She is Radiant, bold, and rooted in her culture. Melissa-Ebony represents the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean carnival wherever she goes. Hailing from a mixed Caribbean heritage, she has been lighting up the streets and stages with her energy and undeniable presence.
Personal Background
1. What is your name, and where in the Caribbean are you or your family from?
Melissa-Ebony Cumberbatch – Jamaica, Dominica, Barbados
2. How did you first get involved in the carnival scene?
Growing up, my parents and family made attending Notting Hill Carnival a tradition. I’m also friends with a designer who invited me to model for him at an event in 2018 and model for his launch in 2022.
3. What does carnival mean to you personally?
For me, carnival is a sense of ‘home’ – it keeps me linked to my heritage whilst being in the UK.
4. How would you describe your cultural background and how it influences you today?
I spent much of my childhood in the Caribbean, specifically Jamaica, and this experience plays a major part in why I’ve always loved representing my heritage.
Carnival & Modelling Experience
5. How long have you been modelling or participating in carnival events?
I’ve been attending carnival since age three & Modelling for carnival bands for 3 years.
6. What was your very first costume or band experience like?
My very first costume was when I was around 5/6. I enjoyed myself as I was with family on the road.
7. Do you prefer traditional carnival costumes or modern, more daring designs? Why?
It’s 50/50. I enjoy seeing traditional costumes as they ensure culture isn’t lost, even though carnival continues to grow. However, as someone who also models, I enjoy wearing the modern, more daring costumes.
8. Which Caribbean carnivals have you participated in so far? (Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, etc.)
None yet, but I plan to attend a few in 2026.
9. How do you prepare mentally and physically for carnival season?
Going to the gym, having self-care days, and practicing makeup ideas and hairstyles.
10. Can you share a memorable or favourite carnival moment?
Seeing my modelling picture on a carnival truck for the first time. One of my best memories.
Culture and Identity
11. How important is it for you to represent your heritage through carnival?
Very important! Carnival is more than just looking cute in a costume and dancing to music. It keeps us connected to our roots, and it’s essentially a celebration of our history and culture.
12. What challenges have you faced as a Caribbean model in the carnival or fashion world?
Whilst being a model, a lack of organisation can play a major part in how a shoot goes. Sometimes, if they run behind schedule, my set time is rushed, and I don’t feel I’ve produced the best content. In other shoots I’ve done outside of the carnival scene, some makeup artists fail to cater to women of darker skin tones, such as myself. It sometimes ends up with me fixing my own makeup.
13. How do you feel? Do you feel carnival empowers women, especially women of Caribbean descent?
Carnival is for women of all shades, shapes, and sizes. It gives women a chance to express themselves, represent their heritage, feel cute, and have a great time.
14. Are there any cultural traditions or stories from your island that you love to share or express through your modelling?
I haven’t had the opportunity to reflect on any of my cultural traditions whilst modelling. However, I have the opportunity to model for sections designed by a Jamaican and a Dominican designer.
The Future and Advice
15. What advice would you give to young women who want to get involved in carnival or modelling?
I would say put yourself out there! You don’t know where one small step can take you. From my personal experience, this is something I never imagined I would be doing, and now I enjoy and love modelling the costumes.
16. Are there any designers, bands, or brands you dream of collaborating with?
I’ve been blessed enough to work with a vast number of UK bands and brands. I would love to start working with more international bands, too.
17. What changes or improvements would you like to see in the carnival or modelling industry?
I would say more organisation. In the past few years, band launches have become more diverse and show representation of all skin tones and sizes – it’s great to see!
18. How do you stay true to yourself while balancing public attention and your private life?
Even though I model, I feel that I am still quite reserved and practice keeping my private life away from my social media. I still have a 9-5 and live a normal life, quite like most people, which I think keeps me grounded.
Fun Extras
19. What’s your ultimate carnival must-have item (besides your costume)?
Thigh bag, lip gloss, mini fan, wipes/tissue, and my phone
20. If you could describe your carnival vibe in three words, what would they be?
Fun, free, and Radiant
Socials/contacts
@melissaebony
Melissa-Ebony isn’t just a carnival beauty — she’s a celebration of culture, strength, and joy. With every step, every costume, and every appearance, she keeps the Caribbean spirit alive and thriving.
Imagies by @valjuma | @d.tobierre | @biggie_wuk
