KANDI King is an uber-talented carnival enthusiast, who has managed to turn her passion into her career. She emerged onto the carnival scene in 2012 with her carnival concierge brand ‘Karnival by Kandi’. In 2016, she delved further into the carnival industry by co-owning her own carnival band which was successfully operated for four years.

With all her accolades in the industry, King is a dynamic force to be reckoned with, as her innovation, tenacity and passion for carnival remains unchallenged. Earlier this year, the multi-talented persona rebranded her ‘Karnival by Kandi’ business, launching a new website to facilitate the purchasing of carnival accessories and necessities, including the ‘StocKING by Kandi’ products.

Her fresh approach and creative vision has continued to set trends and elevate the carnival experience, which has propelled her into her new role as head of marketing at Xodus Carnival. This appointment comes at the most opportune moment as the band is making final preparations for its upcoming band launch.

We sat down with the ‘Karnival Kween’ herself for a quick chat.

Q: What excited you most about the opportunity to lead marketing at Xodus Carnival?

A: The opportunity to lead marketing at Xodus Carnival excited me because it allowed me to merge my deep passion for carnival with the ability to innovate and push boundaries. I’m driven by the challenge of taking something already amazing and making it even more extraordinary.

Q: How do you plan to stay ahead of trends and adapt to the evolving landscape of event marketing?

A: Staying ahead of trends involves continuous learning, being open to experimentation, and maintaining a pulse on what’s happening in the broader entertainment and cultural landscape. We’re constantly monitoring emerging trends, leveraging data and insights to guide our strategies, and being agile enough to pivot when needed. Innovation is at the core of our approach, and we’re always looking for new ways to engage our audience.

Q: Are there any upcoming events or milestones that you’re particularly looking forward to in your new role?

A: I’m especially looking forward to the launch of our 2025 theme and the accompanying marketing campaign. It’s a pivotal moment for Xodus, and I’m excited to see how our audience responds to what we’re creating.

Q: Can you talk about any specific marketing campaigns or initiatives you are excited to develop or implement?

A: I’m particularly excited about the roll-out of our 2025 theme. I really can’t say too much yet but we’re planning a multifaceted approach that combines storytelling and experiences with exclusive content and a strong social media push, all designed to get masqueraders excited, engaged and eager to join us for an unforgettable carnival experience.

Q: Can you share any insights into how Xodus Carnival plans to incorporate sustainability or social responsibility into its marketing efforts?

A: Sustainability and social responsibility are important to us. We’re committed to reducing our environmental impact by exploring eco-friendly materials for costumes and promoting responsible consumption during our events. Additionally, we prioritise supporting local talent and the Jamaican economy by hiring predominantly Jamaican designers and utilising the local labor force. Through these efforts, we ensure that Xodus Carnival not only celebrates culture but also contributes to the growth and well-being of our community.