The Top 10 Musicians In Modern Times From Barbados

Barbados, often referred to as the "Gem of the Caribbean," is known not only for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture but also for its rich musical heritage. The island has a diverse music scene, with genres like calypso, soca, spouge (a Bajan genre), reggae, and modern pop influencing the country's sound. Barbados has produced numerous talented artists who have made significant contributions both locally and internationally, blending traditional Caribbean rhythms with modern music styles.

In recent times, Barbadian musicians have gained international acclaim, helping to shape the global music landscape while staying true to their island roots. Here, we highlight the top 10 musicians in modern times from Barbados, who have made waves across various musical genres.

1. Rihanna

Robyn Rihanna Fenty, simply known as Rihanna, is undoubtedly Barbados’ most famous and influential musician. She is a global pop superstar whose career began in 2005 when she released her debut album Music of the Sun. Since then, Rihanna has become one of the best-selling artists of all time, known for hits like "Umbrella," "Diamonds," and "Work." Her music spans multiple genres, including pop, R&B, reggae, and dancehall. In addition to her music career, Rihanna has made significant strides as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, founding the Fenty Beauty brand and advocating for education and disaster relief in the Caribbean.

Rihanna’s global success has made her a cultural ambassador for Barbados, bringing attention to the island and its rich musical heritage.

2. Rupert “Rupee” Clarke

Rupee is one of the most well-known soca artists to emerge from Barbados. He gained international recognition with his 2004 hit "Tempted to Touch," which became a global anthem, especially during Caribbean carnivals. Rupee's ability to fuse soca with elements of pop, R&B, and dancehall has allowed him to reach a wider audience outside of the Caribbean. Other popular songs like "Jump" and "What Happens in de Party" further solidified his position as one of Barbados' top modern musicians. Rupee’s contribution to soca music has helped introduce the genre to international listeners.

3. Edwin Yearwood

Edwin Yearwood is considered one of the pioneers of modern soca music in Barbados. As the lead vocalist of the popular soca band Krosfyah, Edwin has been instrumental in transforming soca into a mainstream genre. His smooth voice, catchy melodies, and high-energy performances have made him a beloved figure in Caribbean music. Hits like "Pump Me Up" and "Road Jam" are carnival staples across the Caribbean. Edwin Yearwood’s impact on the soca genre is undeniable, and he continues to be a significant figure in Barbadian music.

4. Lil Rick (Rickey Reid)

Lil Rick, also known as Rickey Reid, is a versatile soca artist known for his energetic performances and infectious soca hits. Lil Rick has been a dominant force in Barbados' Crop Over festival, winning multiple titles in competitions like Party Monarch and Soca Monarch. His songs, such as "I Like Muhself," "Guh Down," and "Blessings," have become anthems in Bajan and Caribbean soca. Known for his high-energy stage presence and humorous lyrics, Lil Rick continues to be a favorite among soca fans and a key figure in Barbados' modern music scene.

5. The Mighty Gabby (Anthony Carter)

The Mighty Gabby, born Anthony Carter, is a Barbadian calypso and folk singer, songwriter, and cultural icon. Gabby has been performing for decades, and while his career began earlier, he remains a significant figure in modern Barbadian music. Known for his strong social and political commentary, Gabby’s music often addresses issues like colonialism, racism, and the struggles of the working class. His famous songs include "Jack" and "Emmerton," the latter being a tribute to a displaced community in Barbados. The Mighty Gabby's contributions to calypso and Barbadian music have earned him national and international recognition.

6. Shontelle

Shontelle Layne, known mononymously as Shontelle, is a Barbadian singer and songwriter who has achieved international success in the pop and R&B genres. She rose to prominence with her hit single "T-Shirt" in 2008, followed by the global smash "Impossible" in 2010. Shontelle's smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics have earned her a dedicated fan base worldwide. Though her sound leans more toward pop and R&B, Shontelle proudly represents her Barbadian roots and has been an advocate for the island’s music on the global stage.

7. Peter Ram (Peter Wiggins)

Peter Ram is a well-known figure in the soca scene, with over two decades of experience as a musician and performer. His distinctive voice and ability to blend reggae, soca, and dancehall have made him a versatile and popular artist. Peter Ram’s song “All Ah We” became one of the biggest anthems during the Crop Over festival, solidifying his status as a top Bajan soca artist. His unique sound and dynamic stage presence have kept him relevant over the years, and he remains a respected figure in modern Barbadian music.

8. Hypasounds (Damian Etienne)

Hypasounds, born Damian Etienne, is one of Barbados’ most popular contemporary soca artists. He first gained recognition with his hit "Roll It" and has since released numerous carnival favorites such as "How She Like It" and "Dip." Hypasounds is known for his smooth voice and ability to create soca songs that appeal to a broad audience. His music is a staple at Crop Over and other Caribbean festivals, making him one of the most in-demand soca artists from Barbados today.

9. Alison Hinds

Known as the "Queen of Soca," Alison Hinds has been a trailblazer for women in the soca industry. As the former lead singer of the band Square One, Alison gained widespread recognition with hits like "Faluma" and "Ragamuffin." After going solo, her smash hit "Roll It Gal" became an empowering anthem for women across the Caribbean and beyond. Alison Hinds’ powerful voice, charismatic stage presence, and commitment to empowering women through her music have made her a beloved figure not only in Barbados but throughout the soca world.

10. Machel Montano (Honorable Mention)

Though Machel Montano is from Trinidad and Tobago, his influence on Barbados' music scene, especially during Crop Over, is significant. He frequently collaborates with Barbadian artists and performs at the festival, making him an honorary figure in the Bajan soca community. His collaborations with Bajan artists, such as Edwin Yearwood and Alison Hinds, have helped bridge the soca scenes of Trinidad and Barbados, enriching the musical exchange between the two countries.

Conclusion

Barbados' modern music scene is diverse, vibrant, and rich with talent. From the global superstardom of Rihanna to the infectious soca beats of Rupee and Edwin Yearwood, the island has produced a wealth of musicians who have made their mark both locally and internationally. These top 10 musicians represent the best of modern Barbadian music, each contributing to the island’s rich cultural tapestry in their unique way.

As Barbadian music continues to evolve, these artists will undoubtedly remain at the forefront of its growth, bringing Caribbean sounds to the world while celebrating their island heritage. Whether it’s the pulsating rhythms of Crop Over or the soulful lyrics of pop hits, the music of Barbados is a true reflection of the island’s vibrant spirit and creative genius.