Platinum Kids Mas and Kaios Kids Int’l, Inc. will be portraying for the 2025 West Indian American Day Carnival as “Descendants of Once Upon a Time” – a magical world where fairy tales meet Caribbean vibes.

“Inspired by the Descendants and beloved Disney characters, this vibrant kiddie’s carnival portrayal brings a colorful twist to the road,” Kaios Kids International, Inc. Bandleaders Tamera George and Yankie Baptiste, and Platinum Kids Mas Bandleader Leesa Thornhill told Caribbean Life on Friday, Aug. 22.

Brooklyn resident George is Trinidadian-born; Queens resident Baptiste has Venezuelan, Grenadian and Trinidadian roots; and Queens resident Thornhill is Grenadian-born.

“Young masqueraders will embody their favorite heroes and villains, dazzling in bright costumes, dancing to high-energy music, and celebrating the rich culture of the West Indies, a true storybook adventure come to life on the road,” they added.

The bandleaders said there will be five sections, with 10-20 masqueraders in each section.

The section comprise: Bippity Boppity Boo  — inspired by the fairy godmother in the Cinderella movie, designed by Alicia Dixon (Detailz Kids Mas); Sands of Royalty – inspired by Aladdin and Princess Jasmine, designed by Kaios Kids; Cinderella’s Realm – inspired by the Cinderella fairytale, designed by Platinum Kids Mas; Wicked Wonderland – inspired by Wonderland fairytale Alice/Queen of Hearts, designed by Kaios Kids; and Tiana the Great  — inspired by the Princess and The Frog fairytale, designed by Platinum Kids Mas.

The bandleaders said the production is very diverse, with masqueraders spanning “all over the Caribbean Diaspora”, including Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“We play mas and produce costumes because we want every child to feel the magic and pride of our culture,” they said. “It’s more than just music, dance, and costumes; it’s about giving kids a chance to connect with their heritage, to see themselves in the vibrant colors and rhythms of the Caribbean, and to feel that deep sense of belonging.

“Watching their faces light up, as they step onto the road, reminds us why we do this, and that’s to keep our traditions alive and to let every child know that they are part of something truly beautiful,” they added.
George, Baptiste and Thornhill said they expect to retain first place in the Small Band category.

In 2023, Kaios Kids placed second for Junior Queen and first place for Medium Band in 2019. In 2018 – Kaios International Adults placed first for Medium Band; Kaios Kids took first place for Junior Female Individual (Age 1-5), and Kaios Kids placed first for Junior Female Individual (Age 6-11). A year earlier, Kaios Kids placed first for Junior Queen.

In addition, Kaios has won King and Queen titles when partnered with The Promise and others.

George, Baptiste and Thornhill said their junior masqueraders can expect “a fun-filled day full of excitement and pure Carnival vibes” this year.

“From colorful, beautifully made costumes to yummy kid-friendly food, cool drinks, and upbeat Caribbean music, every moment on the road is packed with joy, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime,” they said, adding that preparations for the parade are in “full swing”, with just days to go, and that the team is working “at a fast pace.”

“During this time, Kaios Kids is providing a meaningful opportunity for young people to engage directly with the vibrant traditions of mas culture,” the bandleaders stressed. “Our inclusion of young designers on the main production team—like 13-year-old Zarina Riles and 14-year-old Phoenix Thornhill—demonstrates our commitment to nurturing emerging talent.

“By giving them a platform to contribute to a major cultural event, we are not only fostering creativity but also preserving the integrity and tradition of mas culture by teaching them how to design and craft costumes,” they continued.

Masqueraders will move to the vibes to DJ Jo Monsta and DJ Arsine, with Sound System by Pretty Posse.  The bandleaders said Kaios International Mas Band was formed around 2003 by Mark McLean and a group of friends, “who wanted to make Carnival more accessible.

“The band emerged from the ‘chaos’ it took to bring it to life, which inspired its name,” they said. The founders aimed to produce high-quality yet affordable costumes for both adults and children.

“Kaios International was founded with a mission to celebrate and preserve Caribbean culture, particularly by engaging younger generations through the Junior Carnival and other family-focused events,” they added. “Over the years, the band has grown into a vibrant presence in the NYC Carnival scene, blending creativity, tradition, and community spirit.”

In 2014, Thornhill was assigned to spearhead the junior band, Kaios Kids, which was branded Platinum Kids Mas in 2020.

In 2017 leadership of Kaios International was transferred to George, who brought “a redesigned identity” and expanded the team with talented designers, adopting the tagline K.A.I.O.S. – Knowledge and Inspiration of Our Story.

The leaders said they have been able to sustain the band over the years through “loyal support” from masqueraders and our long-time sponsor, The Promise, as well as from sponsors, such as Tropical Fete, Goddess in You Salon, CSEA, Eats by Cee, Shellz Promotions, CM3 Ventures LLC, Mystical Designs, and Diamond Class Ladies.

The bandleaders can be reached at Kaiosinternationalmas@gmail.com; reborn_lifestyle@yahoo.com; Facebook,  KAIOS – https://www.facebook.com/share/1NanwR6HPa/?mibextid=wwXIfr