Jamaica Gleaner

• WiFete delivers high-energy

  Carnival Saturday found its rhythm in New Kingston as WiFete returned with a staging that leaned fully into performance, energy, and scale. Powered by title sponsors Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker, the event brought together a strong line-up and an even stronger crowd.

• Unscripted Sundays celebrates first anniversary

  They initially gathered simply to read scripts and breathe life into characters born from their imagination. What began as a simple exercise soon evolved into an exciting creative incubator. A project of Yaad Bridge Entertainment, Unscripted Sundays celebrated its first anniversary on March 29 at Johnny’s Place on Dunrobin Avenue, and thespians came out to show support for the initiative that showcases the talent of young storytellers.

• Machel Montano documentary premieres in Jamaica today

  After an eventful carnival week, culminating in Sunday’s Carnival in Jamaica Road March, soca icon Machel Montano is once again commanding attention – this time not from the stage, but through the lens of a deeply personal documentary. Titled Like Ah Boss: Journey of a Soca King, the film is set to premiere in Jamaica today at Carib 5 in St Andrew, offering audiences an intimate look at the life, legacy, and relentless drive of one of the region’s most celebrated performers.

• Gen XS delivers for revellers

  At 12:10 p.m., as the eight sections of the Smirnoff Gen XS Infinity band began crossing the stage at the intersection of Trafalgar Road and Knutsford Boulevard, the band’s growth was clear. Now in its fourth year, Gen XS was one of three bands, including Yard Mas Carnival and Xodus Carnival, that took over the streets of New Kingston on Carnival Sunday. Despite the current global climate and rising recession indicators, the band’s director, Kibwe McGann, noted that the turnout was “above what was expected”.

• Real ‘yaad’ vibes at Yard Mas

  For 22-year-old University of the West Indies student Lonette Samuels, affording a carnival costume was out of her reach until a friend loaned her part of her partner money to achieve her dream. Jumping with Yard Mas meant that she had to get up early for her hair and make-up appointments before heading to the National Stadium to lead out with the rest of the revellers in the morning. “You know how many years me a wait fi deh right yah so! This couldn’t miss me this year!” Samuels told The Gleaner.