It’s officially band launch season in Jamaica as Carnival is steadily approaching and masquerades are anticipating what the various bands have to offer for 2019.
Kicking off this season was Xaymaca International, as they showcased 15 sections under the theme of “Iconic” last Saturday at Sabina Park. Previously known as “the smallest band with the biggest heart”, Xaymaca has expanded their sections to accommodate their growing customer base and reputation. For instance, this year we see sections being marketed by carnival bands from Barbados, Bahamas, Miami and Trinidad.
With costumes designed by well-known names like Keisha Als and Rhion Romany, there is not one negative comment that could be said about the various sections as all are uniquely breath-taking. The sections are Prima Donna, Aja, Vainglory, Bohemian, Rose’, Ashanti, Psychedelic, Dynasty, Mendoza, Victress, Burlesque, Donatella, Aphrodites and Queen of the Nile. However, the section that has everyone ready to clean out their bank account is Dancehall Queen. This section had everyone on social media going crazy and left those who attended the launch stunned. It is the first dancehall inspired costume and far from the traditional carnival style.
Modelled on launch night by dancers Christina Gonzalez and Samantha Strachan, this section stole the whole show, especially when Christina dropped into those splits. This was definitely the crowd’s favourite of the night and embodied what Xaymaca meant by “ICONIC”.
Director of Xaymaca Interantional, Kandi King told Jamaica Gleaner that she expected people to be wowed but everyone were floored. Furthermore, Co-director Andrew Bellamy added “It’s about time somebody actually credits one of the most iconic things coming out of Jamaica – which is the dancehall. Dancehall fits the Carnival scene perfectly. Tonight, you saw it.” he told the Gleaner on the night of the launch.
Not only did this section set a standard for the Jamaica launch season but it also showed the uniqueness that dancehall can bring to the overall Carnival culture.
Now as the other bands like Exodus, Bacchanal Jamaica and new comer Rebellion get ready to launch their costumes, we are all eager to see what they have in store. But it is safe to say that Xaymaca International has set the bar pretty high.
