By Twylan Best

Band launch season is always full of surprises and Epic Carnival brought a powerful presentation to the table with its 2025 theme, “Culture.”

Band leader Jerrol “Stretch” Augustine danced his way down the stage once the elaborate costume showcase had come to an end; he then opened the floor for the afterparty of rhythm and bliss.

Launching at the end of April in their mas’ camp on Rolark Drive, Epic delivered a show filled with music, tradition and inclusivity. The evening was steeped in cultural expression from start to finish.

The show opened with a performance from the traditional carnival character, Dame Lorraine, followed by a dynamic lineup of entertainment that included steel pans, African drummers, tassa, dancers, and a live rhythm section.

Epic Carnival unveiled 10 vibrant sections, each one tied into its theme of “Culture” through design, colour, and storytelling:

1. Spirale
2. Sailors
3. Xotica Cultura
4. Emancipation
5. La Diablesse
6. Safari Twilight
7. Divine Messenger
8. Legacy
9. Maroon Jab
10. Soca Warriors

Costumes throughout the night featured a wide range of styles, offering something for everyone from bold and revealing to modest and traditional.

Two standout sections — “Sailors” and “Soca Warriors” — proudly showcased fully clothed options, providing more inclusive choices for masqueraders who prefer a more covered look without compromising the spirit of mas’. These designs served as a reminder that carnival is about expression and belonging, not limitation.

The final section of the night, “Sailors,” closed the show with style, kicking off an impromptu afterparty as the DJ spun classic groovy soca and the rhythm section joined in, turning the mas’ camp into a festive dance floor.

The crowd also saw strong support from within the carnival community, with appearances by Hayden Joseph of Lavway Mas, Dexter Seusahai of Tribal Carnival and Wayne Sewell ofCostume Creators. Their presence underscored the sense of unity that continues to thrive in Toronto’s vibrant mas’ scene.

Epic Carnival’s 2025 band launch was a celebration of heritage, artistry, and togetherness — a beautiful reminder that culture is the root of the carnival experience.

Photographs for this article were provided by Grizzly(@grizzlyvisualz), a photographer and videographer whose passion for Caribbean culture has shaped his work over the last seven years — four of which have been deeply rooted in the carnival scene.

For updates on registration, pricing, and mas’ camp details, follow EPIC Carnival on Instagram: @e.p.i.c.carnival

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