Castries, August 4, 2025 — Under the blazing Saint Lucian sun, the carnival route from Massy Mega to Massy Mega once again pulsed with music, color, and unbridled joy. But this year, Carnival carried a deeper beat, a richer story. Just 4 Fun, one of Saint Lucia’s most iconic and enduring Carnival bands—dubbed by the masses as “De Best Band”—celebrated 25 years of unforgettable mas, marking not just an anniversary, but the celebration of a movement that reshaped the cultural soul of a nation.
What began in the year 2000 as an audacious experiment, Saint Lucia’s first super all-inclusive Carnival band, has grown into a cornerstone of Lucian Carnival, redefining the masquerader experience and setting a new benchmark for what modern mas could and should be. This wasn’t just a band. It was a cultural revolution wrapped in feathers, sequins, and sound. “We didn’t come to follow tradition. We came to transform it,” said Lancelot Arnold, one of the band’s directors and one of the visionaries behind the Just 4 Fun legacy. “And we’ve spent 25 years doing just that, creating a space where creativity, community, and Caribbean excellence collide.”
One of the founding members and current band leader, Veil Tobiere, reflected deeply on the journey. “Without Roston Taylor ‘RT,’ there would be no Just 4 Fun,” he said. “When Roston left XS Energy to form Just 4 Fun, it was himself, Perry Mason, Paula James and I. I functioned literally as RT’s right-hand man. Even when Andy Delmar and I took over the reins, one of our conditions was that RT would stay on as a director and guide us through.” Tobiere added that RT remained a steadying force. “In fact, the two original founding fathers would be RT and myself.”
From the legendary Remedy and Indulgence events to world-class costume showcases and cutting-edge production, Just 4 Fun has led the evolution of Carnival with unapologetic flair and meticulous attention to detail. Under the creative direction of Claude Desir, the band’s costumes have transformed into breathtaking visual narratives, each one telling a story rooted in heritage, yet amplified with global design sensibilities.
Tobiere describes his personal mandate as being “the breath and heartbeat” of the band—a mission that has seen the group maintain a laser focus on reveler satisfaction, premium service, and absolute fun. “Carnival is more than an event, it’s an emotion,” echoed Arnold. “That’s why we invest in every detail. From registration to road, we make sure our revellers don’t just play mas — they live it.”
This year’s silver jubilee was a triumph of memory and momentum. With surprise performances, including soca titan Skinny Fabulous electrifying the road, and anniversary-themed presentations paying homage to two and a half decades of excellence, Just 4 Fun reminded the nation why it remains the people’s band. The celebrations weren’t just about spectacle, they were about spirit. And in true Lucian style, the band took time to honor those whose contributions laid the foundation: Andy Delmar, Perry Mason, Aunty Pinky, Aunty Marie, and pioneering members like Paula James. “They built the dream. We’re just the stewards of it,” said Tobiere.
But the band’s heartbeat also lies in the hands of those who have kept it running behind the scenes. Tobiere paid tribute to a ten-member executive team comprising familiar names like Jenny, Carleen, Marcia, Kenwyn, Sylvester, Philbert, Jerome, Soup, and Cyril, one of the oldest members—who form the leadership core. He also acknowledged the Just 4 Fun Foundation—a cadre of writers, creatives, planners, and supporters whose quiet yet vital roles underpin every element of the band’s delivery. Among those he credited were John Emmanuel aka Johnebar, broadcaster Michael Rogers, and the marketing, events, and planning teams that “gel seamlessly to form a composite whole that has set the bar in execution and service delivery.”
Tobiere also emphasized the band’s strong regional and international roots, highlighting enduring connections with neighboring Trinidad and Tobago, and giving special mention to Christine, Tracey, Derek, Menisha, Ronald Deterville, and John Ruiz, along with other contributors around the world. “These aren’t directors, but their input has been invaluable to our growth and evolution.”
Crucial to Just 4 Fun’s journey has been its partnerships. “We can’t thank every sponsor publicly,” said Tobiere, “but special recognition must go to The Wave Radio Station, our broadcast partner and family member for all 25 years, as well as Piton and Blue Waters for their unwavering support. We’re also grateful to the many new sponsors who have joined the Just 4 Fun family.”
He ended with gratitude to the wives, families, and loved ones who’ve supported the executive members behind the scenes. “Their sacrifices have allowed us to pour our hearts and soul into this band.”
With 25 years behind them and a global footprint growing stronger, Just 4 Fun isn’t slowing down. Plans are already underway for regional expansion, global collaborations, and international band appearances. The brand, now synonymous with quality and innovation, is poised to take Lucian Carnival to new audiences without losing sight of its roots. “We’ve changed the game here,” said Arnold. “Now, we’re ready to export the magic.”
As Saint Lucia continues to position its Carnival among the Caribbean’s best, Just 4 Fun remains a bold ambassador of what’s possible when tradition meets innovation—and when mas is not just played, but lived, loved, and remembered.
