This year’s Crop Over Festival is set to be one of the most exciting yet. Salt Kadooment Band, under the leadership of Christopher Williams, will produce its band, “We Sailing.” Designed to celebrate Barbados’s rich history and heritage, the band takes a fresh and culturally grounded approach to Crop Over, offering revelers a chance to experience the festival in a more meaningful and modest way.

Unlike many modern carnival bands that have shifted towards revealing costumes, “We Sailing” presents a stunning visual tribute to the Barbados Landship—a historical and cultural institution that embodies the island’s maritime roots and legacy. The band’s vibrant, traditional designs are inspired by the unique symbolism, colors, and craftsmanship of the Barbados Landship, offering an alternative to those who wish to revel without the nudity that has become a trend in recent years.

“We Sailing” is all about celebrating the spirit of Barbados while honoring its traditions. Band Leader Chris Williams believes, Crop Over should be a time of unity, expression, and cultural pride, and our designs reflect just that. This band provides a space for those who want to participate in the festivities without compromising their values or comfort. The Barbados Landship has always been a symbol of resilience, unity, and the island’s connection to the sea—values that resonate deeply with the vision of “We Sailing.”

What “We Sailing” Offers:

• Cultural Heritage: Our designs are inspired by the Barbados Landship, a part of the island’s cultural legacy that has endured through the centuries. Each costume tells a story and honors the customs, symbols, and colors that define the Landship’s history.
• Modesty and Comfort: For revelers who seek to participate in Kadooment without the trend of exposure, “We Sailing” offers beautifully crafted costumes that embrace elegance and modesty, while still celebrating the vibrancy of the festival.
• A New Carnival Experience: With a focus on cultural appreciation over sheer spectacle, “We Sailing” invites those who want to be a part of something different, something that promotes a deeper connection to Barbados’ heritage and traditions.
• Inclusive and Diverse: The band welcomes individuals of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds who wish to partake in this unique experience, where diversity is celebrated, and cultural pride takes center stage.

Join Us on the Road to Kadooment

“We Sailing” is an invitation to journey through the streets of Barbados with a deeper sense of purpose. As we take our place in the Crop Over festivities, we do so proudly, dressed in the cultural symbols of our ancestors, while promoting unity, respect, and togetherness. Revelers can look forward to an experience that highlights Barbados’ history, creativity, and the enduring spirit of the Landship. (PR)

Advo Magazine continues its feature of bands and their costumes for Grand Kadooment and Foreday Morning. Today we share the costumes of Romp International lead by band leader Sonia Outram.

Themed “Legends of the Caribbean” – Romp International steps out to set Grand Kadooment 2025 ablaze.

The themes invites revellers to step into a world where myth and music intertwine, where the heart of the Caribbean beats with the stories of its ancient past and vibrant present.  Legends of the Caribbean will be a celebration of the rich folklore, iconic figures, and unforgettable tales that have shaped the soul of the region. 

From the mystical creatures that roam the shores to the heroes who inspire generations, its theme will bring the legends of the Caribbean to life through pulsating rhythms, vibrant costumes, and a powerful fusion of culture and sound.

Romp International invites everyone to let music be your guide through this epic celebration of heritage and legend, on Grand Kadooment Day August 2025!

The season of Crop Over is in the air. Band launches have begun and today Advo Magazine features HiJack Bim whose band leader Jason Thompson recently presented his costumes at the launch which was held on May 10 at 34.

The journey of Hijack Band over the past decade can be likened to a Ménage à trois, a unique and evolving union of distinct yet interconnected forces that have shaped their sound and identity.

Ménage à Trois: The Trilogy, marks 10 years of evolution, unity, and unapologetic celebration🎉 From the wild energy of Party Starters, through the introspection of Eunoia, to the rebellious spirit of HiJack. Featuring 4 Sections aptly named GENESIS, METAMORPHOSIS, RENAISSANCE, MASQUERADE.

Much like the dynamic balance of three individuals in such an arrangement, the band’s story has been one of constant adaptation and growth, beginning with their roots as “Party Starters,” a group defined by energy and vibrant celebrations. Their evolution continued with the formation of “Eunoia,” where they explored deeper, more introspective themes, honing their craft and broadening their artistic expression. Now, as Hijack, they’ve fused these earlier influences, creating a bold new identity that speaks to the complexities of their journey.

Each phase of existence—the excitement of the party, the introspection of Eunoia, and the bold rebellion of Hijack—has contributed to a collaborative narrative, reflecting the symbiosis of past, present, and future.