Macara Thornhill loves two things – modelling and mas.
The 20-year-old is assistant bandleader for Kontact Grand Kadooment band, learning from the very able Anthony Layne.
“I actually didn’t like jumping. But my friends were jumping a year in 2013 in Wednesday 2000. After that I found out I like the experience.
“In 2015, I got a contract to model for Kontact at their band launch and that is where my whole love affair with the band started,” said the former student of Barbados Community College (Associate degree in information technology) who is going into the University of the West Indies in September to do her first degree in management studies.
Her modelling stints started for boutiques and swimwear shoots. Photographers saw her skill and talent and started asking her to do their shots.
“Being a model is not an easy job. But know that being a model means being in the gym, making sure you are ready at a minute’s notice for any jobs.”
Cara, as she is known by friends, does have her off days and you will find her sometimes with a turban on and a maxi dress, not the Instagram make-up look and fashion.
“That is what makes most people misinterpret who I am. I have heard so many rumours about me but I am shy and humble. Don’t make social media fool you.”
Her deeper involvement with Kontact was in 2015 when she became more hands on.
“I modelled again and Anthony asked me to be an assistant bandleader. I was hesitant. I slept on it and slept on it and slept on it and I decided the opportunity that came with it was something I couldn’t let slip by.”
Cara said the next phase is maybe filling Anthony’s huge shoes.
“We have been talking about it on and off. I have some new ideas and want to bring some new experiences to revellers.”
Anthony is more hands on and Cara is focused on managing the bandhouse located near the Garrison and on Grand Kadooment day making sure the road experience is free of hiccups, even though she wants to enjoy the road herself.
Cara has designed her first costume in the section Dreamers.
“I can sketch a bit but don’t put me near glue and gems. I am horrible with that part,” she said, laughing.
“I know what I like and so myself and my partner put our heads together this year to do a very beautiful costume I put that towards the costume.”
The team is already looking towards next year as they won’t take a break as in previous years.
“We lose a lot of sleep but I don’t regret it. I enjoy and love what I do.”
Cara is looking forward to many more years with Kontact and hopes one day to be called a veteran in the business like Gwyneth Squires and Betty West.
“Bands are evolving and I hope to be in that era where my generation is the future of Crop Over.” (NS)
