Carnival in Grenada is more than feathers, beads, and dancing in the streets, it is a living expression of history, artistry, and national pride. At Spicemas 2025, I had the privilege of playing Pretty Mas with Lavish Band, and the experience was nothing short of transformative. It wasn’t just about the costumes—it was about culture, community, and the joy of belonging to something bigger than myself.
The Origins of Lavish Band
Founded in 2018 by Ebony Telesford, Lavish was born from a childhood surrounded by Grenada’s cultural arts—big drum dancing, traditional storytelling, and family steeped in Carnival traditions. Ebony envisioned a band that could modernize Pretty Mas while staying true to Grenada’s roots.
Lavish debuted in 2019, and despite the pause caused by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, it has grown into one of the most beloved bands on the road. This year marks a milestone fifth anniversary, an achievement that reflects both community support and the passion fueling Ebony’s leadership.
Culture Over Commerce
For Ebony, Lavish has never been about chasing profit—it’s about preserving and celebrating Grenadian culture.
“The goal behind it has always been about the love for culture,” Ebony shared. “As long as the business breaks even for me, I’m okay with that—I see it as my contribution to my culture.”
This philosophy shapes everything Lavish does, from offering masqueraders four full days of events for the price of one to ensuring that Grenadian DJs, road staff, and creatives are front and center. If you’re playing mas with Lavish, you’re not just wearing a costume—you’re stepping into an authentic Grenadian experience.
Honoring the Power of Jab Jab
One of Lavish’s most unique contributions to Spicemas is its Jab Jab jump-up, a ritual that honors Grenada’s most iconic tradition and pays tribute to Ebony’s late father—known as the “king of jab.”
Often misunderstood by outsiders as “devil worship,” Jab Jab is in fact a deeply symbolic practice rooted in resistance, survival, and cultural pride. Traditionally, masqueraders cover themselves in oil, mud, or paint, donning horns and chains to embody resilience and rebellion.
Lavish reimagines this tradition while keeping its heart intact. Instead of harsh oil, Ebony uses a charcoal and coconut oil mix—a nod to the past that’s both respectful and comfortable for participants.
As Ebony puts it: “Jab Jab is our story of resilience. It’s a reminder that Carnival isn’t just spectacle—it’s our history, our identity, and our power. At Lavish, we carry that forward with pride.”
The Designers Who Brought 2025 to Life
This year’s stunning costumes were brought to life by a powerhouse team of designers: Alejandro Gomez, Rhion Romany, Kaiso Karni, Rawle Permanand, and Kwasi McDonald. Their collective creativity transformed Grenada’s streets into a dazzling showcase of culture, pride, and imagination.
The Experience of Pretty Mas
Walking the road with Lavish this year, I experienced first-hand what Ebony always emphasizes: comfort, confidence, and beauty. Lavish ensures that masqueraders don’t just look spectacular—they feel like their best selves.
From the vibrancy of Monday afternoon to the electric intensity of Monday night mas and the grand finale on Tuesday, the Lavish experience was pure adrenaline: endless music, unifying rhythms, and community in motion.
As Ebony put it: “Spicemas with Lavish is no sleep, just pace. I want everyone who joins us to feel like their most confident, beautiful self while celebrating our culture in the purest way possible.”
Looking Ahead
Lavish’s 2025 presentation is a testament to Ebony’s vision and the artistry of its design team. Together, they’ve shown that Carnival is more than performance—it’s a movement that honors heritage, fuels creativity, and unites people through joy.
For me, playing Pretty Mas with Lavish was not just about looking beautiful in costume—it was about celebrating culture in motion, standing proudly in Grenada’s legacy, and experiencing the spirit of Spicemas at its fullest.
Spicemas 2025 with Lavish Band was not just a carnival—it was culture in motion, a living story of Jab Jab resilience, and I was proud to be part of it.