Masqueraders at last year's GenXS Road March.
The organisers of GenXS band say all systems are in place for this Sunday’s road march, which is scheduled to take over the streets of New Kingston.
Kibwe McGann, sponsorship and media communications manager and a director for GenXS, said: “Preparations are going as expected. Our team has been working around the clock to execute the logistics and implement contingency plans to deliver the premium experience that masqueraders have come to expect from GenXS. We’ve introduced new operational systems this year that will improve efficiency and contribute meaningfully to the overall band experience.”
The road march starts in New Kingston, heading up Knutsford Boulevard to Trafalgar Road, then onto Lady Musgrave Road and Hope Road. From there, masqueraders will pass through Trafalgar Park — the location of Smirnoff, title sponsor for GenXS — before returning down Knutsford Boulevard for the XS Stage Crossing.
“After lunch, we move along Oxford Road, Old Hope Road, and back to Knutsford Boulevard, leading into our live performance from Kes the Band at Emancipation Park,” McGann added.
Soca star Yung Bredda will also be performing live on the road. Throughout the day, entertainment will be provided by our world-class DJ line-up.
McGann says the distribution of costumes to masqueraders has been going well.
“We’re as ready as we’ll ever be. Distribution has been progressing smoothly, thanks in part to our move to the AC Hotel, which has provided us with better space, improved logistics, and greater comfort for our patrons. This year is all about refining the quality of our delivery. Our security and road management teams have been diligently preparing, and all systems are in place,” he shared.
“Patrons can expect nonstop XS vibes from start to finish,” said Mala Morrison, GenXS band leader and director. “We’re launching our new breakfast, lunch, and dinner experience — along with the Kes the Band concert at XS Park (Emancipation Park)… The park will be divided into secured zones for masqueraders, while remaining open to the public, allowing spectators to enjoy the Kes performance at no cost. It should be noted that all park rules will be observed. We also have a new head of security and truck management consultant with over 15 years of experience in Carnival operations, including extensive work in Trinidad and Tobago. This is part of our investment in improving the quality and safety of the GenXS experience.”
The theme for GenXS this year is Kingdom of the Sun, which is played in 11 sections.
“Each section represents a different Goddess of the Sun. We’re expecting close to 3,000 masqueraders, making this our most ambitious year to date.The road procession will include seven trucks — four music trucks and three bar trucks to support our masqueraders — as well as branded support vehicles from Hyundai, offering an air-conditioned escape. We also have two ambulances provided by our sponsor Athena Care for on-the-road medical emergencies,” McGann explained.
With 1,800 masqueraders in 2023, GenXS experienced growth the following year with 3,500 masqueraders.
“For 2025, we made a deliberate decision to cap the band at 3,000 masqueraders, shifting our focus to refining the overall experience, improving logistics, and elevating service delivery. Late last year, our sister band GenX — chaired by four GenXS directors — was awarded Band of the Year in Miami. That milestone affirmed the strength of our leadership team and the direction we’ve taken as a brand that produces Carnival experiences across multiple markets,” Morrison highlighted.