Yard Mas looks to ignite more Carnival excitement with ‘RYTZ’

Following what many are calling a transcendent experience at I Love Soca, Yard Mas Carnival is looking to keep the fire blazing with more signature events aimed at catering to the different “segments” of Jamaica’s multifaceted carnival audience.

With one of the first heavy-hitter events out of the way, the band’s managing director, Andrew Bellamy, shared his vision for the rest of the events in the coming week – starting with tonight’s staging of RYTZ.

“RYTZ is for the audience who craves a premium experience of glamour and luxury with all-inclusive delights and a full performance set from the Jamaican favourite – Kes the Band,” Bellamy told The Gleaner.

Formed via a collaboration between I Love Soca Jamaica and Tipsy Music Festival, Bellamy explained RYTZ is about bringing “enhanced innovation” to the Jamaican Carnival Scene.

“The ‘premium’ element of an event that focuses on the “live music” experience coupled with the “party vibe” that the carnival season is known for needed to be infused. So RYTZ fills that gap for patrons who want to revel in an opulent soca world,” he said.

Arguably most importantly, Jamaicans will once again have the opportunity to see fan favourite Kes the Band perform with their usual high energy and infectious tunes.

“Jamaica holds a special place in our hearts! We can’t wait to bring the energy and vibes of Trinidad and Tobago to the groovy sounds of reggae while getting everyone ready for carnival day,” said lead singer Kees ‘Kes’ Dieffenthaller.

MORE COLLABS

An underlying theme in Yard Mas’ executions surrounds the various partnerships they’ve employed to heighten the experiences of their events. One of their most recent collaborations sees popular restaurant Mother’s joining in on the revelry.

“Yard Mas Carnival’s thrust to incorporate and partner with Jamaican-owned and homegrown companies is a major part of our brand. Jamaicans and those in the region and diaspora love authentic Jamaican food and that’s what Mother’s Restaurant Group provides,” Bellamy said.

He went on to explain that Mother’s enhanced offerings, which include their efforts at the Devon house Bakery and Pimentos, also integrates the premium cuisine that Yard Mas masqueraders anticipate.

“So this partnership will positively impact our gastronomy experience,” the managing director said.

With a suite of fan-favourite events, the support of industry-topping artistes, and collaborations to batten down their culinary experience, Yard Mas is hoping to have revellers satisfied in every sense of the word, just in time for road march this Sunday.

Bellamy says this combination is what will set his band apart from the other big names in the space, as well as the “meticulous” way in which they curate the masquerader’s experience from “Distribution to the Road March.”

“Always thinking ahead to ensure for their comfort, non-stop vibes while ensuring the authentic Jamaican Carnival experience is our unique satisfaction factor,” he added.

kenrick.morgan@gleanerjm.com

WHERE TO ‘WUK UP’ TONIGHT

• RYTZ All Inclusive

• Xodus Tailgate

• Touchdown Jamaica