Rising Bouyon act Quan (Quan Denis) is thrilled that major Trinidadian acts who were in Dominica during the festive season, are loving his single “Take Your Woman” and even including the track on their performance set.
US-based Trinidad-born DJ and event promoter, DJ Private Ryan played the popular song while on stage at Flow’s Creole in the Park (CITP) on Wednesday 23rd October. The song was also included in the high-energy set of Soca powerhouse couple Bunji Garlin and FayAnn Lyons, who performed at the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) on Sunday 27th October 2019.
With well-travelled acts like Asa Banton and the influence of Bouyon music pioneers like WCK, the genre is gaining more exposure and attracting major names in Soca. In January 2019, the Bouyon fusion track “Famalay” recorded by Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, and Skinny Fabulous and topped the iTunes world music chart, surpassing sales by legendary Reggae act Bob Marley. The song was produced by Krishna “Dada” Lawrence of Dominica. Patrice Roberts also recorded “Dutty Bad” on the Simon Say Riddim produced by Lashley “Motto” Winter of St Lucia who has credited the Bouyon genre for influencing St. Lucia’s own Denrey Segment.
With the growth of the genre, it’s understandably an exciting time for young artists like Quan who are riding this wave of exposure. He is understandably thrilled by the recognition and embracing of his song.
“Well for me as a young artist, it’s one thing for a major star or DJ to like your music but to put it in their set, that’s a whole other level. I feel… I can’t even explain how I feel… I’m just proud.”
He believes it’s a big push not only for himself but for Bouyon music and Dominica by extension.
“With artists at that level performing the music it can only lead to bigger things for Dominican artists. The whole world is hearing about and embracing Bouyon music.”
Quan, himself, touched the WCMF stage with a performance at the forecourt on Friday 25th October. He performed “Take Your Woman” as well as other songs released this year including “Double Trouble,”
“Shake It” Ft Stryve Star, Sasa Sammy, and Keks, “Corn,” and “One Pot,” featuring Keks.
Born in the community of Grand Bay, home to award-winning Bouyon Boss Asa Bantan, Quan is part of the collective known as Squad Chalè, which includes fellow Grand Bay natives Sasa Sammy (Samuel Jno. Lewis) and DJ CM (Carlie Martin), and most recently NikiBeef (Neckita Davis) of Citronier. Squad Shale performed at CITP the same day as Private Ryan highlighting the releases of their individual members including “Roll Up” and “Cut Lose” by Sasa Sammy and DJ CM’s release, “Fete Train,” and “Roll on the Bumpa,” Ft. DeLuxe
The members wish to express thanks to the event organisers of Dominica’s two largest music festivals for the exposure.
“We want to publicly express our sincere thanks and appreciation to Ms. Marva Williams, her assistant Kerwin Jno. Baptiste and the rest of her Team at DFC as well as ferdina Frampton and the Team at Flow for giving us a chance to shine.” says Sasa Sammy who also performed at the WCMF Forecourt.
Signed to US-based label Optimistique Muzik, the group has been making waves this year on the Bouyon scene.
Next up for Quan and Squad Chalè is a performance at Carnimas on Thursday 26th December 2019. Quan is also working on the release of the video for “Double trouble.”
