Unleashing the dragon with GenXS

Attempting to replicate the success of their 2023 début, GenXS Jamaica has ‘unleashed the dragon’. Through their recent band launch held at The Ruins at The University of the West Indies, Mona the international carnival newcomer revealed nine section for resellers to indulge in for next April’s road march.

Centring the theme of ‘dragons’ the showcase included sections, Pyrax, Volcarnis, Magnus, Aleron, Xengsu, Drakonus, Ferzandra, Ragnar and Wendamyr.

Expressing his gratitude for the large turnout, band director Matthew Waddell told The Gleaner that having evaluated last year’s staging he was confident in this year’s efforts.

“Obviously, we were involved in multi-territories ... there's a separate band in Miami that kind of represents something very similar, a very similar narrative ... but we thought that our showing in Jamaica may have been the strongest we’ve ever had. So we expected to have a lot of support this year and ultimately the people talk. They were waiting to see what we had and this year is probably our strongest year costume-wise ever. I’m super excited I’m glad so many people came out to see it, I don’t think they were disappointed,” Waddell said.

He explained that while he personally laid no stitch he was quite involved in the design process of the sections.

“This year we decided that less is more. We wanted something that was very simple, something that the designers could easily grasp. The designers are the ones that give feedback every year. We have a couple core designers that we work with that we look to them for feedback. So they were like lets do something very simple this year, something that the people easily can understand and that's why we kind of went with the undertone and the message of dragons.”

Giving leeway for their designers to express themselves in their executions, Waddell says he was very pleased with what they accomplished

Designer Dru Chuck, who is responsible for the Ragnar section, shared that after his incredible experience with the band last year partnering once again was a foregone conclusion.

“Why not come back to GenXS?” he joked.

Expounding on his thought process he said, “I’ve been doing this for over 20 years and as a Jamaican designer I’m happy that I was chosen to come and be with GenXS. You know its a great honour and privilege. Jamaican designers don’t get a lot of push and pull so I’m happy to be here and I’m in great company. Its gonna be an amazing time in April.”

Chiming in with her love of the band carnival veteran and fitness and dance diva Christina ‘Chriss Choreo’ Gonzales recalled her experience jumping with GenXs last year as "phenomenal".

Gonzales, who modelled the Magnus backline, said that while she usually jumps in a costume different from the one she models, this year she might just make an exception.