By Admin. Updated 4:19 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
“RAGS,” a collaboration between Dominicans Gael “Trilla G” Jno. Baptiste and Sheldon “Shelly” Alfred, along with St. Vincent and Grenadines’ Gamal “Skinny Fabulous” Doyle has won the Bouyon Road March 2025 title.
The road march victory of the Vincentian artiste and his Dominican counterparts was announced by Dominican media outlet, On Target Communication.
“RAGS” was penned by Trilla G, Shelly and Christon “DJ Oberr” Jno Baptiste and produced by A-Plus Musik of Third House Studios in St. Thomas, USVI, where Trilla’s vocals were recorded. The melody was inspired by “Never Enough” from the movie musical The Greatest Showman.
Trilla G recalls the creative process: “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.”
Further contributions to the song came from Dernell “Dernz” Green, who mixed and mastered, while M’Kayla Eustache provided backing vocals.
Though released just before the height of the carnival season, this collaboration resonated with revelers, igniting a wave of enthusiasm as it featured at various fetes and ultimately on the road Monday and Tuesday.
Recognizing the growing influence of the genre prominent Dominican businessmen, Emile Depooter and Robert Tonge conceptualized and executed the first ever 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 recognized and rewarded.”
Depooter hopes to see this poll taken up by an official entity and organized “more scientifically or professionally next year.””
Expressing his excitement and 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.”
Skinny Fabulous is no stranger to Dominica nor Dominican acts, having worked with Krishna “Dada” Lawrence on the massive Soca anthem “Famaly.” He says of the Bouyon Road March 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. This victory is for all of us, and I can’t wait to bring even more music and positive vibes to the people of Dominica, St. Vincent and beyond. Big love to everyone who supported this journey.”
With “RAGS” taking the 2025 Bouyon Road March crown, the trio of Trilla G, Shelly, and Skinny Fabulous have once again proven the global reach and power of Bouyon music. As the genre continues to gain traction beyond Dominica’s shores, this milestone underscores its cultural and economic significance and limitless potential.
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