The Trinidad Carnival season has officially awoken, and the CARIB VOXX team was front and centre to witness a definitive cultural awakening. Over the years, Yuma has set the standard for high-quality execution, delivering pristine costumes and an unmatched energy that masqueraders crave. The sheer consistency of their band launch offering is indicative of a brand that understands the assignment every single time. Yet, perhaps the most critical aspect of the Yuma DNA is their unmatched, instinctive gift of discovery. So many of the beloved models and powerhouse designers we celebrate in the Carnival industry today got their start right here. With their latest presentation, Yuma continues to uphold this sterling reputation, proving they aren’t just creators of a high-quality road experience—they are the ultimate incubator for fresh, dynamic talent.
Held at the prestigious National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA), the launch unveiled their theme: FEROCIOUS. Rooted deeply in the philosophical belief that there is no beauty without the beast, the presentation masterfully explored the primal instincts that drive human survival, determination, transformation, and desire. Far from just a display of feathers and beads, FEROCIOUS felt like a cultural manifesto. It celebrated the fierce spirit that lives within every individual, actively challenging masqueraders to step out of their comfort zones and fully embrace their strength, confidence, and raw authenticity.
The stage at NAPA became a runway of raw, untamed energy as section after section brought the theme to life, offering a diverse showcase of artistic vision from a stellar lineup of designers. Marie Collette opened the spectacle with Siren, a breathtaking showcase that captured the haunting, irresistible pull of the mythical creature, and later returned with Mirage, an ethereal yet striking creation that played with light and perception to embody the beautiful illusions of the wild. Kwasi McDonald brought a tangible edge to the stage with Claw, a sharp, aggressive, and stunningly structured design, which was later complemented by his work on Fury, a passionate, fiery storm of design that beautifully translated raw emotion into mas. Alejandro dominated multiple facets of the runway, first shocking the audience to life with the vibrant, kinetic energy of Electric, then pivoting to a fiercely modern aesthetic with Toxic, before ultimately delivering the titular section, Ferocious, which encapsulated the very heartbeat of the theme of being unapologetic, powerful, and wildly untamed.
The predatory nature of the theme continued to unfold as Lauren Austin presented Prowl, a sleek, calculated design that perfectly mirrored the quiet confidence of a hunter. Christian Chow Chung followed with Sting, a sharp, vibrant display of dangerous beauty that proved precision in design is everything. Rawle Permanand delivered a trifecta of captivating concepts, starting with Seduction, a masterclass in temptation that blended bold lines with hypnotic details, moving into Hypnotiq, a mesmerizing blend of colours and movement that left the crowd spellbound, and culminating in Fierce, a bold, commanding, and regal design that left no doubt the Yuma masquerader is ready to dominate the road. Adding to the lethal energy of the night, Jam the Band presented Venom, a section that radiated a toxic, high-fashion energy in the best way possible.
Outstanding model performances from new faces such as Cassandra Merrick solidified the band’s reputation for bringing exciting new talent to the fold.
By turning NAPA into a sanctuary of self-expression, Yuma didn’t just launch a band; they issued a call to the wild. Through impeccable craftsmanship from veteran designers and exciting new perspectives from fresh talent, FEROCIOUS proved that the beast within is something to be celebrated, not feared. If this launch is any indication of what is to come, Yuma is not just opening the season; they have set a scorching pace for it. Get ready, because on the road, this animal cannot be contained.
