The reign of any carnival royalty goes beyond the route. In fact, it’s a round-the-clock commitment that involves lots of behind-the-scenes charity work. WDSU Reporter Shay O’Connor caught up with this year’s king and queen Zulu elect. “Coming from the young age of 2 with my father. It’s a humbling experience and an honor that only one man can have a year,” said Rodney P. Mason Jr. It’s a royal celebration with a love story rooted in tradition for Mason and his wife, Kristen Bonds-Mason: Zulu King and Queen Elect 2025. “It’s such a dream. When I say dream, It’s really his dream but it became a dream for me. Especially when I saw how much work he put into the organization. And all it took to be King Zulu,” Bonds-Mason said.The couple said the ascension to the thrown is a full circle moment. “He introduced himself to me, saying I saw you sing at the church service. And you did a wonderful job. He held on to my hand forever. Then he messaged me,” Bonds-Mason said.Looking back at the time when they immediately fell in love at a Zulu choir ensemble nearly six years ago. Before tying the knot in 2022. “I just asked three questions. ‘Do you love Mardi Gras? Are you a New Orleans Saints fan? And, Do you like crawfish?'” Mason said. “I answered yes to all three,” Bonds-Mason said. “Those were the qualifying questions,” Mason said. For Mason, his reign as king is a dream come true, becoming a familiar face at the age of two.He rode on the king’s float when he was 8 years old. Then, 13 years later, he became an official member when he turned 21. Mason’s mission from the beginning has been to carry on his father’s legacy. “Daddy did run for Zulu King, but he wasn’t successful in 1987,” Mason said.While his father died months ago, his presence has been felt every step of the way thus far.”It’s a dream he would never imagine. His seed and legacy is King Zulu elect 2025,” Mason said. Mason works with the city of New Orleans. In his free time, he enjoys playing the trumpet.Bonds-Mason is a health physicist and radiation safety officer.The two both deeply enjoy giving back to the community. As they prepare for their roles as king and queen, the couple is committed to serving the Zulu community. “It’s something I never could have imagined or thought I would experience. That’s why it’s so big,” Bonds-Mason said. “I love Zulu. Zulu has been my life. Met some great guys. Zulu is just who I am,” Mason said. The Masons are proud New Orleans natives. Rodney went to St. Augustine High, while Kristen graduated from McDonogh 35.Their deep connection to the city and its traditions is evident as they embrace their new roles and prepare to reign come, Mardi Gras.
The reign of any carnival royalty goes beyond the route. In fact, it’s a round-the-clock commitment that involves lots of behind-the-scenes charity work.
WDSU Reporter Shay O’Connor caught up with this year’s king and queen Zulu elect.
“Coming from the young age of 2 with my father. It’s a humbling experience and an honor that only one man can have a year,” said Rodney P. Mason Jr.
It’s a royal celebration with a love story rooted in tradition for Mason and his wife, Kristen Bonds-Mason: Zulu King and Queen Elect 2025.
“It’s such a dream. When I say dream, It’s really his dream but it became a dream for me. Especially when I saw how much work he put into the organization. And all it took to be King Zulu,” Bonds-Mason said.
The couple said the ascension to the thrown is a full circle moment.
“He introduced himself to me, saying I saw you sing at the church service. And you did a wonderful job. He held on to my hand forever. Then he messaged me,” Bonds-Mason said.
Looking back at the time when they immediately fell in love at a Zulu choir ensemble nearly six years ago. Before tying the knot in 2022.
“I just asked three questions. ‘Do you love Mardi Gras? Are you a New Orleans Saints fan? And, Do you like crawfish?'” Mason said.
“I answered yes to all three,” Bonds-Mason said.
“Those were the qualifying questions,” Mason said.
For Mason, his reign as king is a dream come true, becoming a familiar face at the age of two.
He rode on the king’s float when he was 8 years old. Then, 13 years later, he became an official member when he turned 21. Mason’s mission from the beginning has been to carry on his father’s legacy.
“Daddy did run for Zulu King, but he wasn’t successful in 1987,” Mason said.
While his father died months ago, his presence has been felt every step of the way thus far.
“It’s a dream he would never imagine. His seed and legacy is King Zulu elect 2025,” Mason said.
Mason works with the city of New Orleans. In his free time, he enjoys playing the trumpet.
Bonds-Mason is a health physicist and radiation safety officer.
The two both deeply enjoy giving back to the community.
As they prepare for their roles as king and queen, the couple is committed to serving the Zulu community.
“It’s something I never could have imagined or thought I would experience. That’s why it’s so big,” Bonds-Mason said.
“I love Zulu. Zulu has been my life. Met some great guys. Zulu is just who I am,” Mason said.
The Masons are proud New Orleans natives. Rodney went to St. Augustine High, while Kristen graduated from McDonogh 35.
Their deep connection to the city and its traditions is evident as they embrace their new roles and prepare to reign come, Mardi Gras.
#Zulu #royalty #ready #reign #Mardi #Gras
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