Gen XS delivers for revellers

At 12:10 p.m., as the eight sections of the Smirnoff Gen XS Infinity band began crossing the stage at the intersection of Trafalgar Road and Knutsford Boulevard, the band’s growth was clear. Now in its fourth year, Gen XS was one of three bands, including Yard Mas Carnival and Xodus Carnival, that took over the streets of New Kingston on Carnival Sunday. Despite the current global climate and rising recession indicators, the band’s director, Kibwe McGann, noted that the turnout was “above what was expected”.

“The foreigners returned in their numbers, and the local participation matched it. With what’s going on in the world, we thought the patronage would decline, but that isn’t the case,” he told The Gleaner during the lunchtime stop at Emancipation Park.

The customary crossing of the stage saw the Flower Bomb section lead the way, with its bright pinks, blues, purples and yellows, and the energetic lead-in of headliner Machel Montano’s Encore. Montano and Grenadian soca artiste Muddy treated revellers to an added surprise as the King of Soca gave them an anticipated repeat performance.

For Caribbean-born, Miami-based couple Finnal Diaz and Hanna Nightingale, this carnival period was not going to miss them, especially after recently enjoying the bliss of Trinidad’s mas.

“We didn’t jump with a section this year, but we still had to be here to experience Carnival in Jamaica,” Nightingale said. The two were seen ‘palancing’ to the tune of Machel Montano’s PARDY.

Gen XS stayed true to its extensive soca playlist throughout the route, with the trucks moving at a moderate pace to allow revellers to chip along. Though there were occasional lulls, larger crews made the most of it by fully letting loose and enjoying the bacchanal. Friends Cavelle Palmer and Danielle McGregor shared that their experience on the road this year was even better because they were together.

“This is my third time jumping as I’ve tried Xodus and Yard Mas before, but my first time with Gen XS, and outside of what they had to offer, fêteing with friends made the experience much better,” McGregor explained, noting that she tried all three to see which band she will stick to when continuing her mas streak.

When asked about how the band has grown since its first year, McGann noted that “since our first year, we’ve doubled in size, but at this point we cap the size to maintain quality and preserve our premium experience”.

Looking ahead, he added that the brand’s focus is on expansion beyond the road. “Our mission going forward is to add more in-season and off-season events, in addition to expanding to other Caribbean territories. We’ve had a presence in Trinidad for the past three years and are now expanding that to Grenada.”

And while many would have broken their carnival virginity on Sunday, wellness entrepreneur Natalie Murray — whose signature pixie was dyed in shades of purple and blue to match her Aurora costume — shared that the bliss of carnival has followed her since she first experienced it from the sidelines at 12 years old.

Now in her 50s, she says she has only missed carnival a few times, mostly when she was away studying. But what keeps drawing her back is the joy that soca brings.

“Soca is life. It’s a celebration, and even as I’m saying that, I’m getting goosebumps!” she said. “It’s a celebration of freedom and beauty and women. My soul feels completely free at carnival.”

rollesha.laing@gleanerjm.com