Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 Carnival season was pretty much a blockbuster movie – a critically acclaimed experience that nobody could’ve possibly been truly prepared for. Three months of full-fledged, hyper-energetic ecstasy culminated with the traditional mas on the road experience that many travel from parts far and wide to enjoy, annually. This year, YUMA provided an experience for not only seasoned masqueraders, but many newcomers who’ve already co-signed with friends and family, to do it again, and again, and again.

1. COSTUME DESIGN AND QUALITY:

For quite a number of years, the YUMA brand has maneuvered the carnival landscape, with its designers like Rawle Permanand and Marie Collette, delivering exquisite costumes for the road. This year was no different. The costume quality and beauty stood effectively, leaving very little, if anything more to be desired. The band’s ‘Echoes of IERE’ theme featured sections like Marie Collette’s ‘Poui’ in a choice of a vivacious hot pink or an eye-catching bright yellow. Collette herself paraded the streets of Port-of-Spain on Carnival Tuesday in the full hardline ensemble in her choice of bright yellow. The beauty and quality of her costume was unmistakeable. Other sections included Flambeaux, Hibiscus, Magnificent 7, Masala, Nariva, Riddim, Iere, Emperor, Echoes, Castara, Doux Doux Dahlin, Bucco and Bae-Go- rounding off the total street design showcase to 14. When it came time to show off and show out, the vibrance of the intricate designs and captivating kaleidoscope of colour, could not be ignored.

2. PROFESSIONALISM AND EFFICIENCY

Whether in part owed to its partnerships with brands like Digicel, Dasani, Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, Maybelline New York, Ocean Spray, VISA, Red Bull, Coca Cola, Shine Distributors, Skins, Hai Trim and Feathers, Carib, Jose Cuervo and Guinness, or simply its distinct and intentional effort to provide its masqueraders with the very best money can buy, YUMA once again delivered on customer satisfaction. From the costume collection where masqueraders received backpacks, which held a variety of goodies inside, inclusive of two branded aluminum cups and other necessities that would be appreciated for the road experience, and beyond, to the effort shown by drink attendants and security staff to minimize discomfort in any way, and of course, the detail and attention paid to their lunch stop, many basked in the YUMA vibe and professionalism throughout the two-day experience.

3. MUSIC SELECTION AND VIBE

Music selection is a big deal. The YUMA DJ selection proved top tier on Carnival Monday and Tuesday with the likes of Whitney Husbands, DJ Linx, Kevon X, Major Penny, DJ Jel, Selector Snappy and Deejay Kareem and others pleasing masqueraders with tunes from ‘tune land.’ Soca was the order and the DJs did not disappoint.

4. THE PEOPLE WHO BRING THE VIBE

YUMA has always been known to be the band of the superstars. This year was no different, with a slate of popular faces in the mix, inclusive of influencers like Anil and Kineta James, Neicey bwoss, model, Mela, Charlotte Wingham, Carnival Sabrina, cricketer, Dwayne Bravo, and others. Soca artistes like Jadel, Lyrikal, Lady Lava, Voice, The A Team Band and others were also a part of the vibe. “As an artiste, I can say the artistes were treated amazing. We got VISA bands for YUMA and I loved the fact that YUMA had The A Team band LIVE. That was so entertaining and masqueraders appreciated that so much. A lot of mas bands do not bring that live band element to the road and that live band on the road, did it for me,” Jadel told Ebuzztt. She also said the drinks truck was on point. “I had no problems with the drinks at all, the courtesies extended were amazing. The whole vibe- the energy was just love – love and happiness and unity,” she added.

5. READY- FOR- ANYTHING MASQUERADERS

With social media and trend-setting being the kill-joy for many in the carnival space, it would be remiss of us not to mention the fact that on the road, masquerading was the order in YUMA. While there were moments for the ‘gram’ and TikTok, this did not take away from the overall energy of the people on the road. Beautiful women, handsome men – all up for the thrill of the carnival roadshow experience, immersed themselves in the music of the season and showed off their effervescent nature, making it abundantly clear that YUMA just might be THE band to truly bring the VIBES, not just in 2025 but way into the years ahead.

For the very first time in the Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival space, an event that is focused entirely on the absolute enjoyment of all patrons, over all else, is being touted as a must attend fete. The food-inclusive shin dig, dubbed ‘Frolic’ is the brainchild of one of the country’s most pronounced radio personalities and hosts, Ken Simmons. This Friday, Ken’s highly anticipated, ‘Frolic’ debut will shut down any question surrounding the existing energy of Carnival Friday, laying to rest any concerns had about the vibe this once powerful and fantastic day on the carnival calendar, delivered to the world arriving on the island’s doorsteps. 

“What we’re doing here is solidifying our carnival again. It’s important to us, as stakeholders in this cultural space, to ensure that the world seen, recognizes and understands that we hold fast to our festival,” said Simmons. Following Carnival 2024, Ken met with prominent event promoter, Cliff Harris of TropixEntertainment – a tremendous force in the industry over many years. Together they resolved to make Carnival Friday an immeasurable success once again. 

“After years of The International Soca Monarch being the main showcase on Carnival Friday, its departure from the calendar, in our view, left a void to be filled,” said Simmons. The ‘Frolic’ concept was born out of Ken’s desire to lift the spirits of his people – many of whom have supported him along his journey in entertainment, attending his annual boat rides in droves, and leaving many desirous of just one opportunity to experience a Ken Simmons event. 

On Friday, the event, which is being hosted at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s, will feature major Soca stars like Bunji Garlin, Farmer Nappy, Lyrikal and Mical Teja. “This is more than just a fete to attend. Frolic is going to be an immersive sort of experience. We’re bridging any gaps that may have presented itself over the years, between entertainment and service, culture and people. We’re bringing back ‘feel good’ carnival vibes, reintroducing the joy of feting and mingling, sharing the culture as one human race, and reminding those who attend that it all starts and ends with love,” said Ken. 

The food inclusive event will allow patrons to attend withcoolers or patronize the bar, and one thing’s for certain, this event, built from a place of passion and true excitement, is going to be one of the most high- energy events heading into the Carnival weekend. “One of the things I pride myself on is impact. I always want to know that no matter what, the impact of the offering, is long lasting and memorable,” shared Ken. He noted that Frolic’s menu on will include, Jamaican food, Creole dishes, exquisite Mediterranean delights a Live Pasta station, Italian dishes, Chinese, Indian food, Trinidad and Tobago cuisine and deserts of all sorts.