Nomads Carnival will depict “Indigenous” as seen in the headpiece with this costume as part of the mas band.
Photo courtesy Marlon Jacops, Nomads Carnival
Brooklyn-based costume designer and band leader Marlon “Freedom” Jacobs told Caribbean Life recently that after making an unforgettable debut on the Labor Day Carnival scene last year, Nomads Carnival is back, and this time, the Guyanese-owned brand is going even bigger.
Nomads is the first Guyanese-owned and operated brand to make an indelible mark on Brooklyn’s iconic Labor Day Carnival. It was launched by entertainment mogul Marlon “Freedom” Jacobs, a serial entrepreneur and cultural visionary known for producing some of the most successful, sold-out events.
Jacobs said the response was massive. “Thousands of masqueraders flooded the Brooklyn streets under the Guyana flag, backed by support from the “One Guyana” platform and the presence of top government ministers, including Minister Oneidge Walrond, and Minister Susan Rodrigues, Jacobs said.
The band will make another big splash, featuring four events starting on Aug. 29, with a MADD J’ouvert and a Cool Fete on Aug. 30.
A Friends with Benefits (FWB) gathering on Aug. 31 will rev up masquerades for Nomads on Monday, Sept. 1, with a colourful and exciting Road March at the West Indian American Day carnival on Eastern Parkway.
Nomads Carnival, which celebrates the six races of Guyana’s cultural diversity, will compete in the large band category depicting the Indigenous people of Guyana to commemorate the tribe’s month-long observance, which begins on Sept. 1.
Revellers will have a choice of revealing ensembles designed with dazzling sequins, rhinestones, and feather headpieces. Body suits and Tees in bright hues will be available starting at $300 and going up to $1000.
Jacobs is excited to join the Road March once again. He said, “Nomads is more than a costume band; it’s now a movement. It’s about presence. It’s about energy. It’s about putting Guyanese excellence on the global stage.”
The brand continues to collaborate with homegrown designers to curate high-impact costumes and experiences that are not only visually stunning but also rich in Caribbean and Guyanese spirit. Registration is now open, and soon, people will have access to costume packages and non-costume experiences available for those looking to be part of the action.
Iconicly, the 2025 costume band was officially launched on July 4 at one of Jacobs’ signature annual events – Drinks, Ice, Soca, where revellers had a close-up look at the masterpieces created for the Road March.
The excitement is brewing, with masqueraders traveling from across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Guyana to participate in the experience. With registration now open, demand is already surging, said Jacobs.
The long-term vision for Nomads is bold: to take the brand global. Plans are underway for future appearances at other major carnivals, including Miami, Notting Hill, and Guyana Carnival, creating a mobile Guyanese presence across international stages.
“For now, all eyes are on Brooklyn this Labor Day weekend, where the Nomads movement will once again transform the city into a wave of color, culture, and Guyanese pride, said Jacobs.
To register or learn more about Nomads Carnival 2025, visit www.freedomfamilyent.com/nomads
Media inquiries or partnership requests can be directed to: Jovan Wilson | PR & Media Relations | +592-, at +592-672-2282 or“Freedom” Jacobs | Found, founder of Carnival |+646-2, at -0399.
