3 months ago
27
Trinidadian soca star Yung Bredda has one piece of advice for revellers ahead of the April 27 Carnival in Jamaica Road March.
“Wear good shoes, good sneakers, for sure.”
The Greatest Bend entertainer, whose given name is Akhenaton Lewis, spoke with The Gleaner at the Smirnoff Gen Xs Kingdom of the Sun carnival launch inside the Hyundai Showroom on Saturday.
The event brought together sponsors, fans, and industry stakeholders in a magnificent celebration as Gen Xs and Smirnoff gave a preview of what’s to come for the season.
A special guest at the event, Yung Bredda, thanked everyone for the tremendous support that his music has received, both in Jamaica and beyond.
“I’m grateful for all the blessings, you know? Sometimes I don’t even understand myself, and, you know, you’re not bound to understand the words that I’m saying [in my music], but just let the music connect. Like Afro music, I mean, I listen to some Afro artistes that speak in different languages, but the music and the melodies [are] so connecting.”
Revellers can expect an exciting season with Yung Bredda and Bunji Garlin, two performers listed to hit the Gen Xs stage.
“For Smirnoff Gen Xs’ Kingdom of the Sun 2025, you’ll see that our partners are welcoming and accommodating, and KFC is bringing Yung Bredda. He’s the Prince of Vibe, and dare I say he has one of the best songs for 2025,” said Kino Johnson, director of Gen Xs Carnival.
“Not just that, for Gen Xs Immortal J’ouvert, early Saturday morning, we’re gonna have Bunji Garlin live and in living colour representing Gen Xs with paint, powder, and water in the streets of New Kingston, Jamaica. We will be offering four different kinds of monokini and outfits for the ladies. T-shirts for the gentlemen, paint, powder, water, vibes, breakfast, we’re gonna feed you. But we’re taking care of your heartstrings and your eardrums because Viking Bunji Garlin is gonna give you a feast of musical supremeness,” Johnson told The Gleaner.
As for what to expect on the road, Gen Xs revellers can anticipate a performance from Kes The Band as they cross the stage.
“We’re bringing the legendary iconic band that is Kes The Band. They’re gonna be performing while masqueraders enjoy and cross the stage in live and in living colour. So yes, we have our own stage this year for revellers to run across, and this will be an experience like no other.”
At the heart of the Smirnoff Gen Xs experience is a strategic collaboration with Smirnoff.
“For 2025, it’s called Smirnoff Gen Xs Kingdom of the Sun. They’re not just title sponsors; they’re partners, they’re true to the entire thing, the entire development and the entire movement of Gen Xs. Carnival is a billion-dollar business that puts so many heads in beds for the country, [and] puts our culture, our beautiful pageantry of international guests, as well as locals onstage on blast. And, dare I say, rivals the top carnivals of the Caribbean, such as Trinidad, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and so on. So for them to sign over, not just cash and kind and product, they are partnering with us to ensure that our Gen Xs supreme experience is a reality,” said Johnson.
The relationship is set to last for three years, finishing in 2026.
Red Stripe’s Brand Manager Nadine Hylton emphasised how the Smirnoff brand’s longstanding association with carnival made them the ideal choice for their second year sponsoring Gen Xs.
Through its ‘We Do Carnival Enter to Win’ contest, customers can enter to win prizes this season.
English (US) ·