Carnival 2023 Jamaica

Jamaica will have its newest Carnival Band, GenXS Carnival, in time for Carnival in Jamaica 2023. 

GenXS is all set to debut on April 16, 2023, alongside existing bands XODUS and Bacchanal Jamaica. 

GenXS will unveil their costumes for their 2023 presentation at their Band Launch, in Kingston on December 7, inspired by the theme “Return to Paradise”.

Trinidadian designers David Dewer, Shawn Dhanraj, Natalie Fonrose, and Rhion Romany are the lead talent who have been chosen to bring the theme to life for the new band.

The band launch promises to be high energy with the inclusion of Trinidadian DJs and Carnival supermodel
Achsah Henry, alongside international mega influencers Qimmah Russo and Erica Fontaine.

Tagyei Belinfante, GenXS Carnival director, GenX (Miami) Carnival director, event promoter, and Carnival Experience Chaser, says he and his team saw the need to bring a new offering to the Jamaican Carnival space that was hyper-focused on curating and delivering the best Carnival experiences based on what he had observed in Trinidad.

  The GenXS Team, which also stages Miami Tipsy Music Festival, had recent success in October during Miami Carnival Weekend with headliners Machel Montano, Burna Boy and Voice.

With over 50 years cumulative experience in event production, customer service and logistics, the GenXS teams’ event resume includes Dandy Shandy (a bi-annual 90s dancehall-themed party hosted in Miami, Florida), GenX Immortals Jouvert, GenX Carnival (one of Miami’s largest carnival band), and OceanX Cruise (Yacht event).

Carnival 2023 Jamaica

Directors of the new GenXS band

  “Having participated as a masquerader in several Trinidadian Carnivals, I can attest that Trinidad’s Carnival offering is the Region’s standard.  The GenX Team has worked with several Trinidadian designers for the production and design of GenX Miami Carnival costumes for years. This year we engaged Trinidadian designer David Dewer as a consultant and that is a relationship we look forward to continue building on," said Marc Christian, GenX and GenXS Director.

"Even though we are Jamaican, and we infuse splashes of Dancehall on the road, we recognise that Soca and Carnival Culture belong to Trinidad. In fact, our last three band shoots were produced in Trinidad by Jeffery Charles, supported by Carnival Glam Hub’s Trinidad-based glam squad, Faces of Bella Rouge.” 

Kibwe McGann, GenXS Director said: “As a co-founder of Carnival Glam Hub Trinidad and Port of Spain Fashion Week, I have a unique perspective in understanding the minds of the consumer that is desirous of a premium experience. GenXS is masquerader focused, and we are intent on delivering a product that is devoid of the basic cookie-cutter offerings that plague many destination Carnivals. I have played mas and worked in the Carnival Space, in Trinidad, St. Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica, Los Angeles, and Miami. I believe that our collective experience makes us capable of delivering on our brand-to-band promise as GenXS Jamaica Carnival.”

WiPay is the preferred processing partner for payments.

“We also chose Trinidadian payments company WiPay as our preferred payment processing partner for online costume and event ticket sales. WiPay’s Caribbean reach makes it more favourable than other popular US-based solutions because of their understanding of Carnival culture and the specific needs Carnival band," said Ajene Greene, GenX and GenXS Carnival Accounting Director.

"Credit Card chargebacks is a major risk we undertake when engaging with overseas clients. Overseas payment solutions don’t understand enough about Carnival culture to effectively challenge disputes and this is where WiPay has a clear advantage. We already had a great experience with WiPay for the Machel Montano–Burna Boy Tipsy Music Festival in Miami, so choosing WiPay was a no-brainer ”

  GenXS is Jamaica’s newest Carnival with ties to GenX Miami Carnival and will be showcasing their costumes on April 16, 2023 as part of Carnival in Jamaica.

Masqueraders can visit www.thereturntoparadise.com for more information and pre-registration or follow @genxsjamaica on Instagram and Facebook.

Frontliner model Jasmine Earle wearing Artemis designed by Shawn Dhanraj (Photo: Nigel So Crazy)

Jamaica will have its newest Carnival band, GenXS Carnival, in time for Carnival 2023. GenXS is all set to debut on April 16, 2023, alongside existing bands Xodus and Bacchanal Jamaica.

GenXS will reveal the 2023 costumes at its Kingston Band launch in December 2022. The costumes are inspired by the theme "RETURN TO PARADISE" and will be produced by industry-leading Carnival Designers. The Band Launch promises to be high-energy with the inclusion of celebrity models, dancers, international and local influencers, with the latest Soca accompaniment by imported and local Soca DJs.

Tagyei Belinfante, of GenXS Carnival and GenX (Miami) Carnival, explains that he saw a need to bring a new offering to the Jamaican Carnival space that was hyper-focused on curating and delivering the best Carnival experiences based on what he had seen in other territories.

"As a band owner and carnival chaser, I can appreciate the Carnival experience as a consumer and as the person curating the experience. I am also very passionate on building and contributing to the Carnival in Jamaica product and showcasing what makes our [Jamaica] Carnival destination special," he said.

The Return to Paradise theme has multiple meanings; in addition to a celebration of all things Jamaican and everything people love about Jamaica, the theme also speaks to the GenXS founders — Tagyei Belinfante, Marc Christian, Matthew Wadell, and Ajene Greene — who are all Jamaicans who migrated to the US after high school and are now returning to their paradise home, where their love of Carnival began.

Collectively, the GenXS team has over 50 years in event production, customer service, logistics and planning. The GenXS team's résumé includes events such as Dandy Shandy (a biannual 90s dancehall themed party hosted in Miami, Florida), GenX Immortals J'ouvert, GenX Carnival (one of Miami's largest and most popular Carnival bands), Miami's Tipsy Music Festival (which recently hosted Machel Montano and Burna Boy), and OceanX Cruise (a yacht event).

The GenXS team has retained Kibwe McGann of Carnival Glam Hub and payment facilitation company WiPay, project manager/carnival consultant Mala Morrison, and project manager/media professional Kino Johnson.

"Carnival is my passion …. full stop. Having been a Masquerader for over 25 years in Jamaica from Byron Lee, Jokers Wild and Jamaica Carnival to present. I have been blessed with the opportunity to work in the Carnival space and actively participate in various carnivals throughout the region. The introduction of the GenXS Band to Jamaica will provide an additional offering for both local and international Carnival chasers to experience a well-curated Carnival road experience." — Mala Morrison, GenXS director (events and logistics).

"As one of the founders of Carnival Glam Hub which operates in five Carnival markets, I have a unique perspective in understanding the minds of the Carnival consumer at both the high and lower ends of the market. When the GenXS team approached me, I was compelled to accept their invitation, as they demonstrated a desire to deliver a product that was devoid of the cookie-cutter basic offerings that plague many destination Carnivals. GenXS is masquerader-focused. I have played mas with GenX Miami for the past three years and I am confident in this team's ability to deliver on their brand promise for GenXS." — Kibwe McGann, GenXS director – sponsorship and marketing.

"Jamaica, Land We Love is world- renowned for entertainment, excitement & energy; that's what Gen XS has ready for Carnival in Jamaica 2023. And yes, surprises & performances that are true to the Carnival spirit with Jamaican authenticity & International appeal!" — Kino Johnson, GenXS director (media and entertainment).

"In addition to Sunday Mas, Party and fete chasers can expect a new J'ouvert band, a Night Carnival, and other immersive events. Guided by experience and high on our checklist is the provision of a seamless tech-driven registration and costume collection process, which will be enhanced by our delivery partners. We're also promising a restaurant-like lunch experience complimented premium alcohol road offerings, and heightened road security. We want patrons to walk away saying, 'This is the band'." — Matthew Waddell, GenXS Director

The GenXS team is desirous of adding value to Carnival in Jamaica and Jamaica's overall offering as a Carnival destination. Return to Paradise is part of the band's communication of intent to spread value beyond the borders of Kingston. GenXS package offerings will include more than just Kingston-based events.

"Having participated as a masquerader in several destination carnivals, I can share that in most of them, I was never given the opportunity to experience their island or destinations outside of the offerings of my fete package. As a Jamaican, I am keen on ensuring that Masqueraders have an opportunity to experience our island paradise. GenXS will offer

XS-perience packages as an option, in partnership with local tour operators, craft markets, and a few North Coast travel destinations. Masqueraders (internal and local) can expect a culturally immersive and authentic Jamaican Carnival experience." — Marc Christian, GenXS Director

GenXS is Jamaica's newest Carnival with ties to GenX Miami Carnival. GenXS will showcase its costumes on Sunday, April16, 2023 as part of Carnival in Jamaica's road parade. Masqueraders can visit www.thereturntoparadise.com for pre-registration or follow @genxsjamaica on Instagram and Facebook for more information.

Mala Morrison, GenXS Jamaica, wearing Junkanoo designed by Douglas John.

Carnival Queen and section leader Achsah Henry wearing Jab Jab designed by David Dewar.

From left: Influencers and models Virginia Sanhouse wearing Moko Jumbie by Shawn Dhanraj; Erica Fontaine wearing Calinda designed by Natalie Fonrose; and Mataya Sweeting wearing Dragonaires by Jamaican designer Jessica Campbell.

Fitness model and influencer Qimmah Russo wearing Artemis designed by Shawn Dhanraj (Photo: Nigel So Crazy)

The GenXS directors (from left) Marc Christian, operations; Matthew Wadell, partnership; and Tagyei Belinfante, brand.

Ajene Green, GenXS director - strategy and finance .

Frontliner Atisha Rosa wearing Junkanoo designed by Douglas John.

Which month is carnival month in Jamaica?

What date is Jamaica Carnival 2023? Which month is the Jamaica Carnival? Jamaica Carnival usually takes place from Easter Sunday until the following weekend. The 2023 Jamaica Carnival will take place on April 12 until April 18, 2023.

What date is carnival in Jamaica 2022?

The Carnival in Jamaica (CIJ) National Stakeholders Committee has unveiled the official calendar of events for the 2022 carnival season, which is set to begin on Friday, July 1, and end with the St. Thomas Carnival on July 16.

Will there be a Trinidad carnival 2023?

Trinidad Carnival 2023 - February 15 to February 22 2023 - Soca Islands.

What time of year is Jamaica carnival?

Carnival is a Catholic festive season that occurs before the liturgical season of Lent. The main events typically occur during February or early March, during the period historically known as Shrovetide (or Pre-Lent).