Reports are that Bouyon music made history this month when more than 5,000 music enthusiasts gathered at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village in St. Maarten for the island’s first festival dedicated exclusively to the genre, culminating in what is being seen as a milestone moment. Organized by Two Brothers Entertainment, a press release from a spokesperson said that the event titled “Strictly the Best Festival: Bouyon Edition” represented a significant development in the genre’s progression and regional presence.
The festival featured performances by prominent Bouyon artists from Dominica alongside emerging talents from St. Maarten, delivering what is described as energetic performances that promoted a message of unity. Organizers indicated that they were well-received by the audience and the wider Caribbean music community.
The climax of the event occurred during the final set by Mr. Ridge, who was named Bouyon Artist of the Year. He surprised attendees and fellow performers by inviting all participating Bouyon artists back on stage for a spontaneous collaborative closing performance.
“There’s been tension in the scene,” Mr. Ridge stated. “But I believe the world is watching Bouyon now. This moment was bigger than any feud — it was about showing that Dominica, St. Maarten, and Bouyon music can stand united.”
The event was reportedly initially conceived as a departure from Two Brothers Entertainment’s traditional focus on reggae music. It was a strategic effort to highlight the growing influence of Bouyon. The organizers established their company during the 2021 Carnival season, aiming to support emerging trends in Caribbean music.
“With Bouyon’s momentum building, we knew it was time to give fans something fresh,” said the organizers. “This was more than a concert — it was the beginning of something bigger for the genre and the region.”
The festival’s lineup included notable acts such as Pudaz, Litle Boy, Quandan, Freddy, Reo, Nice, Kenny G, Trilla G, Trixx, Unstoppable Shax, Khallion, and Edday. It also featured local bands T.G. Band and Turrxxdem Band, along with DJs from St. Maarten and other regions.
Although rain briefly threatened the event, it did not dampen the atmosphere said the release. “People danced in the rain,” one member of the team noted. “No one wanted to leave. By the end of the night, fans were already asking who’s headlining next year.”
While plans for the event to become an annual occurrence have not yet been finalized, Two Brothers Entertainment has announced intentions to host additional Bouyon-themed events across the Caribbean.
Regarding Mr. Ridge’s closing performance, the artist remarked, “This wasn’t just a show — it was a statement. Bouyon is no longer just a Dominica thing. It’s bigger now. And this is just the beginning.”
