Ladies of Carnival in Jamaica ready for the road
Published:Sunday | April 2, 2023 | 9:49 AM
Carnival is woman, but don’t just take Rukshun’s word for it. Ask the women at the helm of three of the island’s biggest carnival bands – Bacchanal Jamaica, which this year joined forces with Xodus and newcomers on the Jamaican scene GenXS and Yard Mas. With just 14 days until road march, we spoke with Mala Morrison, director of GenXS; Dania Beckford, director of Yard Mas Carnival, and Charmaine Franklin, director of Bacchanal Jamaica, about their first carnivals, their must-haves for the road and what makes Carnival in Jamaica extra special.
MALA MORRISON – DIRECTOR OF GENXS
When and where was your first carnival experience?
My first carnival experience goes back to Carnival in Jamaica 1994
What made it special or unique?
My uncle played for Byron Lee’s band and we would go to Chukka Cove in St Ann for a huge concert the week before carnival, which as a young girl was the highlight of my carnival week. There was a band called Oakridge Carnival that first started my love for the road. I vaguely remember the route starting in Manor Park and going through Aylsham and just experiencing the energy marching down the road dancing to the music. Carnival always feels like a special time to me.
When and why did you decide to be a part of a band as a director?
Why is easy to answer. It is a passion of mine to curate and share carnival culture and event experiences. I’ve always wanted to be more involved in the carnival industry than just event production. Being a director in a band allows me to be fully immersed in the entire experience.
Do you play a role in the costume designs and/or selections?
Each year a theme is set and general guidelines provided to the designers. We have a very talented [and] experienced team of designers, so we allow them to create freely. The directors do give feedback on those designs and constructive criticism when necessary, until we get it right. We are all very hands-on in the initial concept/design process.
What makes carnival in Jamaica special?
Jamaica is geographically located to capture a large influx of visitors during the carnival period from the entire region. [There is] access to frequent flights, [an] ample supply of hotel accommodations, our vibrant reggae/dancehall music culture, our beaches and other excursions visitors can experience before or after carnival day. All of these factors put us, [Jamaica], in a position to be the number one island destination outside of Trinidad and Tobago for carnival tourism.
Beads or glitter?
For costume bling – definitely beads and gems.
What differentiates GenXS from others?
Ultimately, I think what makes our band unique is that our band and its existence is a true representation of ‘Out of many, one people’. While all the directors are Jamaican and the band maintains a Jamaican core, the genesis of the band is in Miami, a melting pot of cultures and [the] Caribbean diaspora. The band is therefore a by-product of Caribbean, African and North American influences. We have artistes, DJs, designers, and revellers expressing their [country’s] different cultures through the GenXS medium.
In an industry that is typically led by men, what is it like being one of the only women with a seat at the carnival decision-making table?
It always feels good to know that your opinion matters. They say behind every good man is a good woman, and I work alongside a team of really good men, who share my passion for carnival, and value my opinion, so having a seat at this table has so far been a very enjoyable, fulfilling experience.
Boots vs sneakers?
Boots with a block heel – I prefer the glam look for road march and obviously sneakers for Jouvert.
What’s your favourite soca song this year?
I don’t really have a favourite, [but there is] The Spirit (Machel Montano), Kaiso (Viking Ding Dong), Behavior Nothin (Skinny Fabulous) and Come Home (Skinny Fabulous and Nailah Blackman).
What are your three must-haves or tips for the road?
1) Hydrate and eat a proper meal with moderate starch and salt before heading on the road.
2) Keep your valuables secure or hidden, never leave phones or money in your fanny packs or pocket in a crowded carnival.
3) Hire a designated driver and a safe pick-up spot ahead of time – drink responsibly.
How would you like to see GenXS and Carnival in Jamaica continue to evolve?
GenXS carnival and Carnival in Jamaica on a whole are currently in an extremely important growth phase. With the relatively recent reopening of international borders paired with GenXS’ regional and global influence, we foresee many new patrons and carnival chasers coming to Jamaica in the near future to experience what we have to offer. GenXS has been working tirelessly to rewrite the narrative, and to let the carnival fraternity know that Carnival in Jamaica is a genuine carnival experience, providing quality events which embrace the culture. We hope to integrate within the primary levels of local education to provide an accurate representation of carnival and what the celebrations represent culturally.
DANIA BECKFORD – DIRECTOR OF YARD MAS CARNIVAL
When and where was your first carnival experience?
My first carnival experience was at Chukka Cove Carnival in St Ann. I am from Discovery Bay, St Ann, and my older cousins would come for Easter holidays and be able to go but my parents always said no. My Aunty (Rocky) would also go when I was much younger and I really wanted to experience it. When I was 17, I finally got permission. My older sister, who lived abroad, literally ‘bad up’ my father about letting me go and he allowed it. I fell in love immediately with the vibe, Iwer George performed and I still remember all of it!
The next year, 2002, I went to UWI and we all know about Ring Road and I fell even more in love. My best friend Tenique and I, along with many of my friends from Trinidad and Barbados, ended up actually making costumes on Rex Nettleford Hall when I became cultural entertainment activities chairperson of the hall. In 2006, Andrew Bellamy actually gave me a costume to be in Bacchanal Carnival. I remember it was called ‘Spirit of the Tainos’ and well the rest is history!
What made it special or unique?
It was special because I am generally a happy and liberal person and from that first experience at Chukka Cove Carnival, the vibe was euphoric, everyone was happy and dancing and the music felt like freedom!
When and why did you decide to be a part of a band as a director?
My journey into being a director of Yard Mas Carnival is actually very unique. I started out as a designer in another band upon the invitation from Andrew Bellamy (who is now managing director of Yard Mas Carnival) when he was director of another band. I started my company Broadtail Designs in 2016 and he saw that my aim was to make women feel confident. He wanted an inclusive band and so he invited me as a designer in 2017 and we had the first full-figured section in carnival. It was the first time a band was marketing a section as ‘plus size’ and it really revolutionised the carnival scene regionally, because now more care and thought is put in designing for women of various sizes and not just having an ‘alternative option’.
In 2022, Andrew again approached me about Yard Mas as a new venture, and again because he mentioned being inclusive and carnival being an experience for everyone who wants to participate, I thought it was a prime opportunity to expand the Broadtail brand through a season and business that I am passionate about, which is carnival. Also, building a carnival brand by collaborating with home-grown businesses such as I Love Soca Jamaica and Fête Republic and other companies that are passionate about the business of carnival such as Zarmak and Magnet Limited was a no-brainer for me.
Do you play a role in the costume designs and/or selections?
Yes, I do play a major role in the costume design and coordination process, especially because I am the only female director in Yard Mas Carnival and we all know that the product of carnival heavily caters to women through costumes. I have designed a section in our band called Oshun and I also lead the coordination of designers and guide the process of ensuring the costumes we received from all our designers fit our overall theme which is ‘Reign of Goddesses’ this year. With the assistance of all directors within the band, I am also one of the point persons for costume production matters.
What makes carnival in Jamaica special?
Carnival in Jamaica is unique because it is a hybrid version of what our partners in the Eastern Caribbean celebrate. In Jamaica we include soca, dancehall, reggae music in our road march and our parties over the season showcase our beautiful venues in different parts of the country which make it appealing to tourists. Also Jamaicans have a special vibe to us when we party that is unmatched.
Beads or glitter?
Definitely GLITTER!
In an industry that is typically led by men, what is it like being one of the only women with a seat at the carnival decision-making table?
Being the only female in my band has not been hard because the things my team knows I am good at, they give me complete control in handling. Also, men bring a unique perspective because it assists me in managing [the] expectations of how men see the world of carnival. However, holistically we make a good team because women work throughout other parts of the carnival experience process. Nevertheless, I welcome more women who love this business to join and create more experiences within the industry.
Boots vs sneakers?
BOOTS!
What’s your favourite soca song this year?
My favourite soca song for the season is Come Home by Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous!
What are your three must-haves or tips for the road?
Three must haves for the season: A Yard Mas Carnival costume, the perfect fanny pack or thigh back to ensure all your must haves are secure while you enjoy the road experience, an early make-up and photography appointment with Mas Ready to ensure you have evidence of how confident you looked for Carnival in Jamaica 2023. And if I can get a brawta, please take vitamins and exercise to keep that fitness level for the road.
How would you like to see Yard Mas and Carnival in Jamaica continue to evolve?
I would like us to continue to grow the carnival industry in Jamaica because that means growing our entertainment industry. In Yard Mas Carnival, we have dubbed ourselves “the guardians of the renaissance of Carnival in Jamaica” and what we mean by that is that as home-grown carnival brands, we want to revolutionise the industry where all the players – designers, producers of events and costumes, caterers, truckers, DJs – all benefit from a thriving carnival industry.
CHARMAINE FRANKLIN – DIRECTOR OF BACCHANAL JAMAICA
When and where was your first carnival experience?
Trinidad
What made it special or unique?
With the freedom to express yourself in dance, carnival gives one a feeling of release and cures inhibitions.
When and why did you decide to be a part of a band as a director?
For many years, my husband and myself assisted Byron Lee and just loved it. Later, he invited us in 1993 to form our own band. We did so with two friends, named it Revellers Inc and continued until 2000 when together with Oakridge, Raiders and another friend formed Carnival 2000. That morphed into Bacchanal Jamaica in 2001, a journey that has been awesome despite its ups and downs.
Do you play a role in the costume designs and/or selections?
I did at first but it was really the late Fozzie that did most of the designs. As he passed, designs were purchased and I am integrally involved in the selection process.
What makes carnival in Jamaica special?
[The] fusion of our local culture into the lead-up events and then on the road. A first for Jamaica done by us was the concept of an all-inclusive band supplying revellers with food and drink on the road and that has become the norm here. You need no funds when you play mas in Jamaica.
Beads or glitter?
Beads enhance but glitter adds the final glow and now there is so much artistry in doing body painting and make-up.
What differentiates GenXS from others?
We offer an ultra premium experience that encompasses something for everyone. Costuming takes into consideration all ages and body types. Our band offers a very personalised service: adjustments for costumes if required, premium bar service and great food; the lunchstop offers seating and a mini spa area for those who need a quick foot massage.
In an industry that is typically led by men, what is it like being one of the only women with a seat at the carnival decision-making table?
The team is a team. We are very democratic and frankly it never feels like something I should think about.
Boots vs sneakers?
Sneaker girl, [I] never changed over to boots for my experience.
What’s your favourite soca song this year?
Nailah and Skinny Fabulous – Come Home.
What are your three must-haves or tips for the road?
1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
2. [Pick a] comfortable costume – choose one where you will not feel self-conscious on the road and comfortable shoes.
3. [Have a] good breakfast with even a touch of salt, one does perspire a lot.
How would you like to see Bacchanal Jamaica and Carnival in Jamaica continue to evolve?
Keep growing. The visitor numbers are great but we need more so everyone thrives – transportation, food vendors, hotels, associated businesses – make-up artists, hair salons, etc. [That’s a] win-win for us all.