Carnival isn’t just a season—it’s a spirit, a celebration, a way of life. For Yoshi, born of Bajan roots and raised in the rhythms of Caribbean tradition, it’s also deeply personal. From her earliest memories of dancing on the highways of Barbados to launching her carnival section in London, Yoshi’s story is one of creativity, heritage, and a powerful call to honour the roots of carnival while reimagining its future. We sat down with her to learn more about her journey, her inspirations, and what the road truly means to her.
Personal Background
- What is your name, and where in the Caribbean are you or your family from?
I go by Yoshi, and I’m from the gem of the Caribbean Sea, Barbados. 10 points if you can guess where else I have roots (no points if you know me already).
2. How did you first get involved in the carnival scene?
Carnival has always been part of my life. From partaking in Crop Over in Barbados as a child to NHC with family, then with friends, and up until now, carnival has been a constant. Things shifted in 2018, when I designed my first costume. That was the moment I really started immersing myself on a deeper level, contributing creatively and emotionally to something that has always been there.
3. What does carnival mean to you personally?
Carnival is sacred to me. It’s a living celebration of our history, our culture, and the strength we’ve inherited through generations. It’s overcoming trials and tribulations, resilience, the joy of expressing freedom, its rhythms, it’s one of the many souls of the West Indies. Not to be taken for granted, to be honoured.
4. How would you describe your cultural background and how it influences you today?
My culture shows up in everything I do. It’s in my voice, the way I speak, my mannerisms, and expressions. How I like to cook, even the way I like to clean my space—music on, everything in its place, just like I saw growing up. It’s rooted in how I value community—looking out for people, sharing what I have, checking in on others. It shapes how I connect with others and move through the world.
Carnival & Modelling Experience
5. How long have you been modelling or participating in carnival events?
I’ve been modelling since 2018. I founded and launched my brand Y.F Mas in 2018 and had my first private section with D Riddim tribe the following year, since then I’ve remained the face of it, modelling the things I have made but I’ve been participating for as long as I can remember, I’ve been immersed in carnival my whole life whether it be on the road, the leading up events, community days or around elders who were wire benders etc. Essentially born into it in some capacity.
6. What was your very first costume or band experience like?
There’s something about joining a band for the first time that makes you think, you may have been doing it wrong all these years haha. There’s a sense of togetherness that you just can’t explain. I started in t-shirt and the very first time I wore a costume as an adult was in 2015 and have never looked back. Crossing the stage as a section leader for the first time was also a feeling I can’t explain. Almost euphoric.
7. Do you prefer traditional carnival costumes or modern, more daring designs? Why?
I sit somewhere in the middle. There’s something deeply meaningful about traditional Mas that I feel we’re losing, and that does make me sad. On the other side, as a creative, I can’t deny the endless possibilities modern designs offer—they open the door for bold expression and innovation. Ideally, I’d love to see them equally celebrated side by side. As long as there’s an option for everyone, I think there’s room for both to coexist.
8. Which Caribbean carnivals have you participated in so far? (Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, etc.)
Crop Over (Barbados), Spice Mas (Grenada), Notting Hill (London) in rotation. My flight out to Vincy Mas last year got cancelled the morning of, as Hurricane Beryl had other plans for us all.
9. How do you prepare mentally and physically for carnival season?
It’s a bit different for me now, if I’m working on a section then there is no personal preparation, I spend the lead up to carnival focused solely on planning, production and providing good quality pieces/customer service for my masqueraders. I’m a very secondary thought until we touch the road and have a time. I think that’s where the biggest adjustment has been, in ways carnival now has added responsibilities.
10. Can you share a memorable or favourite carnival moment?
I have a really fond memory from childhood. I must have been around 7 or 8 and I remember being in Barbados on Kadooment day, getting completely lost in the music and just dancing on the highway. I remember my mum and others looking at me proudly and just letting me be free and expressive. I’m so happy that part of me has not been lost with time and has only grown.
Culture and Identity
11. How important is it for you to represent your heritage through carnival?
Very! It’s incredibly important. Especially at Notting Hill Carnival in London, where it’s a bit of a diverse melting pot of cultures, it’s a time we come together from all across the Caribbean and get to represent our roots and heritage proudly. Each island has something different and unique to offer to the celebrations. Showcase where you’re from! You’ll rarely catch me without my rag or my flag fan. It’s not just about vibes—it’s about visibility and connecting.
12. What challenges have you faced as a Caribbean model in the carnival or fashion world?
Around the time I began modelling, the industry was still stuck on one look, one body type. I can count on one hand the designers who showcased fuller-figured women, and one in particular really stood out. That lit something in me. It pushed me to stand firm in my belief that carnival is for everyone, all shapes, all sizes. I don’t fit the “typical” mould, but who decided what’s typical anyway? The space isn’t always handed to you—especially with how cliquey things can be—but still, even if it’s not offered, you take it, create an avenue for yourself. There’s room for all of us.
13. How do you feel carnival empowers women, especially women of Caribbean descent?
Women are individuals, and I love that carnival is liberating in so many different ways. Empowerment means a different thing to every woman, and carnival lets women show up however they want to! For some, empowerment means chipping down the road in a costume that shows all the skin. For others, it’s wearing something comfortable or covered, maybe a t-shirt, and all in between. It means a woman could be free to dance in the street, whining up by herself or with whoever she wants to. We can be loud, soft, sensual, grounded, powerful – however we show up, carnival holds space for us all.
14. Are there any cultural traditions or stories from your island that you love to share or express through your modelling?
Through my modelling, I try to channel that energy that is unapologetically Bajan: bold and joyful. It’s in the way I move, the confidence, spirit and vibes I carry when the camera comes out.
The Future and Advice
15. What advice would you give to young women who want to get involved in carnival or modelling?
Be yourself—fully, unapologetically—and move with respect. Know the culture you’re stepping into. Educate yourself, not just on the art, but on the roots and the reasons behind it. Hold your boundaries with confidence. You don’t need to shrink or shape-shift for anyone. You’ll align with the right opportunities.
16. Are there any designers, bands, or brands you dream of collaborating with?
If we could bring Carmelle (P.F.E. Freedom) back to do a section, I would absolutely love to work with her. She inspired me to begin designing, and I’ve always admired her work. She also opened a door for an opportunity for me when I was just starting out, which I’ve been incredibly grateful for. I’d also love to collaborate with Colorz Entertainment back home in BIM if they’d graciously have me.
17. What changes or improvements would you like to see in the carnival or modelling industry?
How long have we got? Haha. Honestly, I’d love to see us return to more meaningful practices, less driven by what seems to be monetary gain and popularity/social media publicity opportunities, and more rooted in culture. Carnival didn’t start as a business or a branding opportunity, and while I understand that times have changed (and yes, inflation is real), we can’t lose the soul of it. When locals—especially in the Caribbean—are being priced out of their own celebrations, we know we have a problem. I’d liken what’s happening now to being akin to a class divide, which essentially goes against all carnival is meant to stand for. I think we need to do better there.
18. How do you stay true to yourself while balancing public attention and your private life?
Integrity is a core value for me, so staying grounded in who I am comes naturally. At this point, I don’t really know how to be anything but myself. I’ve always kept a clear line between my public life and my private one, and that balance feels pretty seamless because of how I compartmentalise things. There’s rarely a need for crossover, and that helps me stay centred and authentic in both spaces.
Fun Extras
19. What’s your ultimate carnival must-have items (besides your costume)?
A fan (preferably a flag fan) – for the heat and the drama of it all. Comfortable footwear – Your feet will thank you, and a hydration pack or flask – Carnival is a marathon, not a sprint!
20. If you could describe your carnival vibe in three words, what would they be?
Spiritual, grounding, joyous.
From wire benders and childhood dance memories to costume design and community building, Yoshi’s love for carnival runs deep and true. Her story is a vibrant reminder of what it means to show up boldly in your culture, to hold space for others, and to honour the past while shaping the future. Whether she’s crossing the stage, designing for others, or simply dancing in the moment, Yoshi is living proof that carnival is not just about the road—it’s about the soul. Follow her journey and keep an eye out—because where culture meets creativity, Yoshi won’t be far behind.
Images By:@biggie_wuk
