The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies recently returned from an unforgettable cultural journey to Toronto, Canada, where 20 young moko jumbies traveled to participate in a week filled with celebration, performance, and purpose. Altogether, 45 travelers — including the performers and their dedicated parents — embarked on this meaningful experience.
One of the proudest moments of the trip was when the Guardians were invited to open the prestigious King and Queen of the Band Showcase — a major honor during Caribana, North America’s largest Caribbean Carnival, which draws over a million attendees annually. This year’s festivities took place from July 31 to Aug. 4.
“We were the first act out there,” said founder Willard John, who has practiced and studied the art form for over 50 years and established the Guardians of Culture in 1993. “If you’re asked to open King and Queen of the Band, it means they think highly of you,” John said he was told at the event.
The group’s presence in Toronto was about more than performance – it was a bridge of history, heritage, and hope. “One of the things I do with the moko jumbies is remind us from where we come,” John said. “This tradition came to the Caribbean through slavery. Here in the Virgin Islands, we’ve made special efforts to preserve and honor it,” he said.
The Guardians performed three official shows, including a private event hosted by Aecon Group, the parent company of SkyCity. “They asked us to perform for more than 200 employees. I narrated what we call ‘Mokolution,’ where I tell the full history of the Moko Jumbie and what it means.” They also participated in the Caribana parade.
Primary instructor Zayd Saleem, who plays a key role in training and mentoring the group, emphasized the powerful connection built with the youth. “It gives you that purpose. Being an instructor is about more than teaching them how to stilt dance. It’s that purpose of giving right now — that’s the bottom line,” Saleem said. “We have a really strong bond, and I write them a letter for every trip. I let them know, ‘I see you. I see what you’re doing.’ Not just as moko jumbie, but as people growing into themselves.”
“There’s real risk in what they do,” he added. “Moko jumbie is a dangerous art form. That’s why we stress safety above all.”
For many of the children, the experience extended beyond cultural performance. Thanks to their parents and supporters, they got to experience sights like Niagara Falls, a Toronto Blue Jays game, and outings to the aquarium, water parks, and more. “You should’ve seen them sleeping on the plane today,” John laughed. “We want to give these youngsters an opportunity to see the world as much as they can.”
“These kids perform from November to August. To see them have fun and just be kids — that was everything. I don’t think it’s going to sink in until years from now. We took a cruise to the Falls and seeing them get splashed — just a fun day,” Saleem added.
The trip wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Virgin Islands community, generous donors, and the tireless efforts of the “Moko Moms and Dads,” as John lovingly calls them. “They are our backbone,” he said. “They help with fundraising, they support every step of the way, and just about all of them paid their own way on this trip.”
A special shoutout was extended to Tresa Civil, Sarah Maynard, and Marcela “Chelly” Cruz de Schjang, who, without them, the Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies performing in Caribana would have never happened. Also, to Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington of the V.I. Department of Tourism, for her support.
Though the group has previously traveled to the British Virgin Islands and Tortola, the Toronto journey marked an exciting expansion. “We don’t do this just to dance on stilts. We’re working with young people, and it’s our job to provide guidance — to give them more than just an art form, but a future,” said John.
