Machel Montano returns on the road with Gen XS
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From left, front row: Andrei Roper, marketing manager at KFC Jamaica; Laurice Griffiths, RumStripe junior brand manager; Lasana Wilson, Smirnoff junior brand manager; Jo-Beth Wood, sponsorship and events officer, and Ashli-Raye Recas, brand coordinator, Pepsi Jamaica, take a group photo with (from left, back row) Matthew Waddell; Delano Seiveright, minister of state in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce; Kino Johnson; Kibwe McGann; Tagyei Belinfante, and Mala Morrison, directors of Gen XS.
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Grenadian soca act Muddy in performance at the Gen XS Infinity media launch last Saturday.
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Ready to perform for revellers at the Gen XS Immortals J’ouvert, Grenadian soca artiste Muddy (second left), poses with Gen XS directors Mala Morrison (left) and Matthew Waddell (right) alongside Smirnoff Brand Manager, Nadine Hylton.
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Soca superstar Machel Montano at Gen XS Immortals J’ouvert in 2024.
The Carnival in Jamaica season is heating up, and Gen XS is gearing up for the road. The band unveiled its plans for 2026 last Saturday night during its media launch at the Regency Bar & Lounge at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel. Branded ‘Smirnoff Gen XS Infinity’, the event teased a high-energy road experience for revellers, with one of the standout announcements being the return of soca superstar Machel Montano as a lead road act.
“The King of Soca returning to the road with Smirnoff Gen XS speaks directly to our 2026 theme, ‘Infinity’,” said Director Kino Johnson.“Our GenXSers love him and always leave with memories that last a lifetime. Machel brings the ultimate carnival experience, and his recent crowning as the undisputed ‘Road March King’ in Trinidad and Tobago reflects the level of excellence we strive to deliver. It’s that calibre of entertainment our masqueraders expect – and this year, it’s truly an encore.”
Montano’s return, powered by KFC Jamaica, is expected to add another high-energy element to the band’s road experience.
“This year we are especially excited about what lies ahead,” said Andrei Roper, marketing manager at KFC Jamaica, as he reflected on the partnership with the band. “From having the legend Machel Montano join the Gen XS band on the road, performing on our KFC music truck, to providing delicious finger-lickin’ KFC products across the carnival events, and opportunities for patrons to win carnival event tickets and costume packages through our social media platforms, we’re looking forward to giving revellers even more reasons to enjoy the carnival season with [us].”
Organisers also revealed the band’s 2026 calendar of events, which features fan-favourite fêtes such as Kooler Babe: Babewatch (April 8), Touchdown Jamaica (April 9), and Friday Jam (April 10), along with the return of Strut on April 11. The lead-up to Carnival Sunday will also include Gen XS Immortals J’ouvert (April 11), followed by the Infinity Road March on April 12 and the beach event Ocean X on April 13, followed by Sunset.
The Immortals J’ouvert will see performances by Grenadian soca acts Muddy and Lil Kerry, both expected to bring their distinctive energies to the early morning celebration. Muddy, who appeared as a special guest at the event, shared his anticipation about performing for Jamaican audiences.
“I’ve heard so much about the vibes in Jamaica during carnival,” he said, noting, “I’m ready to feel that connection with the crowd and bring something special to Gen XS Immortals!”
GROWING ECONOMIC IMPACT
Beyond the announcements, government representatives also highlighted the broader economic impact of the carnival season. Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, pointed to carnival’s growing contribution to the economy, particularly as the country continues to recover from Hurricane Melissa.
“Carnival-related activities generated $7.7 billion Jamaican dollars in direct expenditure last year alone – roughly US$50 million,” he said. “The impact goes far beyond the bands, supporting hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, costume designers, deejays, photographers and many small businesses. At a time when Jamaica is still recovering from Hurricane Melissa, events like [these] help show the world that Jamaica is open for business and ready to welcome visitors.”
Representing Minister of Entertainment and Culture Olivia Grange, Phillip Clarke also highlighted policy developments aimed at strengthening Jamaica’s creative industries.
“If the creative sector is to continue expanding in the way we all envision, it must have dedicated financing mechanisms,” Clarke said. “That is why the Government will be establishing a national cultural fund, which will be operational this year and designed specifically to finance events like these, support creative entrepreneurship and help the next generation of Jamaican cultural innovators access the capital they need to grow.”
Music at the launch set the tone for the season, with DJ Rio, King Taj and Matt Camps delivering a soca-driven soundtrack that kept the room buzzing throughout the evening. The night concluded with the season launch afterparty, Steam.
nyoka.manning@gleanerjm.com