Notting Hill Carnival this weekend will be infused with the frenetic energy of bouyon and dennery segment, two rapidly evolving Caribbean music genres that have taken the world by storm. Known for their high tempos, fusion of African and local rhythms, and sexually explicit lyrics, these sounds are now drawing global attention after going viral on platforms like TikTok.
Bouyon, originating from Dominica, is described by veteran artist Hillary 'Tilly' Thomas as a 'faster riddim' that blends African beats, soca, EDM, kompa, and calypso. The genre's name derives from a Creole word for a mixed stew, reflecting its fusion of influences. Its lyrics, often termed 'nasty business' in Dominica, have sparked controversy but also propelled its popularity. 'Controversy sells!' Tilly noted, citing the pairing of explicit content with pulsating rhythms as key to its international appeal.
The neighbouring genre of dennery segment hails from St Lucia, named after the village Dennery. Producer Bozo, of the Bad Sound collective, has gained traction with tracks like 'Both Twanche Riddim Refix', which blends dennery with New Jersey house music and kuduro from Angola. Bozo credits the genre's rise to affordable production tools, digital distribution, and the late arrival of Spotify to the Caribbean in 2021, alongside TikTok's role in amplifying these high-energy styles.
However, not everyone has welcomed the success. Local radio stations have previously attempted to ban the music due to its explicit content. Despite resistance, both bouyon and dennery segment are set to electrify Notting Hill Carnival, continuing a tradition of Caribbean music reshaping global dance floors.
