I wanted to share more about Barbadian culture and businesses in the year 2017, so what better way to start than with Kadooment and Crop Over. Last Saturday, Zulu International 2017 costumes were revealed to the public. Excited patrons were able to view the costumes in person at Zulu’s band launch. In fact they were the first band to release their costumes for the season and in March at that.
Zulu International 2017
Despite the riskiness of such an early, Zulu came out to wow the crowd with their unqiue blend of models and performances in their launch. While I wasn’t able to attend the event myself, I did watch clips and live streams. I honestly was delighted by the energy that the models brought onto the stage and really made me invision myself dancing on the road in on of Zulu’s costumes.
After the criticism that Zulu International received last year for their costume design, I was wondering how they would bounce back. Most people complained about the lack of feathers overall, as well as lack of thought that was put into the male costumes. While I liked last year’s designs, they weren’t most Bajan’s cup of tea. This year, they returned with more feathers and gems.
Being a darker girl myself, one thing that stood out to me are the variety of shades the girls came in. Also, Alison Hinds was the queen of the band, which also made me happy. Like yes, we’re making progress in both shades, ages and shapes of the models. I’d like to commend Zulu for this.
Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds as the Queen of the band (Barbados)
Zulu International Wanderlust Costumes
The theme for this year’s launch was Wanderlust. The costumes represent a variety of festivities around the world. Honestly, I was impressed to see the Caribbean well-represented in this theme. Especially as many look outside of the region in terms of wanderlust. Below I’ve included pictures of each section, including their frontline, backline and male costumes. You can also view the prices of the costumes if you’re interested in coming down to Barbados during Crop Over and jumping with Zulu International!
Coachella
Based on the American music festival
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- Coachella Frontline
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- Coachella Backline
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- Coachella Male
Frontline: $700USD | Deposit: $250USD
Backline: $430USD | Deposit: $150USD
Male: $300USD | Deposit: $125USD
- Optional male feathered headpiece: $100USD
Holi
Based on the Indian festival
Section Host: iSoca Caribbean
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- Holi Frontline
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- Holi Backline
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- Holi Male
Frontline: $700USD | Deposit: $250USD
Backline: $430USD | Deposit: $150USD
Male: $300USD | Deposit: $125USD
- Optional male feathered headpiece: $100USD
Chinese New Year
Based on the Chinese festival
Section Host: Chocolate Army Barbados
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- Chinese New Year Frontline
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- Chinese New Year Backline
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- Chinese New Year Male
Frontline: $660USD (includes bodywear, tiara, shoulder pieces, feathered leg pieces) | Deposit: $250USD
- Optional large feathered headpiece (as pictured): $100USD
Backline: $440USD | Deposit: $150USD
Male: $310USD | Deposit: $125USD
- Optional male feathered headpiece: $100USD
Jab Jab
Representing Grenada
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- Jab Jab Frontline
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- Jab Jab Backline
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- Jab Jab Male
Frontline: $675USD (includes bodywear, tiara, feathered backpack, feathered leg pieces) | Deposit: $250USD
- Optional large feathered headpiece (as pictured): $100USD
Backline: $445USD | Deposit: $150USD
Male: $310USD | Deposit: $125USD
- Optional male feathered headpiece: $100USD
Rio
Based on Brazilian Carnival festival
Section Host: UV VIBE
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- Rio (Feathered headpiece & wings)
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- Rio (Wings only)
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- Rio (Feathered heapiece only), Two Piece
All female Section: $675USD (includes bodywear (2 piece or monokini), tiara, choice between wings OR feathered headpiece) | Deposit: $250USD
- Optional feathered headpiece OR wings: $100USD
Passa Passa
Based on the Jamaican street party
Section Host: HOTT95.3FM
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- Passa Passa Frontline
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- Passa Passa Backline
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- Passa Passa Male
Frontline: $650USD (includes bodywear, tiara, feathered backpack, feathered leg pieces) | Deposit: $250USD
- Optional large feathered headpiece (as pictured): $100USD
Backline: $420USD | Deposit: $150USD
Male: $300USD | Deposit: $125USD
- Optional male feathered headpiece: $100USD
Package
If you choose to jump with Zulu International on Kadooment Day, you’ll recieve:
- Your costume (as pictured on their website)
- Sponsor goodie bag
- Light breakfast at the stadium prior to jump
- Light snacks during jump
- Unlimited premium drinks from 2 drinks trucks and drink runners
- Professional and friendly security
- 2 Music trucks featuring the best DJS
- A cool down bus (with a/c)
- A full lunch post jump
- The most FUN you’ll have for 2017!!!
What do you think of Zulu’s costumes? Which is your favorite? Have you ever worn a costume like this before? Comment below your opinions, I’d love to read them.
