JERMAINE CRUICKSHANK /XVIBES
After attending RC Mas’ The Mystical Garden launch a few weeks ago, I needed sometime to craft this right. One thing immediately came to mind the words of reggae legend Richie Spice’s song More Life:
“Life is what you make it, and if you don’t make it, who’s gonna make it for you? Me say the youths… Yes, you haffi teach dem, and if you don’t teach dem, who’s gonna teach dem for you?”
As I watched the production unfold, it became clear that Ronnie and Caro must be proud of their son, Justin, who has taken the reins and now leads the newly rebranded RC Mas. With their blessing, the transition from the iconic Ronnie and Caro brand to RC Mas represents far more than a name change, it is the continuation of a legacy built on decades of passion, sacrifice and excellence. They clearly taught him well, and he is now carrying that vision forward while adding his own identity to one of Carnival’s most respected brands.
As the song also says, “Youths got to work for the parents, parents got to work for the youths,” and that message perfectly reflects what has happened here. Justin is honoring the work of his parents while building on the strong foundation they created, ensuring the family’s Carnival legacy continues for a new generation.
The collection struck the perfect balance between youthful, high-energy designs and elegant, sophisticated costumes for mature masqueraders, ensuring there was something for every taste. Just as importantly, RC Mas demonstrated that inclusivity remains a priority by offering beautifully designed costumes for full-figured masqueraders, making sure no one is left out of The Mystical Garden. It is a thoughtful approach that reflects the band’s understanding that Carnival is for everyone, regardless of age, shape or size.
Judging by the reactions throughout the night, anyone who arrived undecided probably left convinced that The Mystical Garden is where they want to be roaming the streets for Carnival 2027.
The Soca Princess also unveiled Calypso, the RC Mas section she personally designed, revealing yet another side of her creativity and artistic vision. Another pleasant surprise came from Terri Lyons, who debuted her own costume section while performing during the launch. College Boy Jesse, ever the consummate entertainer, performed several of his hits and once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most engaging performers on a Carnival stage. Trini Baby and Tempa also delivered energetic performances, with Tempa receiving one of the biggest welcomes of the night when she stepped onto the stage.
As one of the country’s youngest bandleaders, Justin has a large cap to fill, following in the footsteps of his father Ronnie and the family’s rich Carnival legacy. However, Sunday night’s production suggested he is more than ready for the responsibility.
During his closing remarks, Justin humbly credited the success of the evening to the people around him. He first gave thanks to God for guiding the band through a year filled with challenges and uncertainty before paying tribute to his parents for their vision in creating Ronnie and Caro and for making the bold decision to rebrand as RC Mas.
He acknowledged that everything the band continues to achieve stands on the sacrifices and passion his parents invested over the years. Justin also thanked his committee, designers, staff, sponsors and service providers, noting that their countless hours of work, creativity and dedication transformed imagination into reality and brought The Mystical Garden to life.
Most importantly, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the band’s loyal masqueraders, describing them as the heart of RC Mas, while warmly inviting newcomers to become part of the RC Mas family. His invitation was simple yet fitting: to walk through The Mystical Garden, where every costume tells a story, every masquerader becomes part of the magic, and together unforgettable memories will be created on the road.
If the launch was any indication, RC Mas is well positioned to continue leading from the front under Justin’s stewardship. The rebranding may have ushered in a new era, but the values that made Ronnie and Caro one of Carnival’s premier bands remain firmly intact. Carnival 2027 is fast approaching, and if you haven’t yet seen the costumes from The Mystical Garden, trust me, you’ll want to see it in person. so make your way to their showroom IT’S OPEN.
