MIAMI, FL – October 10, 2025 – Miami Carnival, a vibrant nexus of Caribbean culture and music, is this year spotlighting the electrifying sounds of Dominica with a dedicated segment titled “Big Bad Bouyon.” This significant cultural showcase, part of the inaugural three-day Big Bad Festival, aims to elevate Bouyon, Dominica’s signature energetic music genre, onto a global stage. The festival, running from October 10th to 11th, 2025, is set against the backdrop of Miami’s thriving arts scene at the intimate Toe Jam venue in the Wynwood Arts District.
A New Spotlight for Bouyon at Miami Carnival
Miami Carnival, a renowned celebration attracting over 100,000 attendees annually, has traditionally been dominated by Soca and Dancehall music. However, this year marks a notable shift, with Saturday night, October 11th, being exclusively dedicated to Bouyon. This dedicated segment, organized by Jay Upscale, founder of the Big Bad Festival, is designed to highlight the genre’s unique rhythm and growing international appeal. “Bouyon is more than music, it’s an energy, a movement,” stated Upscale. “Bringing it to Miami Carnival isn’t just about diversifying the sound; it’s about showing how deeply the Caribbean diaspora connects through rhythm.” The Big Bad Festival itself, spanning three key nights, aims to encapsulate a broad spectrum of Caribbean sounds, including Soca, Dancehall, and Konpa, in addition to its Bouyon focus.
The Genesis and Evolution of Bouyon
Bouyon, pronounced “boo-yon,” is a dynamic musical genre that first emerged in Dominica in the late 1980s. Pioneered by the band Windward Caribbean Kulture (WCK), the sound is a rich fusion of traditional Dominican rhythms like Jing ping and Cadence-lypso, blended with modern electronic instruments, Soca, Zouk, and Dancehall influences. The name itself is derived from the French Creole word for “soup,” symbolizing the genre’s multifaceted composition. Characterized by its fast-paced beats, heavy bass, call-and-response vocals, and often topical lyrics, Bouyon has evolved significantly over the decades, spawning sub-genres such as Bouyon Soca and Bouyon-Muffin.
This music genre has become a powerful emblem of Dominica’s cultural identity and resilience. From its roots in the island’s street and carnival scenes, Bouyon has steadily gained traction across the Caribbean and internationally, finding audiences in diaspora communities worldwide. Its infectious energy and relatable themes have solidified its status as a significant cultural export for Dominica.
Star Power and Artistic Vision
Leading the “Big Bad Bouyon” charge is Ridge, a celebrated Dominican artist and a two-time recipient of the Caribbean Music Awards’ Bouyon Artist of the Year accolade. Ridge expressed his elation at performing Bouyon on such a prominent platform. “To perform Bouyon on a Miami Carnival stage is such a good feeling,” he remarked. “Bouyon music is the hottest genre right now heading into the Carnival. It’s proof that our sound—born in the streets and studios of Dominica—now moves crowds across the world.” Ridge, also known as Coleridge Bell, is recognized for his innovative approach, often referred to as “Nasty Business,” which aims to bridge islands culturally and musically.
Joining Ridge on stage will be a curated lineup of talented artists, including 1T1, Edday, Shelly of Signal Band, Reo, Trilla-G, Infrared, DJ Luchshiy, and Unstoppable Shax. Shelly of Signal Band underscored the genre’s cultural importance, stating, “Bouyon has always been about expression and identity. It is truly an honor to represent the music I grew up on in Dominica.” The selection of these artists reflects the diverse talent pool contributing to Bouyon’s contemporary sound and its enduring connection to Dominica’s carnival traditions.
A Declaration of Dominica’s Sound
The “Big Bad Bouyon” segment at Miami Carnival is more than just a musical performance; it’s a declaration of Dominica’s cultural arrival on a global stage. The genre’s journey from island novelty to international recognition is a testament to the creativity and persistent spirit of its artists and producers. By dedicating a prime slot at one of the largest Caribbean festivals in the United States, Miami Carnival is acknowledging Bouyon’s rising influence and its capacity to connect diverse audiences through shared rhythm and energy.
As the Big Bad Festival unfolds across the weekend, the “Big Bad Bouyon” night promises to be a vibrant celebration of Dominican heritage, offering a compelling glimpse into a genre that continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. The music news emerging from Miami this weekend highlights a pivotal moment for Bouyon, reinforcing its position as a vital and exciting force within the global Caribbean music landscape.
