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.

An 11th Road March title in his homeland of Trinidad and Tobago, brings soca king, Machel Montano the honor of sharing the most number of wins in the category, with the legendary, Aldwnyn ‘Lord Kitchener’ Roberts. The artiste’s “PARDY” stole the hearts of jubilant masqueraders on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, across various judging points in the country.

In the aftermath of news that he had indeed secured the title, Machel shared his appreciation to his team and his fans. “11” ….. to share this honor with Aldwyn Lord Kitchener Roberts is a dream come true and quite a surreal feeling!!! I am grateful to the entire team that worked hard on this project and the fans who brought life to the song!!,” he wrote.

Machel’s ‘PARDY’ scathed past Bunji Garlin’s “Carry It” by just 14 points, the winning song being played 267 times, while the second place ‘Carry It,’ earned the spot with 253 plays. Bunji Garlin also secured the third place in the Road March race with his “Thousand” which was played 22 times by DJs as the respective bands crossed the stage.

Montano who also collaboratively won the Chutney Soca Monarch title with Drupatee and Lady Lava, was heavily criticized this past season for his ambition and drive to give fans his very best. Many suggested that the entertainer who has been singing soca since the age of 7, should now evacuate the competition space, leaving room for upcoming artistes. On Wednesday, following news that he had won his 11th Road March title, Montano sent a message to hard working people, saying, “Never let anyone say you’re too young, too old, too good or not deserving of your blessings.”

Thanking masqueraders for their eagerness and appreciation of the song, he said, “To the masqueraders, I say thank you and I want this to be a message to all the hard working people out there… once you put in the work, you deserve a PARDY!!! 

’Pardy’ was written by Perception Management and Machel Montano, with production by Xplicit and Badjohn Republic. The video has racked up over 3 million views on YouTube since it was shared one month ago.