St. Maarten – April 2025 — Bouyon history was made this month as more than 5,000 music lovers gathered at Lotterie Farm in St. Maarten for the island’s first festival dedicated entirely to the infectious rhythms of Bouyon music. Organized by Two Brothers Entertainment, the Strictly the Best Festival: Bouyon Edition marked a pivotal moment in the genre’s evolution and regional reach.
Featuring an all-star lineup of Bouyon powerhouses from Dominica alongside rising talent from St. Maarten, the event delivered high-energy performances and a message of unity that resonated across the crowd and Caribbean music scene.
The evening reached its peak during the final set by Bouyon Artist of the Year, Mr Ridge, who stunned fans and fellow performers by inviting all Bouyon artists back on stage for a spontaneous closing act of solidarity.
“There’s been tension in the scene,” Mr Ridge shared. “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, originally conceived as a departure from Two Brothers Entertainment’s reggae roots, was a strategic move to spotlight the genre’s growing influence. Having launched their company during the 2021 Carnival season, the promoters saw an opportunity to champion the next big wave 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 featured top acts including Pudaz, Litle Boy, Quandan, Freddy, Reo, Nice, Kenny G, Trilla G, Trixx, Unstoppable Shax, Khallion, and Edday, along with popular local bands T.G. Band and Turrxxdem Band, and DJs from across St. Maarten and abroad.
While rain briefly threatened the event, it only added to the atmosphere. “People danced in the rain,” said organizers. “No one wanted to leave. By the end of the night, fans were already asking who’s headlining next year.”
Although not yet confirmed as an annual fixture, Two Brothers Entertainment has announced plans for more Bouyon-themed events across the region, further cementing their commitment to the genre’s growth.
As for Mr Ridge, his powerful closing performance is already being hailed as a milestone. “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.”
