Last Updated on October 1, 2026 by Lady Chin
Playing mas is a MUST for me. In fact, it’s one of the highlights of my Carnival experience! For my first Vincy Mas in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, I decided to hit the road with Oxygen Mas — and let me tell you, from the costume and customer service to the FOOD and road experience, they delivered from start to finish!
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If you’re planning Vincy Mas and trying to decide which band to play with, here’s my firsthand review of playing backline with Oxygen Mas in their Baku section designed by Lauren Austin.
Why I Chose Oxygen Mas
Honestly? The costumes got me!
Oxygen Mas’ costumes were elaborate, colorful, and beautifully detailed. I also appreciated how well the team marketed the band and presented each section leading up to Carnival.
But once I saw Baku, it was over.
The green, the jewels, the details, I needed to wear THAT costume on the road. I’d also never played mas in green before, so Baku immediately stood out.
Planning your first Vincy Mas? Read my complete Vincy Mas 2027 St. Vincent & the Grenadines Planning Guide for flights, accommodations, fetes, packing tips, costs, and things to do beyond Carnival.
Registration & Cost
I actually took a little risk and pre-registered with Oxygen Mas before seeing the costumes. I paid a $150 deposit to secure my spot and waited for the official costume launch.
Once Oxygen announced the sections on Instagram and registration opened, I wasted NO time selecting Baku.
My backline costume cost approximately $600, including my initial deposit. Registration was easy, payment was straightforward, and I received confirmation once everything was complete.
Lady Chin Tip: Follow Oxygen Mas on Instagram well before Carnival. That’s where they shared registration dates, costume launches, pickup schedules, and other important updates.
Costume Pickup
I usually DREAD costume pickup because I’ve experienced my fair share of long waits and disorganization.
Oxygen Mas pleasantly surprised me.
The team shared a pickup schedule by section ahead of time, which made it easy to plan around my fetes. When I arrived at the Mas camp, clear signs, music, and welcoming vibes greeted me from the moment I walked in.
Moesha from the Oxygen team helped with my pickup and went through every item in my box with me to make sure nothing was missing, including my goodie bag.
She also told me, “Since it’s your first time playing with us, don’t miss breakfast!”
Breakfast was from 8–10 AM on Carnival Tuesday. Now, anyone who knows me knows getting to the road early is usually NOT my ministry. But I made it my mission this time.
Spoiler: I’m glad I listened to Moesha.
My Baku Costume
LISTEN.
My Baku costume was a SHOWSTOPPER!
The green mixed with colorful jewels and shimmer was gorgeous, but what impressed me even more was the quality. The bodywear fit me beautifully, the pieces felt well-made, and not one jewel fell off while I was getting dressed or on the road.
And even though I selected backline?
It was giving FRONTLINE!!
This easily became one of my favorite Carnival costumes I’ve worn.
What’s Included with Oxygen Mas?
My Oxygen Mas experience included:
- Costume + goodie bag
- Breakfast
- Lunch + additional food/snacks
- Premium alcohol and drinks on the road
- Local and international DJs
- Road security
- After-party
And when Oxygen said food was included, apparently they took that VERY seriously.
The Road Experience: VIBES!
Per Moesha’s advice, we arrived early, ate breakfast, and eventually made our way to the road.
And who did we run into almost immediately? Problem Child, one of my favorite Vincy artists!
At that point, I knew it was going to be a DAY.
The energy on the road was incredible. The masqueraders were in good spirits, the DJs kept the vibes HIGH, and I was having the time of my life. DJ Mad Russian, now one of my favorite DJs, absolutely understood the assignment.
I also appreciated that the music centered on Vincy soca. We heard music from other islands too, but I’m in Vincy — I wanna hear VINCY SOCA!
And then came the rain.
At first, I kept trying to run for cover. Then I looked around and realized everybody else was still dancing and freeing up themselves like nothing was happening.
So eventually I said, “You know what? Forget it!”
I joined everybody else in the rain, and it honestly made the experience even more fun. You’re in the Caribbean in July during the wet season — a little rain comes with the territory.
And one thing became VERY clear:
Vincy’s doh party normal!
I was completely here for it.
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Let’s Talk About the FOOD
Oxygen Mas FED US.
Breakfast alone had plenty of options, but I especially appreciated the authentic Vincy choices. I had saltfish, bake, plantain, and wings before hitting the road.
Then came lunch.
Multiple vendors and dishes were available. I went with lentils, rice, salad, and curry goat.
Y’all.
The food SLAPPED.
It was hot, well-seasoned, and easily one of the best meals I’ve had on the road at any Carnival. I was also impressed that there was enough food for everyone—no fighting for plates. No running out before everybody ate.
But Oxygen apparently wasn’t finished feeding us!
Later, we received more hot food to go. I had shrimp roti with roasted breadfruit and saltfish.
THREE rounds of food?!
Oxygen, please.
And the Drinks?
Getting a drink was never an issue.
There were drink trucks throughout the band, but Oxygen also had team members walking the road pouring shots and rum punch. So if you didn’t want to wait at the truck, somebody was probably coming your way with something anyway.
They really thought through the road experience.
What Oxygen Mas Did Well
For me, Oxygen’s biggest strength was organization.
Registration was easy. Communication was consistent. Costume pickup was seamless. The costume quality delivered. Food exceeded my expectations. The DJs understood the assignment. The team was friendly. Drinks were accessible.
Most importantly?
The vibes were immaculate.
Nothing felt unnecessarily stressful, which allowed me to focus on what I came to Vincy Mas to do: FREE UP MYSELF!
What Would I Change?
I genuinely had to think about this one.
My one request?
Add coconut water to the drink trucks!
After hours of sun, dancing, and rum, some ice-cold coconut water would HIT.
Other than that, I don’t have much to complain about.
Would I Play With Oxygen Mas Again?
ABSOLUTELY!!
If you’ve made it this far, you already know the answer.
My experience was so good that Oxygen would be my first choice when returning to play mas in Vincy.
My overall rating: 9/10.
Tips for Playing With Oxygen Mas
If you’re considering Oxygen Mas for Vincy Mas, here’s what I’d recommend:
- Follow Oxygen Mas on Instagram for launches and announcements.
- Pre-register early if the option becomes available.
- Study the costume options before registration opens so you know exactly what you want.
- Look through previous years on Instagram to get a feel for the band’s costumes and road experience.
- Choose the costume tier that fits your budget. I chose backline and had ZERO regrets.
- Arrive for breakfast! Moesha was right.
- Assemble your crew and prepare to HAVE AH TIME.
Final Thoughts on Oxygen Mas
I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better first road experience at Vincy Mas.
From registration and costume pickup to the costume itself, food, music, drinks, and overall energy, Oxygen Mas delivered the experience I wanted.
If you’re planning to play mas in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Oxygen Mas deserves a spot on your shortlist.
They ate and left very few notes.
Now I understand why they say…
Oxygen 1 and NEVER 2!
See you on the road! 💚
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