  Take away individualism or this one is better than that one – you will be successful in life with this track of mind.  Help your fellow brother and sister and you will see.

KUOMagazine: Amen and Amen to that Allan. I love the name We Ting Radio, because it makes us apart of your team. Please share how We Ting Radio (Mission/Vision) came about and your partners?

We Ting Radio (Allan): First, we are not a team – we are a family. We welcome one and all to our family. Our listeners are our family as well and we do all we can to help them who support us. I used to manage a radio station for many years where I helped to increase the brand to international recognition. My mindset was always different and I would here, Allan with your visions you should do your own thing so after 6 years there and encouragement from my daughter Aishwarya and my girlfriend Ameilia Boodoosingh – my better half, I finally decided that I should really do this with no boundaries from other people.  The difference on this station that I wanted is one focus – 100% Family Unity all the time – we not about ourselves – we are for everyone who is a part of this family. A comedian personality from Trinidad & Tobago – Darrel Dookoo, Ameilia Boodoosingh and I tried to come up with a name and we really went round and round but the main thing is that this will not be branded as a West Indian Station, but a station for everyone no matter race color or creed. The station started out with my brothers, Mike Dabydeen – (Web Designer, #JMFB and all things technical), Viron Mangray (DJ Viron), Devin Sayroo (DJ D Rock), Razak Ali (DJ Ali), Mark Layne (DJ Mark) and Horace Foster (DJ Redd). Just to clarify, Mike never left the other station but he is a major part of the success this station has achieved thus far and DJ Redd never worked with us prior but I meet him at a previous event and he fit right into our mindset – this family will make a difference to culture and this world thru the medium of music. Our family has grown from 7 on our launch date of February 1^st, 2015 to now 30 members and the station is bringing a carnival mas truck!

KUOMagazine: I love your outlook and mindset when it comes to family and unity and your vision where there’s no boundaries of culture and people. What are your ethos/motto when it comes to We Ting Radio?

We Ting Radio (Allan): Our slogan is – It’s Not Your Ting, It’s Not My Ting – ITS WE TING!    

KUOMagazine: Wow, love it! Now let's sip a little Karibbean Tea for a moment....You have been in our Caribbean Community for a while, what is your view on our culture? If you had to make three (3) recommendations/changes for us to bring back UNITY, and see more cultural events, or things that we are missing that we need to incorporate to enhance the culture here in Orlando/Central Florida, what would you suggest?

We Ting Radio (Allan): Very good question. The culture is very strong, but the only thing that most people see is an old TrinBago saying – “People are like crabs in a barrel – don’t like to see a next person succeed and pulling them down!” If we all work together for uplifting of each other it will make a difference.  Also, respect what people specialize in and value their worth.  I hate when promoters call you for a quote and the first thing they do is try to beat you down on the price, when they should be proactive and say “This is the budget I have, are you able to work for this amount” but they are willing to pay someone that has no added value to their event wasted money. People knowledge and experience speaks volume, remove personal feelings and work together for uplifting of our community and culture.

KUOMagazine: Well, that TrinBago saying, is pretty much a universal saying everywhere, but you’re so on point with that. It’s truly a syndrome where groups of situated people hurt those in our community by attempting to get ahead with their own gain. It is so wrong on all levels. Sipping some more Karibbean tea; is there hope for Orlando Caribbean Culture?

We Ting Radio (Allan): Yes, there is positive hope, because every day many of us are doing the work to keep it alive for our children of tomorrow.  We just have to continue the fight to promote it proud.

KUOMagazine: Your so right, we all have to do our part in keeping the culture alive in our community and support one another. What does Culture mean to "We Ting Mystic Mas/We Ting Radio?" 

We Ting Radio (Allan): The meaning of Culture to us – The promotion of one’s heritage and differences to make different demographics aware of how other societies are so vast with knowledge, wealth and interpretation.

KUOMagazine: Well said! Any final words, and please share all your social media links, website so we can stay connected with you all.

We Ting Radio (Allan): Once again, thank you for allowing me this opportunity.  Please look for us on all media platforms – We Ting Radio – Andriod App, ITunes Radio and Tune in Radio App. You can also use your web browser on your phone, laptop or desktop – www.WeTingRadio.com and we are on all social media platforms as well - @wetingradio – link we up – tell we what you doing or how you’re going.  Most importantly remember – ITS NOT YOUR TING – ITS NOT MY TING – ITS WE TING!!

On behalf of KUOMagazine it was truly a pleasure chatting with Allan (We Ting Mystic Mas/We Ting Radio) and thank you for allowing us inside your world & family. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors, Orlando Carnival 2016 and the years to come. Also, happy 20^th Anniversary Natural Mystic Soundsation