YUMA kicks off band launch season for Carnival 2024 (original) (raw)
Dust off your gym card, get yourselves a new pair of sneakers, and get your body ready for Carnival 2024.
Yes, folks, it’s that time of the year again. Band launch season is back. From July 2, with the launch of YUMA’s 2024 theme, Trinidad and Tobago will be in Carnival mode.
Most of the big bands have already announced their themes and band launch dates and already there is one new band, Spirit Mas, that will make its debut on the street of Port of Spain next year.
Carnival 2024 will mark important milestones too. Paparazzi Carnival will be celebrating its 10th anniversary while TRIBE Carnival will celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Dean Ackin, CEO of the TRIBE Group, told Loop News that they have a lot of big year-long plans, upgrades, and innovations in store.
Reflecting on Carnival 2023 and their challenges with production, Ackin said they will be back on track in 2024.
“Last Carnival illustrated that the entire industry had a difficult time coming out of the pandemic for a variety of reasons, but we are back on track to showcase what Trinidad Carnival has to offer and to create the ultimate carnival experience for our masqueraders,” he said.
He said this year TRIBE will focus on highlighting the importance of sustainability of the planet which is under threat presently.
“We hope to bring to the fore some of the actions that we as individuals can take to make a difference in our efforts to slow climate change. Throughout the year, TRIBE will itself take actions to highlight the sustainability of the planet, the people, and the culture,” said Ackin.
The team at YUMA is also excited. As they get ready to unveil their offerings this weekend, Tanya Gomes, Director, said they are excited yet nervous especially since they will be doing some new designs.
“Our design process and approach change every year. Our plan is to present 13 sections, same number as last year, and hope this collection hits. Some pieces aren’t our normal aesthetic but as they say, no risk, no reward,” she said.
Are you ready for Band Launch season? Check out the dates for your fave bands below.
Yuma Vibe
2024 Theme: On Tour, a World to Celebrate
Date: July 2
Time: 4 pm
Venue: International Waterfront Center
Kinetic Mas
2024 theme: Yokoso
Venue: Little Carib Theatre
Date: July 8
Time: 7 pm
Tribe Carnival
2024 Themes: TBA
Sunset Wkn: July 21 to 23
Venue: Ariapita Avenue (July 21), Queen’s Park Savannah
Ronnie and Caro
2024 Theme: Bushfire
Date: July 28
Venue: Virtual launch
Paparazzi
2024 Theme: Ihoka
Date: July 29
Venue: Sound Forge
Time: 9 pm to 3 am
Spirit Mas (New Band)
2024 Theme: TBA
Date: July 31
Venue: Drew Manor
Time: TBA
K2K Alliance and Partners
2024 Theme: TBA
Date: August 30
Venue: Queen’s Hall
Time: TBA