Behind the Scenes- Xhosa Barbados Photoshoot 2016

With a slogan of “We don’t pose we party”, its no surprise that everyone was talking about the crop over band Xhosa Barbados after their debut last year. Even though the band was new to the Crop Over scene, they showcased beautiful costumes and successfully created that sought after no hassle party vibe on the road. This year I was invited again to tag along on the two-day photo shoot of their new 2016 presentation  “From Royalty to Redemption” which pays tribute to Barbados’ 50th year of Independence. I was excited to discover more of the island’s beautiful scenery and also to see what costume designs they came up with this year.

The beauty team working their magic! Makeup Artist: M Deane Beauty Hair: Atelier by Gigi

The location of the shoot on day one was an estate on which the photographer had pre selected a few spots to showcase the costumes. I loved the fact that this location had many different scenes to utilize as backgrounds within a very short proximity of each other.

The team works hard to make the models photo ready.

Colours! Colours! Colours! L: I couldn't resit shooting the model on set through a arch of feathers R: Finishing touches before shooting

L: Last minute direction from a team member M: The photographer does his thing R: Rocking this Riot costume

Section: Riot | Section Leader: Island Fusion | Designed by Marlon Smart

All smiles as the team makes small adjustments before shooting

Section: Cacique | Section Leader: Simone Arthur | Designed by Christian Boucaud

Whether on set or waiting to shoot, these girls were always camera ready

L: The photographer, Morgan Media, demonstrates what he wants the model to try. R: The model mid air

The team worked hard throughout. Here Gigi makes sure the models' hair sits well with their beautiful headpieces.

Section: Sugar Rush | Section Leader: Lehwegoandsleek | Designed by Carla Gittens

I loved this abandoned space that they used during this sections shoot! Section: Yaya | Section Leader: Punchy Punch | Designed by Lisa See Tai

Day two of shooting was done at the Barbados Museum and Historical Society and those who know me, know how much I love a museum! Even though the exhibits were closed, I still enjoyed peeking through the windows and walking around in between the shoots, marveling at the preserved historical building! As we moved from location to location, the costumes being revealed to me one by one, I was thoroughly impressed at the creativity that went into each costume.  Each of them were not only different from the others but also in most cases different from other costumes that I have seen over the years! Head tie, cutouts, the colour combos- I was glad I had not taken a sneak peak at the designs beforehand so I could be immensely surprised all shoot long!

The Scorch Bim team getting ready to shoot

Section: Unshackled | Section Leader: SCORCH Bim | Designed by Marie Collette

L: Beautiful Scorch Bim off set  R: Scorch Bim vibesing during the shoot

The second day of shooting took place at the Barbados Museum & Historical Society

Did my own mini tour of the museum in between shoots! 

L: The designer Simone Michelle finishes dressing the model R: Team members of the Revolution section with their models

Section: Revolution | Section Leader: Paul Williams / Xhosa Cares | Designed by Simone Michelle

Section: Azubike | Section Leader: Glitz Entertainment | Designed by Rawle Permanand

L: Designer Tanya Duncan dresses the model M: The designer with models wearing her beautiful creations R: M Deane Beauty finishes up the makeup 

Xhosa Barbados team on set!

Section: Zwela | Section Leader: Roast Entertainment | Designed by Tanya Duncan

Section: Reign | Section Leader: Richard Rollocks | Designed by JP Richardson

There are 9 sections this year, 3 more than last years offering, and they are: Azubike (Glitz Entertainment, Designed by Rawle Permanand ); Riot (Island Fusion, Designed by Marlon Smart); Revolution (Esquire Entertainment, Designed by Simone Michelle), Unshackled (Scorch Bim, Designed by Marie Collette); Sugar Rush (Leh We Go Sleek, Designed by Carla Gittens); Zwela (Roast, Designed by Tanya Duncan); Reign (Richard Rollocks, Designed by JP Richardson); Yaya (Punchy Punch, Designed by Lisa See Tai); and Cacique (Simone Arthur, Designed by Christian Boucaud).

The next day, was the band launch and I loved that they used a plus sized model not only in the photography campaign the days before, but also in the show at the launch! When she came out onto the stage, a huge applause erupted and it made me think how odd it is that other bandleaders choose not to showcase a wider selection of body types. A wider selection would more accurately represent what we see in the Caribbean everyday and all shapes and sizes of women play mas! Well done Xhosa Barbados for shaking up the visual and trying to showcase an example of our beautiful women in our varying beautiful shapes and sizes!

Backstage, these beautiful ladies showcase Bene Caribe hand wrapped necklaces. Designs that match each section are available by order. 30% of the selling price of each necklace is donated to the 2016 Xhosa Cares Charity. 

Back Stage on the Launch Night | L: Revolution R: Azubike

Back Stage on the Launch Night | L: Sugar Rush M: Riot R: Zwela

Back Stage on the Launch Night | Reign

Thanks again to the Xhosa team for a wonderful time! I thoroughly enjoyed watching the members of the team work, especially the very hands on designers, hair and makeup artist and seeing how calm and pleasant the photographer Morgan was throughout the long, hot shooting days! Looking forward to seeing the costumes on the road! Check out Xhosa Barbados on Facebook www.facebook.com/xhosabarbados and Instagram @xhosabarbados.