Xodus enchants with 2020 band launch

Jamaica's 2020 Carnival season is already heating up with band launches. Last Saturday, Xodus Carnival delivered its 'Enchanted' reveal of costume designs in a cooler-fete concept.

A well-lit entrance welcomed socaphiles wheeling in carts as early as 8 p.m. to secure a spot where they could catch a vibe with friends as well as a decent view of the soaring backdrop and equally elevated stage that by midnight turned into a runway for road-ready bodies modelling designs which promised to enchant.

Scott Dunn, one of the band directors, said that the launch served as just a preview of the grander offerings that Xodus Carnival has up its sleeves for the rest of the season, leading up to the road march scheduled for April 19.

"I do not think there was one section that stood out more than the next; and it is our expectation that the season will go well. We have upped our service more than 100 per cent to ensure all who join the Xodus family for 2020 will be more than satisfied," Dunn told THE STAR.

Carnival seekers

As usual, females were well represented with all shades of melanin and body sizes embraced; there were no male costumes on the main show which for several carnival seekers was cause for concern.

New York resident Andrey Walcott expressed: "We all know females dominate on the road, that's what all us men go for, but we want to be part of that revelry and in costume. It would have been good to get a preview of what the band had to offer, if anything, on the stage."

The Xodus Shopping Hub was open for business and jam-packed with female revellers, returning and new, who though wanting to register early, were still undecided which section to choose.

"The options are so diverse, when I could easily go with a favourite colour or what would probably fit my body best, I am conflicted with the designs and concepts which are all intriguing. I can't wait to get into one," said Myrciela Grant, a visitor from Toronto.