2 months ago
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With the excitement surging for yet another thrilling carnival season in Jamaica, The Gleaner caught up with energetic carnival junkie and radio host, Wesley Hylton, also known as ZJ Zess. The soca junkie kickstarted his deejaying career in 2022 when he got hired at Zip 103FM, and since then, he has only got bigger, taking on many different stages and elevating in the entertainment industry.
His break-out year however, he recalled, would definitely be 2024. He really catapulted into areas he never thought he would have, taking over stages and winning the hearts of many fans who became his devoted followers. With high hopes of continuing on this path of hosting events, he wishes to further his reach to not just entertain locally but also on an international level.
Carnival is about freedom, expression, and pure joy, and ZJ Zess is ready to bring that energy to the road. Known for his unmatched vibes and ability to get a crowd moving, this entertainer has become a staple on the carnival scene. He delves into his top soca picks for the season, cherished funfair memories and where fans can catch him on the road this year.
1. What are your top five carnival songs for the road this season?
This season’s carnival playlist is pure fire! My top-five carnival road picks would be: Throwback by Viking Ding Dong, Carry It by Bunji and Stemz, Bamcie by Yung Bredda and Added Rankin, One Piece by GBM Nutron and Tano and Jamtown by Coutain and Tano.
The vibes cya done with these songs!
2. What are you looking forward to most during the carnival season?
I’m really looking forward to seeing the reception Jamaica will give to the new soca songs this season and the whole idea of them going to these events to hear it. It’s always exciting to see how people react to fresh tunes and I also want to see how well the DJs will represent on the road.
3. What’s your most memorable or craziest carnival moment?
Honestly, I have had some crazy moments outside of Jamaica, but my most unforgettable memory [from] Jamaica’s carnival road march was the first time I got to be on the back of an Xodus truck, controlling the crowd. Seeing everyone’s hands in the air, fully engaged and enjoying themselves, was an experience I’ll never forget. That moment solidified my love for carnival!
4. And what would you say is your wildest moment?
Let me tell you, carnival road march is always a wild ride! My times abroad have been crazy, but one of the craziest things I’ve done in Jamaica was putting a girl on a fence on Oxford Road ... I’ve also been on top of a bus stop during the march. And let’s not forget when I dived off the Hardwine stage into the crowd! Madness!
5. Where can fans find you this carnival season?
I’ll be on the road during road march, but also at Xodus events like Remedy and Tailgate, so link up!
English (US) ·