As the festivities of Mas Domnik come to a conclusion, “RAGS,” a collaboration between Dominicans Gael “Trilla G” Jno. Baptiste and Sheldon “Shelly” Alfred, along with St. Vincent’s Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle, has been declared the winner of the Bouyon Road March 2025 title. The track, which won through popular vote, has reinforced Bouyon’s prominent presence in the Carnival music scene, says a press release on the matter.
The song “RAGS” was written by Trilla G, Shelly, and Christon “DJ Oberr” Jno Baptiste, and was produced by A Plus Musik at Th3rd House Studios in St. Thomas, USVI, where Trilla’s vocals were recorded. The melody draws inspiration from “Never Enough” from the movie musical The Greatest Showman.
Trilla G reflected on the creative journey:
“A Plus played a Bouyon beat with the ‘Never Enough’ sample, we changed the lyrics and recorded a first draft since November 2024. Then, International Stephen linked me with Skinny Fabulous, who recorded his part at Black Shadow Studios in Miami. I did some additional vocals at 47 Studios in Trinidad, and just before the release in February 2025, we got Shelly on the track, and he recorded at Signal Band Studio here in Dominica.”
Additional contributions to the track included mixing and mastering by Dernell “Dernz” Green, while backing vocals were provided by M’Kayla Eustache.
Despite being released shortly before the peak of the carnival season, this collaborative effort reportedly struck a chord with carnival-goers, generating excitement as it played at various parties and on the streets during the celebratory events.
The Road March title is traditionally awarded to the most-played Calypso song on the road. This year, that honor went to Narrin “Trendsetter” Murphy with his track “Dee Pee Pee (DPP).” Although Calypso remains a cherished musical form during the carnival, the influence of Bouyon was undeniably significant throughout Mas Domnik. Trilla G, a former Calypso Monarch, performed with Signal Band during both Carnival Monday and Tuesday, where, according to the release, “RAGS” became one of the most prominent anthems of the event.
Recognizing the increasing impact of the Bouyon genre, prominent Dominican businessmen Emile Depooter and Robert Tonge initiated the inaugural 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,” says Depooter. He adds. “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 recognised and rewarded.”
Depooter, with experience managing well-known Bouyon bands such as WCK and Triple K, emphasized the importance of these titles for international promoters, remarking, “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 first Bouyon Road March competition featured 56 entries from popular artists, including Asa Bantan, Khallion, Gwada G, Ebony Empress, and Mr. Ridge. Over 300 votes were cast online from March 5 to 7, resulting in the following outcomes:
1. “RAGS” – Trilla G, Shelly & Skinny Fabulous (108 votes)
2. “Bye Bye Bye” – Signal Band (62 votes)
3. “My Band” – Signal Band (29 votes)
Trilla G expressed his excitement and gratitude via Facebook, stating,
Depooter hopes that this award process will be taken up by an official entity and organized “more scientifically or professionally next year.”
“RAGS” is riding the momentum generated by recent Bouyon releases from artists such as Sukie Burn Brain, Mr. Ridge, Kenny G, Reo, and Signal Band. Trilla G, known for his previous successful tracks, gained significant recognition with “Someone Else,” a collaboration with Litle Boy and Quan, which became one of the most popular songs from the Caribbean in 2024. His other notable releases include “Take Me As I Am” (2025), “Bend Down” (2024), and “Stop Call My Name” (2024). This year, he collaborated with Trinidad’s Naila Blackman on “Try Me” and aspires to engage in more regional collaborations in 2024.
Shelly, a former Junior Calypso Monarch, serves as the lead vocalist for Signal Band, which has been a dominant force in the Bouyon scene with well-crafted melodic songs. As an accomplished songwriter for both Bouyon and Calypso artists, he has established a significant legacy within the genre. For Shelly, this victory is nothing short of “historic.”
With “RAGS” taking the 2025 Bouyon Road March title, Trilla G and Shelly have once again showcased the expansive reach and impact of Bouyon music. As the genre continues to gain popularity beyond the boundaries of Dominica, this achievement highlights its cultural, economic significance, and potential for expansion.
i personally gave it a huge thumbs down. rushed. lacks substance. heavily sampled.
Doesn’t anyone have a problem with some of the awful lyrics of your bouyon music? My husband and I were in Dominica on holiday during carnival and from my hotel all we could hear were these sexist, misogynistic lyrics at high volume, on repeat all night. I have to be honest with you, it completely spoiled our trip and tarnished the image we had in mind (and which is continuously promoted) of a peaceful and friendly nature island. If this is a good example of your menfolks’ attitude to women, and your women don’t seem to care, then no thanks. We won’t be coming back.