Caribbean Buzz
Skinny Fabulous Took Home The Most at CMAs. Now He’s Fired Up for 2025.
On Thursday, August 28th, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Soca star, Skinny Fabulous won four awards at the Caribbean Music Awards. He secured the most awards of the night, chief among them, the award for Male Soca Artiste of the Year. “Any category that a man like Machel Montano falls in, you never expect that you would be victorious. That’s the one that made me get really emotional,” he said candidly in the aftermath. The artiste says he is now even more motivated to deliver in the Carnival season ahead.
For entertainers like Skinny Fabulous, who hails from one of the smaller islands in the region, the recognition is invaluable. “Typically, the bigger islands often make off with the recognition- the shine. When you’re from a smaller island and you end up in categories with the big boys from the big islands, and end up victorious, it’s humbling,” he said, adding, “Now the geographical lines and demarcations between the islands really do not matter anymore. Now we are operating as one Caribbean melting pot when it comes to Soca and that’s a good way forward, I think.”
Three additional awards, ‘Video of the Year,’ ‘Soca Collaboration of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year,’ in the Soca genre, have further cemented the artiste’s worth in the industry. He explained that the Caribbean Music Awards has provided a necessary service to the artistes involved in Caribbean music. “Sometimes as artistes, we look for motivation from different places and I think this is a place that has given those of us in the industry, somewhat of the highest kind of motivation,” said Skinny. That motivation has indeed worked, as Skinny says he’s be back in studio immediately after New York’s Labor Day celebrations.
THE IMPACT OF ONE SONG
‘Come Home,’ the 2023 Road March contender, collaboratively sung with Trinidad and Tobago’s Nailah Blackman, delivered the additional awards to the artiste. He says the song’s success is a testament to the hard work of the production team and both artistes’ management teams. “It’s one of those things that helps you confirm that you cannot half step on things if you believe in a product,” he said, emphasizing the importance of going all out when the product is one that you truly believe in. “It makes absolute sense to go full hundred on the product if you believe in it. That means investing in visuals, artwork, music videos, investing in the full promotion. You can’t have one foot in and one foot out,” he added.
At home in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the love and expressions of congratulations on his success at the CMA’s, have been felt. “Vincy people love their people. We argue in house, but when it comes to an international platform, we really rally with each other,” he said, noting that after the event, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonzalves was one of the first people to contact him. “A team is very important,” shared Skinny, as he reflected on his journey. “You can travel fast by yourself or you can travel far with a team.”
A number of hit singles to his credit, Skinny Fabulous is by no means new to the music business. He advises those looking on to surround themselves with people who believe in them- people who will support their vision and see their talent. “Find somebody who cares and make them your manager. Sometimes the best manager for you is not necessarily the manager with the most experience. Sometimes it’s the person that loves you the most and actually cares about you,” he rationalized. With that said, the singer and songwriter graciously extended thanks to members of his team, among them, Leonardo Worrell, Riggo Suave, Kubiyashi, Karen Vera, International DJ Stephen, Eternal Vibes and Ruel Ward of Pyramid Entertainment. “I am extremely thankful to my very large team and every supporter,” said the artiste.
THE GROWTH OF SOCA
Soca music, the genre that has brought him tremendous recognition, Skinny Fabulous looks forward to the genre’s progression. “We’re seeing growth in the festivals. They’re getting bigger and our ability to fill arenas and historic venues, has shown, however I still think there’s more work to do in educating the people on the importance of purchasing and signing up for streaming services. This is not exclusive to Soca, but even dancehall as well,” he admitted. “We don’t move the scale enough so it’s still a case where we still have to plead to people, ‘yeah you can get it free but you can also support the artistes by paying your 99 cents for the song or signing up for the streaming services, streaming it and sharing it. I think when we start to move those kinds of numbers then we will see the growth we deserve.”
For now, Gamal Doyle is enjoying the validation received at the Caribbean Music Awards. He says he is excited to deliver again in 2025, and has certainly received all the inspiration needed to push on.
Caribbean Buzz
Skinny Banton Sets the Tone with ‘Liquor’ ; Reminds Real Revelers of Vibes in Store.
As Carnival 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago looms, one of the Caribbean’s most unique and intriguing male artistes, Skinny Banton, is gearing up to make his mark in a big way. With his latest release, Liquor, already causing waves, the Grenadian-born artist is proving he’s here to stay, bringing his personal style, and down- home Caribbean spirit to a global audience.
It’s been five years since his unforgettable hit, Wrong Again, took the world by storm and the track remains a fan favorite to this day. Its infectious energy and authentic vibe solidified Skinny as an artiste to watch, and since then, his music has resonated with listeners across the region and internationally. His ability to blend catchy rhythms with meaningful lyrics has made him a staple in Caribbean music, while his sound remains a perfect blend of traditional influences and contemporary flair.
The Jab culture of Grenada has always been a source of inspiration for the Carriacou native. But it’s not just one island or one genre that defines him. Skinny draws from the wider Caribbean experience, creating music that speaks to all the islands, enticing the international crowd along the way. As he explains, his music isn’t confined to one place or one story; It’s about sharing the universal joy of the Caribbean with the world.
“Music is for everyone,” says Skinny. “It’s not about where you’re from. It’s about connecting people from different walks of life through rhythm, melody, and energy. When people come to Carnival, they’re looking for an experience that will stay with them forever, and I want to be a part of that.”
Ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 Carnival, Liquor is quickly becoming one of those intrinsic songs. With its irresistible beat and carefree lyrics, the song is a celebration of the Caribbean spirit — the good times, the laughter, and yes, the drinks that fuel the party. “This is a song for the drinkers, the ones who bring the vibes to the Carnival with every sip they take,” Skinny laughs. “But remember — everything in moderation! You don’t want to be the one ruining the vibes for everyone else.”
Last year, Carriacou, the artiste’s home island, was devastated by Hurricane Beryl. Amid that unfortunate circumstance, he stood up with a sense of determination to draw awareness to the plight of those left to clean up and get their lives back to normal. His popularity as an entertainer, aided somewhat in that effort as he was able to assist with food and necessities for those affected. Through his artistry, Skinny continues to shine a spotlight on his roots, celebrating the vibrant culture and resilience of his community.
In Trinidad recently, he reconnected with fans of his music, sharing the new songs ahead of the 2025 Carnival season. “Music is the universal language,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak. What matters is that it makes you feel something — and that’s what I try to give. The people know good music. They need music to lift their spirits, make them move, and sing along,” he explained, adding, “That’s what I strive to provide — music that resonates, that connects, music that brings people together.”
To stay connected with Skinny Banton and get the latest on his upcoming music and Carnival appearances, follow him on Instagram and Facebook @skinnybanton.
Caribbean Buzz
Scorch 101 Soca Hit List Sends Soca Lovers Crazy.
Soca music lovers from all around the world tuned in to Trinidad and Tobago radio station Scorch 101 FM on Friday as the station delivered what can only be described as a deep dive into the music genre. With 101 days to go to Carnival 2025 the team at Scorch Radio pushed out a plan to ensure listeners from around the world tuned in, and that they did.
The Internet could not get enough of the music that is so often attached only to the carnival culture. A list of what the Scorch team considers 101 of the top Soca tracks based on criteria such as danceability, cultural impact, lyrical content, music production, and versatility brought out Soca enthusiasts from every nook and cranny across the Internet. In one day, Scorch radio penetrated the Diaspora and brought people together, though via the Internet, to banter heartily over whether the choices were or were not valid.
Judges on the panel included DJ Adam, Travis World, and DJ Private Ryan among others. Scorch Radio CEO Kwesi ‘Hoppy’Hopkinson steered the event, giving his views throughout the day on the music that would be shared with listeners worldwide. In the end, the most impactful Soca single would be Machel Montano and Destra Garcia’s ‘It’s Carnival.’ Delivered in 2003, the collaboration between these two accomplished Soca artistes maintain a powerful presence at carnival fetes held around the world, annually. The song however, did not capture that year’s Road March in Trinidad and Tobago. That year, Fay Ann Lyons stole the show with ‘Display,’ a song that did not make it to the Scorch Radio 101 Soca Hit List. The multiple title holder’s ‘Meet SuperBlue’ was positioned at #90 on the Scorch 101 Soca Hit List.
The single-day Soca showcase perplexed some who questioned the rationale behind the choices and the placement on the list. Kevin Little’s globally known, ‘Turn Me On,’ made it to #2 while Rupee’s “Jump” was given the third spot on the list. The 2010 Road March “Palance,”made the list at #4.
Whether agreed upon in its entirety or not, the Scorch Radio team created an effective campaign that ignited the energy of Soca music lovers globally.
