Words by Erin MacLeod

When Caribana time came around, we sent out the call northward for a Canada-based correspondent who could get us the inside junglejuice. The universe came back to us with Ethiopia-scholar and lover of Caribbean culture Erin MacLeod, which proves the universe is still capable of small moments of generosity, in spite of everything. When she is not researching her thesis on the impact of Rasta repatriation to Ethiopia, she writes about music for the Montreal Mirror and has a thing for veggie loaf and cranberry wata. Fortunately for us she was in a position to break loaf with not one but two major power sources in the Caribana movement, both of whom just happen to be women. What follows is her extensive Q&A with soca-specialist Nurse Karen covering everything from the history and key components of the festival to the hottest new artists putting Toronto on the map. Look for part II covering the clash side of things with selector Tasha Rozez soon! -LU