Xaymaca International goes ICONIC
XAYMACA INTERNATIONAL carnival band continues its trendsetting ways this year with the tradition of first-out-of-thecarnival-in-Jamaica-launch blocks, with its 2019 costume presentation taking place this Saturday at Sabina Park dubbed ICONIC.
“With 15 new costumes from 13 designers across the Caribbean, we know our masqueraders will need time to choose their costumes and prepare to be international icons as they experience the most luxurious road march. We also want to build and maintain the carnival momentum with our masqueraders for the next five months, so we intend to continue to be the costume launch trendsetters,” says Xaymaca band leader Andrew Bellamy.
Xaymaca Director Kandi King said she is especially ecstatic about the work of this year’s cadre of designers. “In our fittings this week, each suit has brought a dramatic, new definition to the icons we have chosen to celebrate in our road march next year. On launch night, I have no doubt that our patrons will be in carnival costume bliss as our models (both international and local) mash up the stage in true Xaymacan style.”
The cohort of designers for the Xaymaca band this year includes four Jamaican designers – Dania Beckford of Broadtail Designs; Anna-Lisa Guthrie of Annaixe Designs; 19-year-old Rebecca Mahfood, and newcomer Rushane Campbell (RushCam). Seasoned Trinidadian carnival designers Shawn Dhanraj, Keisha Als and Rhion Romany are back with the team, while Valmiki Maharaj of The Lost Tribe; Ruana Evans, Samantha Ammon, Derron Dune and Richard and Anthony Hall join the team. Tracy Boyce from Barbados completes the design squad.
The highly anticipated disc jockeys Lord Hype, Tony X, Richie Ras, DJ Franco and Marlon Musique will bring the requisite musical vibe accentuated by the hosting style of JW.
The launch party will be streamed live on social media for international masqueraders to get a taste of the ICONIC experience that awaits on carnival day – April 28, 2019.