Dominica Crowns “RAGS” as First-Ever Bouyon Road March Champion

Roseau, Dominica  — As the curtain falls on Mas Domnik 2025, Bouyon music takes center stage with the historic announcement of the first-ever Bouyon Road March winner. The high-energy anthem “RAGS,” a collaboration between Dominican artists Gael “Trilla G” Jno. Baptiste and Sheldon “Shelly” Alfred alongside St. Vincent’s Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle, has secured the coveted title by popular vote. This recognition further solidifies Bouyon’s dominance in the vibrant carnival soundscape.

The infectious track, penned by Trilla G, Shelly, and Christon “DJ Oberr” Jno Baptiste, was produced by A Plus Musik of Th3rd House Studios in St. Thomas, USVI, where Trilla G recorded his vocals. The melody draws inspiration from “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman, leading to a creative process that spanned multiple studios. Trilla G recounted how International Stephen facilitated Skinny Fabulous’ involvement, leading to recordings at Black Shadow Studios in Miami, additional vocals at 47 Studios in Trinidad, and Shelly’s final contributions at Signal Band Studio in Dominica. Dernell “Dernz” Green mixed and mastered the track, while M’Kayla Eustache provided backing vocals.

Released just before the peak of the carnival season, “RAGS” quickly became a staple at fetes and on the road, igniting an electrifying response from revelers.

Traditionally, the Road March title is awarded to the most-played Calypso on the road, a distinction that this year went to Narrin “Trendsetter” Murphy for his song “Dee Pee Pee (DPP).” However, the growing influence of Bouyon prompted prominent Dominican businessmen Emile Depooter and Robert Tonge to establish the first Bouyon Road March Award.

“We were just citizens who thought there should be such an award because of the mileage Bouyon music has made, especially in the past year,” said Depooter. “I am currently in Antigua, and Bouyon is everywhere – in taxis, on the radio, in restaurants, and at events. The impact is visible, and the artists behind the genre need to be recognized and rewarded.”

Depooter, a veteran Bouyon band manager, emphasized the significance of such a title for overseas promoters. “These promoters are always asking us who is the Road March winner in Dominica. They want to see which song and which artist is the most popular. There is a certain weight behind your name that comes with such a title.”

The inaugural Bouyon Road March competition saw 56 entries from popular acts including Asa Bantan, Khallion, Gwada G, Ebony Empress, and Mr. Ridge. Over 300 online votes were cast from March 5 to 7, with the final results as follows:

1. “RAGS” – Trilla G, Shelly & Skinny Fabulous (108 votes)
2. “Bye Bye Bye” – Signal Band (62 votes)
3. “My Band” – Signal Band (29 votes)

Expressing his gratitude, Trilla G shared via Facebook, “This victory is not just mine – it belongs to Shelly, our Vincy brother Skinny Fabulous, and every single reveler who jumped, waved, and screamed their hearts out when this song dropped! A-Plus out of the Virgin Islands and Dernz, this win is YOURS too – you both helped craft this masterpiece, and the people have rewarded it with love. To the organizers of this award, THANK YOU for recognizing the energy, passion, and unity that music brings to Carnival.”

Depooter hopes that moving forward, the Bouyon Road March Award will be taken up by an official entity and conducted in an even more structured manner.

“RAGS” rides the momentum of a thriving Bouyon movement, following recent releases by artists such as Sukie Burn Brain, Mr. Ridge, Kenny G, Reo, and Signal Band. Trilla G, already a celebrated figure in Caribbean music, gained massive recognition in 2024 with “Someone Else,” a collaboration with Litle Boy and Quan. His 2025 releases, including “Take Me As I Am,” showcase his versatility. His recent collaboration with Trinidad’s Naila Blackman on “Try Me” hints at his broader regional ambitions.

Shelly, a former Junior Calypso Monarch and lead vocalist for Signal Band, has carved out a name for himself as a prolific songwriter. His contributions to both Bouyon and Calypso have been widely recognized, making this victory particularly significant for his career.

For Skinny Fabulous, no stranger to Dominica’s music scene, the Bouyon Road March title is an honor. Having previously collaborated with Dominican producer Krishna “Dada” Lawrence on the Soca anthem “Famaly,” he spoke of the significance of this latest accolade. “Winning the Road March in Dominica has been an incredible honor and a truly humbling experience. Dominica and St. Vincent share that unique small-island energy: vibrant, resilient, and full of life. I was incredibly excited to be a part of this project, not just as an artiste, but as a Caribbean national celebrating our culture and unity.”

With “RAGS” earning its place in Bouyon history, the trio of Trilla G, Shelly, and Skinny Fabulous have underscored the genre’s expanding influence. As Bouyon continues to transcend borders, this milestone serves as a testament to its cultural and economic significance in the Caribbean and beyond.

SOURCE OnTarget Comm

The post Dominica Crowns “RAGS” as First-Ever Bouyon Road March Champion appeared first on Vision Newspaper.