7 months ago
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Historically speaking, dragons are renowned for their beauty and mystical qualities that have made them not only feared, but admired by cultures across the world. With that in mind, it is no wonder that GenXS Carnival has chosen these legendary creatures to represent their efforts this carnival season.
However, according to band co-director Kino Johnson, ‘Unleashing the Dragon’ goes far deeper than many may have considered.
“Jumpers can expect what we set out to do from our launch in 2023. Of course, we all know dragons are fun and graceful beings, but they all have a sense of mystique, and we want persons to experience that concept on a deeper level,” Johnson told The Gleaner.
It is on this basis that GenXS has crafted a number of sensory experiences – or as they call them, GenXperiences – hoping to keep fans enthused and energetic this carnival week.
“Our goal for the week of carnival in Jamaica was to transition to an extreme level of events that the GenXS family looks out for. This would have included Soca by Di Tree, LIL Touchdown at Jangas, Kooler Babe, Soca Starter, Strut & Viva La Carnival,” Johnson explained.
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“These are the fêtes our GenXS directors, committees, ambassadors, and many of our pre-registration masqueraders plan and attend in carnivals across the region. So we wanted our GenXSers and all carnival chasers to expect an array of experiences including energy-filled vibes, all-inclusive partying. and pure fun.”
Triumphant return
These experiences, Johnson explained, will continue to boil over into Sunday, when Road March makes a triumphant return to Jamaican streets.
SALUTING BYRON LEE
Aside from the creatures of folklore, GenXS’ theme of ‘Unleashing the Dragon’ also pays homage to legendary soca-calypso band Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, who were highly influential in the genre’s reach across the Caribbean – including Jamaica.
In an interview with The Gleaner, Johnson said that Lee’s contributions to carnival in Jamaica are not to be understated.
“From ska to mento and soca to calypso, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires are pivotal in our Caribbean music. Without them, the advent of the soca-calypso genre would not have been amplified to such a large extent,” he said at the time.
He has added to that conversation by explaining the importance of preserving Lee’s legacy through mas.
“A Jamaican carnival is supposed to be what it looks like now, and the feeling should be one of passion. In the ‘90s, yes persons went to see the floats, yes to see the pageantry, yes to see the costumes. But most importantly, they went out to hear subliminal messages in the music and what that meant for our culture; and almost no one did that better than Byron Lee and the Dragonaires,” Johnson said.
Come Sunday, GenXS is hoping to keep that same passion and energy with fellow soca greats Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin.
“The King of Soca, Machel Montano, and the Soca Viking himself, Bunji Garlin, means energy, quality, and fun like no other,” Johnson said.
WHERE TO ‘WUK UP’ TODAY
Bacchanal J’ouvert
Daybreak Breakfast Party
Soca Starter
Scorch Duck Work Jamaica
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