PRINCIPALS of carnival entity Xodus are anticipating a huge turnout for their remaining events: Tailgate (March 29); Soaka Street Festival (April 6); and Road March and Wine Down (April 8).

“Xodus is the biggest and best carnival entity… People are expecting an amazing event and we will live up to that,” Scott Dunn, managing director of Dream Entertainment, told Jamaica Observer yesterday.

Dunn is also upbeat about the recent staging of Campari’s Xodus Debut, held on the rooftop of ATL Autobahn, the BMW/MINI division of ATL Automotive, on Lady Musgrave Road in St Andrew.

“BMW/MINI has been with Xodus from the beginning and we felt this was the perfect place not only for our patrons to be, but for ATL Automotive to show off their amazing line of vehicles,” Kamal Bankay, director of Dream Entertainment, told the Jamaica Observer.

The roof was transformed into a soca mecca, with a commanding view of the surrounding Kingston skyline. Partygoers enjoyed all-inclusive drinks through the night and had the option to bring their own coolers. All danced up a storm to music being delivered by a cadre of top DJs, local and overseas. DJ Charolette and Major Penny from Trinidad represented the foreign contingent, while DJ Lantern MD and Copper Cyclone held it down for Jamaica.

“The event was amazing, it’s going to be great season. Our costumes are almost all sold out: We have all the big acts on the road for April,” said Dunn.

One of those big acts was the headliner for Xodus Debut, newly crowned Soca Monarch, Voice — and he didn’t disappoint the crowd. Belting out his hits like Cheers to Life, Year of Love and Far From Finished, he kept the audience going.

“I must say thanks to the entire Xodus family, and thanks to Jamaica for always welcoming me the way they do. Full vibes, full energy, and I’ll be back for carnival with the Xodus band,” he said.

— Rory Daley