Professor Black designs and builds costumes for over 150 dancers that take part in carnival. Each of the outfits are created at the Birmingham Carnival Youth and Art Development Project, founded by Professor Black.  | | Professor Black |
The project teaches students the art of designing, making and decorating costumes. As well as soca dance, and steel band music. It was formed to teach young people about the roots of Caribbean culture and bring communities together through Carnival based projects. Take a look inside Professor Black's
Aladdin's Cave We caught up with Professor Black to find out all about him and what he does. | How long have you been creating carnival costumes? |
I was the very first costume maker in Birmingham. I would say roughly 19 - 20 years now.
We started out with simple designs then every year was a challenge. When you make a good piece one year, you have to come back better next year. We have gone from strength to strength. | What is your carnival troops theme? |
Our theme is called flamboyant because we just make good costumes. We have three floats in the procession. 1. Fun in the sun
The troop are dressed in different multi-colours 2. Flamboyant
The troop are dressed in pink 3. Magic a dabra
The troop are dressed in blue | What are the main materials used to make up the costumes? |
 | | Professor Black putting the finishing touches to the Carnival Queen outfit |
90% of the material is Indian because it has a good shine. We use several yards and buy by the roll. There' lots of sequins glue and feathers. Basically we use everything.
| How long does it normally take to make a costume? |
We build costumes all year round. We are the only full time carnival workshop outside London. We make costumes 10 months out of the year.
I dont really measure the time. However I know for sure the queen costume tales about 10 weeks. | Do you enter carnival troop competitions every year? |
Yes. Weve entered Leeds Carnival five times and won three times. We entered the Manchester Commonwealth Carnival last year and won. We spend a lot of time on our costumes, using good designs and good material. They are very flamboyant. | What makes a winning troop? |
A good design, good decorations and a good performance on the road. I think we have the best team in England. | Do you join other UK carnivals throughout the year? |
Yes. This year so far we have taken part in Derby and also helped out a lot of the smaller carnivals in the Birmingham including Shard End, Sutton Coldfield, Moseley and Acocks Green. We will also be at Leeds Carnival. | What advice would you give to people who would like to put together their own carnival troop? |
 | | Professor Black at his sewing machine |
If they didnt have much experience I would help them out. I would like to see everyone make good costumes because it would make a better carnival. Next year I plan to go into local schools, speaking to teachers and children about using the costume art in their studies. I think the kids are tomorrow's world and it would be good to start them now. I won't be here all the time so I would like to see the young ones come up and keep culture alive. | What do you love about carnival? |
I love the day because its special. Theres all kinds of music, dancing and so much colour. You see so many people smiling and enjoying themselves. It brings the nation together. Everyone should come down to carnival and have a good day. Professor Black says:
"Jump up and play Mas" | For more information about Professor Black's Birmingham Carnival Youth and Arts Development Project call 0121 523 7702. |
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