By Herman Silochan
Wed March 2nd 2011

One of the earliest band leaders of Caribana, Selwyn “Nip” Davis, who has been bringing a masquerade band to the parade since 1969, passed away on Tuesday after a prolonged illness.

His daughter, Sandra, told The Camera that he was cheerful and in good spirits until recently, cognizant of the well wishes from his legion of admirers, co-band leaders and general followers of the long standing festival.

When asked what else Nip did besides work and Caribana, she said, “Always Caribana, and more Caribana, he lived for it, promoted it, and did more than most to bring the festival to where it is today. Bear in mind that he was born into Carnival in Trinidad, and never stopped celebrating that too, having worked with major costume makers and band leaders, the likes of George Bailey and Peter Minshall, who in turn admired his resourcefulness and creativity.”

Davis immigrated to Canada in 1969, and immediately began preparations for one of the first real organized street parades of Caribana that very year. He continuously participated for the following 40 years, nurturing the formation of mas band organizations, culminating in the Toronto Mas Band Association (TMBA). By all accounts, he was comfortable in the position as Secretary as this gave him leeway in harmonizing membership goals. Here his role went unchallenged as there was enormous respect for him.

One of his earliest mas making colleagues, Whitfield Belasco, said, “I was introduced to Nip in 1971, and in the immediate years after, we collaborated, winning Band of the Year in 1985. Nip was a cool guy, very level headed, always there for you, extremely resourceful, lots of design ideas, everybody respected him, and I say unequivocally that he has brought Caribana to what it is today. I don’t think you can replace a guy like Nip.”

And the former Chair of the TMBA, Louis Saldenah said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of the irreplaceable Nip; I have know him since 1970, he was a true gentleman, the best mentor you could have, always lending a helping hand to up and coming band members, because he wanted to see this festival grow, without a doubt he was one the best of the originals of Caribana.”

John Kam, award winning costume designer, and long serving board member of the original Caribbean Cultural Committee (Caribana), said, “Nip was a thorough gentleman, the finest friend you could have, there is no doubt that he brought the festival to international recognition. I shall miss him dearly.”

In a press release by the Caribana Arts Group, Chair Henry Gomez said, “Despite the sadness that this occasion brings, we are happy to know that Nip passed on his knowledge. He also helped a younger generation to develop his skills needed to carry on the carnival tradition. We will truly miss him.”

Nip Davis is survived by his wife Colleen, his daughters Sandra, Donna, Natasha, Marcia and Tonya, and five grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were not known at press time, but interested persons can call 416-286-0097 for information.

Courtesy: TheCaribbeanCamera.com