Tessellated Performs Gorgina | Worlmag Epik Styles
Tessellated – In conversation with Epik Jones – Producing, Artist life, Pine & Ginger – Worlmag
Sevana kicks of Need Me Tour at Strongroom Bar x SXSW London
SXSW London curates a sonic Caribbean cruise in the heart of the East End
London’s first SXSW Festival has had East London abuzz this week with fresh, global talent and an eclectic fusion of sounds. Amid the maze of musical events, anticipation peaked on Thursday night, not just for Tems on Billboard’s Stage at the Troxy, but inside Shoreditch’s Strongroom Bar, as Island Wave, Reggae Recipe Live, and Seani B’s Bruk Out brought authentic Caribbean vibes to the East End. The night offered a rich showcase of the Caribbean’s far-reaching musical influence—reggae, dancehall, drill, R&B, French Caribbean sounds, and many shades of soca, stirring the spirits of everyone present. For Caribbean music lovers, it was a feast for the senses.
Outside in Strongroom’s courtyard, Seani B’s Bruk Out transformed drizzle into dance. Undeterred by passing showers, revellers raised their voices to the skies, belting out soca anthems from Trinidad to St. Lucia—lifted by high-energy sets from Triniboi Jooice, the Sundivas, Mighty, and more—each artist kept the carnival spirit alive under cloudy London skies. Mr Mention closed the outdoor segment with infectious energy, as rhythms pumped from the sound system into bodies brukkin’, stomping, shaking, and chanting down the yard.
Inside, Island Wave kept the atmosphere electric. Patrons stood shoulder to shoulder, phones held high to capture every moment of musical brilliance. Jamaica’s darling, Sevana, commanded the room with her radiant presence and velvet vocals, starting her set with reggae sounds including “Haul & Pull” and paying homage to the legend Beres Hammond. She took the crowd on a journey through her discography—from the sassy, dancehall-influenced “Nobody Man”, to the tender honesty of “Bit Too Shy, ” to the sun-soaked summer smash “Mango, ” and her latest genre-blending vocal delight, “Need Me. ” Fans sang every word, proof that Jamaica’s influence is vast—island likkle, but di people dem tallawah. Really and truly. Truly and really. Following this standout performance, Sevana kicks off her ‘Need Me’ UK tour, with stops in London, Manchester, and Birmingham, later this month.
The night also featured a magnetic set from fellow Jamaican artist Mortimer, who delivered smooth melodies that had the crowd grooving and skanking in unison. Hosted by Ras Kwame, the event offered a vibrant mix of Caribbean talent from Dominica, Barbados, Haiti, and the African-Caribbean diaspora in the UK, USA & Canada. The night’s musical acts also included Kalibwoy, Izzy Bossy, Kris Irie, Xav, Ortisé Williams, Kalpee, Kanis, and Blvk H3ro—all adding unique flavours to the night. This eclectic lineup proved, once again, that the Caribbean is no monolith, but a thriving mosaic of cultures and contemporary sounds.
Teejay Talks ‘Untitled Folder’ Album, Drift’s Success & Why Dancehall Needs More Gyal Songs
Dancehall star Teejay, known worldwide for his breakout hit “Drift,” sat down with Epik Jones for an exclusive WORLMAG interview. The Uptop Boss gave fans a deep dive into his upcoming album “Untitled Folder” while opening up about the state of modern dancehall, including the shortage of gyal-centric tracks in the current scene.
On the Success of “Drift”
“Nobody expected it to blow like this. ‘Drift’ took on a life of its own—it’s a blessing.”
Teejay shares how Drift became a global anthem, reaching far beyond Jamaica and becoming a staple in dancehall playlists across the world.
On the Lack of Gyal Songs in Dancehall
“Right now, yuh haffi guh back to 6 or 8-year fi Gyal tunes if you and a woman a chill an you wanna build a vibe — is like di man dem nuh have nuh emotions”
Teejay argues that modern dancehall needs to reconnect with female audiences.
On New Singles: “Money Bath” & “Phenomenal”
Teejay is keeping up the momentum with two new releases:
“Money Bath” – a braggadocious banger about success and self-celebration
“Phenomenal” – a motivational track dedicated to leveling up and making progress
Watch the Full Interview Above
WORLMAG continues to spotlight Caribbean artists shaping the future of music and culture. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube and follow us on IG @worlmag for more exclusive interviews, live performances, and event coverage.
Carnival with a Cause: How Chazz Uses His Platform to Empower Saint Lucian Youth
From the echo of steelpan melodies drifting through Saint Lucian streets to the global stage, Chazz is more than a musician—he’s a cultural force. Raised in a world where rhythm reigned supreme, Chazz’s journey began before most children learned to tie their shoes. With his father, Cyril Desrivieres, by his side, Chazz’s path was paved with steel pans, jazz chords, and carnival cheers. In this exclusive feature, we dive into his story—one forged by tradition, fueled by passion, and tuned to perfection.
- Can you share the story of how you first became interested in playing the steel pan?
Whilst the typical child played with toys, I was stuck trying to figure out instruments and how they worked. I’ve always been in musical environments, whether it was backstage at a Concert, a Pan Yard, Carnival Roadside, Panorama, the list simply goes on. My father, Cyril Desrivieres, a musician, took me everywhere on his musical journey. It was at the age of 4 that he taught me my first song, and it’s been history in the making ever since.
- Who have been your major musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?
Trying to pinpoint a specific artist or genre seems more of a challenge. Music in its entirety has a great influence on my playing style. Today, I may be listening to Soca, tomorrow I may be listening to R&B from the 50s.
- How would you describe your unique sound and approach to steel pan music?
I’d describe my tone as soothing to the listener’s ears. I’ve always tried replicating songs to perfection whilst also adding my ‘touch’ to them. Numerous have voiced that they’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the instrument as I continue to showcase how versatile the instrument truly is.
- What role does Saint Lucian culture play in your musical creations?
I don’t typically put out original music; however, as with any country, we all possess different sounds and styles unique to us. I think the vast majority of people here quickly gravitate to music infused with the rich percussion tones and pulsating bass lines, whether it’s slow as kompa or fast-paced soca. With such, I try to diversify both my musical sets & creations to rhythms I strongly believe everyone would enjoy.
- Are there any particular moments or experiences that solidified your passion for music?
I once had to choose between community college and starting my musical career. I think it was in that moment that I truly acknowledged that music was my true dream in life, and I would do anything to achieve it.
Creative Process & Performances
- How do you select the pieces you perform or cover on the steel pan?
Honestly, majority of my videos are such impulsive ideas; they hit at the most random times, whether it’s in the shower, whilst driving or even whilst performing. When the idea hits , it hits. From there, I then factor in whether the song is playable on my instrument, whether it’s trendy or marketable and whether the video in its entirety is executable amongst myself and my team.
- Can you walk us through your process of arranging a new piece for the steel pan?
For song covers, it’s as simple as hearing the song once then replicating exactly what I’ve heard. For creating original music, it seems to be complete chaos. I believe it stems from me wanting to perfect each and every note/phrase played & wanting to put out quality music.
8. What has been your most memorable performance, and what made it stand out?
One of my most memorable performances happened to be at a local Community Jazz event; I think it was the first time I featured my father as a surprise Guest Artist in my performance set. Sharing such a stage with him was such a heartwarming moment for me.
9. How do you prepare for a live performance, both mentally and technically?
Getting to a performance can sometimes be the easiest or the most infuriating process. Once I hit the stage and start playing the very first song, it all goes away; the world is forgotten, and it’s just me and my pan.
- Have you faced any challenges during performances, and how did you overcome them?
I’d say one of my challenges starting off was truly song selections. Imagine making a mix/playlist prior to your performance & whilst executing it, the audience just wouldn’t connect/vibe with what you were playing. To overcome that, I got into live mixing, essentially DJ-ing whilst performing. At the majority of my performances, you’d probably see me with one hand on my MacBook and the other playing the steelpan. With that, I feed off of my audience’s energy and pick music accordingly. From there, I attain crowd control and simply let the vibes continue to tell the musical story.
Carnival Ambassadorship & Cultural Impact
- What does being a Lucian Carnival Ambassador mean to you personally and professionally?
Being a Lucian Carnival Ambassador is nothing short of exhilarating. This honorary role tasks me with not only representing my country, but representing an art form that I love so WHOLEHEARTEDLY! It allows me to use my platforms to not only showcase the results of our hard work but also give people insight into the process and what really goes on behind the scenes for our shows, events, and parade days. One of my main goals as an ambassador is to simply invite everyone to embrace, embody, and share the enthusiasm for our beloved Carnival.
- Can you share any initiatives or projects you’ve undertaken in your role as an ambassador?
Youth Development has always been a priority for me personally.. Being an Ambassador simply blessed me with the opportunity of connecting with the Youth on a deeper level. With newly implemented projects such as the Ambassadors’ School Tour & National Schools’ PanFest, it allows me the chance to connect with the kids physically and helps me gain insight into their goals or any challenges that they face locally.
- How do you balance traditional elements with modern influences in your performances?
It’s quite easy to incorporate what we may consider ‘old school’ or ‘traditional’ music into my sets, as I have a fond love and appreciation for them. I view them as the music you never knew you wanted to hear until that very moment. The majority of these songs have such core/fundamental values in our upbringings, and hearing them simply reignites the deep love we once had for them.
- What message do you hope to convey through your participation in the carnival?
I hope that through my content, people get a better understanding as to why carnival is simply freedom to us & why we love it so dearly. Carnival is just not a 2-day parade but a season of Love, Unity & Unexplainable Thrills.
Personal Insights & Aspirations
- What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Building a community & being able to inspire others is beyond rewarding to me.
- How do you stay motivated and inspired in your craft?
Motivation: Firstly, God; as much as we may have our own goals and desires, none of them are achievable without Him. Pair that with my Hunger for Success, alongside Discipline, it simply forces me to keep going. Inspiration: Just as a child in a sandbox, the World is my playground. I utilize my surroundings in my own creative ways to produce what I call my own. The world is continuously evolving. Trends form overnight, Music of all Genres is released daily, People invent new products & concepts daily. Inspiration is at every corner, we simply have to open our eyes.
- Are there any artists or genres you’d like to explore or collaborate with in the future?
I’d be blessed to work with ANY global artist/musician.
- What advice would you give to aspiring musicians, especially those interested in the steel pan?
I’d advise aspiring musicians to firstly perfect their craft; constant practice may not seem beneficial in the moment but it’s necessary in becoming a ‘great’ musician. I’d advise them to play in their own unique styles, create something refreshing, creative & marketable to whichever path they’d like to journey on. And lastly, advise them to follow their dreams; no one sees your vision clearer than yourself.
- Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the next phase of your career?
One of my main goals has always been to showcase my talent and skills globally whilst continuously representing my home, St. Lucia. I believe that this is a goal being achieved progressively, one step at a time.
Contact/Socials: @chazz758 on all platforms.
Whether on stage commanding a crowd with one hand on a MacBook and the other dancing across steel, or mentoring the next generation of pan players, Chazz Desrivieres plays more than music—he plays purpose. As a proud Lucian Carnival Ambassador and visionary artist, he reminds us that true sound knows no boundaries. And as his notes ripple outwards, so too does the legacy he’s building—one that’s rooted in steel, but resonates in soul.
Lauren’s Journey into Carnival From Model to Costume Designer
From the vibrant streets of Jamaica to the creative heart of Notting Hill Carnival, Lauren is a rising force in the carnival arts. First stepping into the scene as a model, she quickly found herself drawn deeper — gemming, feathering, and eventually designing her own costumes under her emerging brand OPM Carnival. With a unique eye for blending tradition with innovation, Lauren’s designs don’t just dress masqueraders — they tell stories of heritage, empowerment, and transformation. Her journey is one of bold leaps, cultural pride, and fearless creativity.
Personal Journey & Inspiration
- Can you tell us about your background and how you first became involved in carnival arts?
My name is Lauren, I’m from the beautiful island of Jamaica. I initially became involved in carnival arts as a model and recently transitioned to costume designing under ‘OPM Carnival’.
2. What inspired you to pursue costume design within the carnival scene?
Honestly, a leap of faith. When I put on a costume, I liked to come up with ideas of how I can add my own twist; I used to tweak my costumes by adding gems and adjusting the feather work. Further on, I found myself working costume production both in London and internationally: gemming, wrapping, boarding, and feathering countless costumes. This helped me understand the logistics of costume design and production. So, with prayer, I took a leap of faith to curate my own designs from scratch.
3. What inspired you to pursue modelling within the carnival scene?
I’ve naturally felt quite comfortable in front of cameras, but my friends were the ones who got me into modelling. I would model as somewhat of a favour, but then I soon realised I had a talent for it.
4. Were there any pivotal moments or influences that shaped your path in this industry?
I think a pivotal moment was when I hit a huge obstacle and I was tasked with constructing a section in the space of a week…It showed me the level of resilience and determination that’s required to get the job done. Regardless of the situation, you’ve got to dust yourself off and keep going in this industry.
Creative Process & Design Philosophy
5. How do you approach the design process for a new carnival costume?
It always begins with a theme. Followed by curating a mood board of ideas that align with a concept. After that, I consider how I can innovate those ideas into something that people would be blown away with.
6. What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your creations?
I’m an iPad kid- it’s me, my iPad and my Apple Pencil against the world! I sketch my designs out on there, duplicating a foundational design then modifying the sketches to see which ones I prefer.
7. How do you balance traditional carnival aesthetics with contemporary design elements?
I balance traditional carnival aesthetics with contemporary design by researching historical costume designs, especially focusing on classic backpack structures seen across a variety of West Indian islands. I use these traditional shapes as a foundation, then adapt and reimagine them with modern materials, silhouettes, and features that reflect the current climate of costume design. This approach allows me to maintain cultural roots while bringing a fresh, innovative feel to each piece.
8. Who are you designing for in 2025, what’s the feedback like and what are your hopes for Notting Hill 2025?
I am currently designing for Flagz mas band. The theme this year is New Dawn and I had the concept of the Renaissance. My section is named Aurelius- where regal meets elegance. My hopes for Notting Hill 2025 is for all masqueraders to have an amazing experience with more people recognising OPM Carnival and hopefully joining our journey in the future.
Modelling & Performance
9. How does your experience as a model influence your costume designs?
As a model, you get first insight into the feel of a costume. You quickly gather if a costume is comfortable and applicable to wear while playing mas. So when designing, I keep in mind the space on the road, length of time, and style of costume that will be applicable for a variety of body types.
10. Can you describe the feeling of wearing and showcasing your own designs during carnival events?
It’s an ethereal feeling. There’s an overwhelming sense of gratitude, knowing numerous people saw your designs and wanted to be part of your vision. Once you reach judging point and see your blood sweat and tears weren’t made in vein, it’s indescribable.
Cultural Significance & Representation
11. How do your designs reflect your cultural heritage and the essence of carnival?
My designs reflect my cultural heritage and the essence of carnival by drawing directly from my roots. The first costume I ever created was called Libertas, inspired by the spirit of freedom that carnival represents. I used a vibrant mix of greens and yellows—colours taken from the Jamaican flag—to honor my country and highlight its influence in the carnival scene. The name Libertas, meaning freedom, speaks to both the historical journey from oppression and the modern sense of liberation carnival offers—a break from everyday life where we can fully express ourselves.
12. In what ways do you aim to promote diversity and inclusivity through your work?
Understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach will never apply to carnival costumes. As women, we’ve been beautifully crafted in a range of shapes and sizes. So, designing a variety of options is crucial to ensure every individual feels beautiful in what they wear.
13. How do you ensure that your costumes honour the traditions and history of carnival celebrations?
I ensure my costumes honour the traditions and history of carnival by staying true to key elements like offering a variety of costume options under one unifying theme, which reflects the layered storytelling of carnival. I also make it a priority to work with community members, such as wire benders who were part of the early days of Notting Hill Carnival. By keeping the production in-house and involving those who paved the way, I’m both preserving traditional craftsmanship and showing respect to the pioneers who built the foundation for what carnival is today.
14. Can you share a particularly memorable project or achievement in your journey so far?
One of the most unforgettable moments in my journey was seeing my masqueraders cross the judging point. Everyone’s faces lit up with joy as they fete down the line in the costumes I designed. Knowing I played even a small part in their happiness and confidence was incredibly emotional. It reminded me why I do this. The hours of planning, designing, and producing suddenly felt worth it. Being able to contribute to their carnival experience in such a meaningful way is something I’ll always hold close.
15. How do you stay motivated and inspired during demanding periods in your work?
My motivation often comes from remembering why I started—representing my heritage, creating space for women of all shapes, and building something that lasts. During high-pressure times, I go back to the drawing board—literally. Sketching helps me reconnect with the creative spark. And honestly, prayer and community support keep me grounded. The journey isn’t always glamorous, but knowing people are excited to wear something I created fills me with a warmth of joy.
Social Media & Community Engagement
16. How has your presence on Instagram influenced your career and opportunities
Instagram has been a game-changer. It gave me a platform to showcase not just finished costumes, but the behind-the-scenes of my process. It’s helped me connect with mas bands, clients, other creatives, and people I may never have reached otherwise. A single post can open doors to collaborations and international exposure, and that’s been huge for growing OPM Carnival.
17. What role does social media play in connecting with your audience and the broader carnival community?
Social media lets people see that there’s a real person behind the feathers and gems—someone who’s passionate about representation, detail, and culture. It allows me to have real-time conversations with people who are involved in the carnival arts in addition to those who are curious about carnival culture. It’s a space to educate, celebrate, and build community.
18. How do you handle feedback and interactions with followers online?
I welcome feedback, especially from masqueraders who actually wear the designs. Their comfort and confidence matter most to me. Whether it’s praise or constructive criticism, I try to take it all in with grace. I also appreciate engaging with followers through DMs, comments, story reactions, etc. It reminds me that people genuinely care about what I’m creating.
Future Aspirations & Advice
19. What are your goals for the future in terms of design, modelling, and decoration?
Long-term, I want to continue elevating OPM Carnival and designing for more bands both locally and internationally. I’m passionate about growing the brand while staying rooted in authenticity. In terms of modelling, I hope to keep using my platform to promote body confidence. Further along, I see myself branching into set decoration and creative direction—something I had a taste of this year and absolutely fell in love with. It opened up a new creative lane for me, and I’m excited to explore it more deeply.
20. What advice would you offer to aspiring costume designers and models entering the carnival scene?
Start where you are, and don’t wait until everything is “perfect” to begin. Your creativity will grow as your hands get involved. For models, know your value and protect your peace. Consistency matter more than perfection, and above all, don’t be anxious about anything, but pray about everything.
Contact/Socials:
As she looks ahead to Notting Hill Carnival 2025 with her regal “Aurelius” section for Flagz Mas Band, Lauren is more than a designer — she’s a cultural curator and visionary. Through OPM Carnival, she honors her Jamaican roots, uplifts diverse body types, and continues to bring new energy to the road. With every feather placed and every gem glued, Lauren reminds us that carnival isn’t just an event — it’s a celebration of freedom, identity, and boundless expression.
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