Mixed reactions for GenXs' early sessions
Published:Sunday | April 7, 2024 | 4:03 PMKwela Cole/Gleaner Writer -
Swooping into their second year on the road for Carnival in Jamaica is GenXs. Riding on a wave of high expectations from their stellar performance in 2023, their numbers have “doubled last year’s 2000+” according to GenXs Director Kino Johnson as people expect an encore of their experience last year.
Anticipations fell somewhat flat the day before D-Day for some revellers, with distributions leaving them disgruntled and impatient with long wait times. GenXs responded to users on social media, apologising for the delays. "We deeply regret any inconvenience caused by the long wait times experienced by some of our masqueraders at our Mas Camp," wrote the band, adding that it promised to enhance its processes.
For some revellers their frustrations manifested again on road march day with their costumes. Popular dance influencer Christina González, more popularly known as Chriss Choreo, lost her frontline backpack within the first few minutes of ‘chipping’. She was a little disappointed, but ultimately undeterred, taking into consideration the usual regional costume expectations.
“These costumes are not really constructed for dancing. This is the Caribbean, not Brazil. I didn't expect to lose them so soon, not so soon. [I usually take them off] by lunchtime because things start falling off, but not so soon.”
González wore GenXs' Magnus, designed by Shawn Dhanraj.
Other revellers on the road of GenXs, though enjoying themselves, described better experiences at the band’s début staging and were disappointed as the amenities seemed less than what was provided last year though they still remained hopeful for the rest of the day. Kary Fernando, who is jumping with the fledgling band for their second year with over 15 years of masquerading experience, had this to share.
“It was a much better experience last year. This year they seemed to cut lots of corners."
With the road march still ongoing, the carnival band still has the rest of the day to redeem themselves.