In a splendid display of colour and creativity, YUMA launched its theme for Carnival 2024: On Tour: A World to Celebrate. Held at the International Waterfront Centre in Port of Spain on Saturday 8th July 2023, the band displayed its presentation with 13 impressive and breathtaking sections.

Speaking at the launch, YUMA Director Tanya Gomes, said every aspect of this year’s carnival experience is connected to the theme. From the beginning, patrons were asked to purchase ‘boarding passes’ to reserve tickets online and sections are all inspired by popular events, celebrations and festivals. To add to the uniqueness of the event, tickets followed the On Tour theme as they were sold as female solo traveler, male solo traveler, Travel Buddy (2 on 1) and Girls Trip (3 on 1). She said, “This has been a labour of love and we will continually push our creativity to the limits. All our designers, event architects, performers, committee members and staff have all been inspired by the art, music, dance, fashion, celebrations and festivals of the world.”

Fuelled with a growth-mindset, fellow YUMA Director Sean Burkett said the team hopes to continue improving their carnival experience to masqueraders. He said, “For 2024, we are preparing to deliver something truly special, a celebration even bigger than our return to the streets in 2023.”

YUMA’s thirteen sections are Lucid (designed by Rawle Permanand for Ramajay Mas); Rave (designed by Marie Collette); Psychedelic (designed by Alejandro); Chella (designed by Marie Collette); Wonderland (designed by Kwasi McDonald); Vogue (designed by Christian Chow Chung); Rebel (designed by Krave The Band); Nuri (designed by Rawle Permanand, powered by Digicel); Carnival (designed by Marie Collette); Oil and Music (designed by Timothy Chin Fatt); Boombastic (designed by Rawle Permanand); Macuele’ (designed by Alejandro) and Mombasa (designed by Kwasi McDonald).

For 2024, YUMA introduced two new designers – local T&T designer and producer Timothy Chin Fatt and Christian Chow Chung from Grenada.

Burkett said this year’s presentation would not be possible without the continued involvement of the band’s dedicated sponsors such as Digicel, Carib, White Oak, Guinness, Absolut, Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, Jose Cuervo, Nature’s Heart, Nescafe, Red Bull, Coca Cola, Dasani, Schweppes, Next 99.1 FM, Hai Trim and Feathers, Shine Distributors, Creamery Novelties, TT Ride Share and Lollabee Group.

Stay tuned as the Tour unfolds. For more information, please visit www.yumavibe.com or 868-235-5589.