On a Mardi Gras morning, adorned in a vibrant crown shaped like a lion’s face and a dazzling display of orange feathers, Diedra “Deepa Soul” Meredith joined the Golden Feather Hunters as a Mardi Gras Indian for the first time.
A local multimedia artist, Meredith’s journey to the streets of New Orleans East was nothing short of electrifying. Her entrance into the Black Masking Indians tradition added a unique twist to the centuries-old custom.
A Bold Identity: The Woman King
Meredith has carved her own path within the Mardi Gras Indian culture, claiming the title of “Woman King.” In this role, she doesn’t follow traditional titles like Big Chief, Queen, or Spy Boy but instead crafted a signature identity that is uniquely hers.
Inspired by the 2022 historical action film “The Woman King”, Meredith chose a lion headdress, which she named Nawi, after the last female warrior in the film. The headdress draws inspiration from a lion statue at City Park’s Peristyle and represents her fierce determination and warrior spirit.
Meredith’s choice of the lion also carries personal significance. “I’m a Leo, king of the jungle,” she quipped, proudly embracing the symbolism behind her larger-than-life crown.
Roots in Music and Activism
Before becoming immersed in Mardi Gras Indian culture, Meredith had a successful career in the music industry. Under the name Deepa Soul, she charted a dance hit with “Nowhere Love”, a track remixed by famous club DJ Junior Vasquez. The song peaked on the Billboard Dance/Club chart and helped solidify Meredith’s place in the music world.
Meredith later transitioned into a multi-media activist, co-founding Sunstar Gate, a production company based in Treme. She specializes in telling untold stories and social history, including producing a documentary series about the Black schoolgirls who pioneered school desegregation in New Orleans.
Her advocacy extends to preserving the history of the civil rights movement, including her involvement in a memorial for Dorothy Prevost, a key figure in the desegregation of public schools.
Mardi Gras Indians: A Tradition of Resistance
Meredith views the Mardi Gras Indian culture as a symbol of resistance—a powerful act in New Orleans, where the tradition has roots in the African and Native American cultures that flourished during the segregation era. Masking was an act of defiance, a way of honoring ancestors while challenging oppressive systems.
Meredith’s involvement in the tradition is another form of resistance, as she brings her own interpretation to the art form while staying true to its cultural origins.
Big Chief Shaka Zulu of the Golden Feather Hunters lauds Meredith for her creativity and commitment. He credits her not only with creating her own stunning headdress but also with assisting him in crafting his elaborate Mardi Gras Indian suits.
Meredith’s ability to pick up the beading technique from her childhood experience with her mother and grandmother’s embroidery allowed her to contribute significantly to Zulu’s intricate creations, including suits that depicted Louisiana wildlife and even a “Monkey Mosaic” suit.
A Labor of Love: Crafting the Lion Headdress
The creation of Meredith’s own lion headdress was no small feat. “Oh my Lord Jesus, it took a year,” she laughed. Yet, despite the time-consuming nature of the work, she remains passionate about her role in the Mardi Gras Indian community. As Big Chief Zulu joked, Meredith is now a “repeat offender” when it comes to the tradition, and he hopes she will continue to return year after year.
Mardi Gras Indian Super Sunday
Meredith and her tribe, the Golden Feather Hunters, will be a part of Super Sunday on March 15 in Central City. The Uptown Super Sunday march will feature several Mardi Gras Indian tribes, and Meredith’s lion-inspired headdress will undoubtedly be a standout. The Golden Feather Hunters will join the procession near Chicken Mart at Simon Bolivar and Jackson Avenues, following the Uptown tribes as they march towards A.L. Davis Park.
