People deal with challenges in different ways. For St. Vincent and the Grenadines singer and songwriter, Gamal Doyle, Covid-19 was a necessary break. Two years post pandemic lockdown and the entertainer explains to Ebuzztt.com that he took it in stride and found ways to channel his creative energy.
On social media, Doyle, who’s best known in the entertainment world as Skinny Fabulous, proved hilarious, sharing bits and pieces of his personality here and there. Last week Thursday, as he launched his new album, B.A.D (Beyond a Doubt), Skinny spoke with us, explaining that while he did in fact feel the effects of the pandemic during the initial few months, he quickly found ways of expressing himself through social media, highlighting that he was not hindered in any major way, as a result of the restrictions. “I continued to make music. I continued to put out music and in the end, as soon as any part of the world was open, I was able to service the fans who wanted music.”
Now in the heat of what is being described and marketed as the Mother of All Carnivals in Trinidad and Tobago, Skinny Fabulous seems readier than ever to be his very best. His ambitions are intentional and set, and already, he’s fulfilling his personal mandates.
The 23-track album was revealed on January 15th in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. Several collaborations with artistes like Problem Child, Nessa Preppy, Nailah Blackman, Charly Black and even the artist’s personal inspiration, dancehall’s Bounty Killer, feed music lovers and fans of Soca music, with variety and Caribbean flavour. Taking the time to thank Machel Montano for aiding his career’s development over the years, Skinny recalled performing at Machel Monday for nothing in return, until he was able to show his worth as a true stage performer and artist. As he took the audience on a brief journey through the creation of the album, he was sure to thank each of his collaborators, even telling Nailah Blackman how much of an honor it was to collaborate with her on their single, ‘Home.’
In chatting with Ebuzztt.com after the listening party, he said his ambition for this year is to cement himself legitimately with a body of work that is a true representation of him as an artist. He is proud to have fulfilled his personal goal of creating an album to kick start 2023. On Friday, news came that the album had stood at #1 on Apple Music’s Best Reggae Album Chart. It has since been streamed in excess of 1 million times. “This year is the year to cement myself as a formidable force and a legitimate brand,” he said.
Asked what’s been the best lesson learnt over the many years of involvement in the music industry in the Caribbean, this is what he had to say:
As Carnival 2025 in Trinidad and Tobago looms, one of the Caribbean’s most unique and intriguing male artistes, Skinny Banton, is gearing up to make his mark in a big way. With his latest release, Liquor, already causing waves, the Grenadian-born artist is proving he’s here to stay, bringing his personal style, and down- home Caribbean spirit to a global audience.
It’s been five years since his unforgettable hit, Wrong Again, took the world by storm and the track remains a fan favorite to this day. Its infectious energy and authentic vibe solidified Skinny as an artiste to watch, and since then, his music has resonated with listeners across the region and internationally. His ability to blend catchy rhythms with meaningful lyrics has made him a staple in Caribbean music, while his sound remains a perfect blend of traditional influences and contemporary flair.
The Jab culture of Grenada has always been a source of inspiration for the Carriacou native. But it’s not just one island or one genre that defines him. Skinny draws from the wider Caribbean experience, creating music that speaks to all the islands, enticing the international crowd along the way. As he explains, his music isn’t confined to one place or one story; It’s about sharing the universal joy of the Caribbean with the world.
“Music is for everyone,” says Skinny. “It’s not about where you’re from. It’s about connecting people from different walks of life through rhythm, melody, and energy. When people come to Carnival, they’re looking for an experience that will stay with them forever, and I want to be a part of that.”
Ahead of Trinidad and Tobago’s 2025 Carnival, Liquor is quickly becoming one of those intrinsic songs. With its irresistible beat and carefree lyrics, the song is a celebration of the Caribbean spirit — the good times, the laughter, and yes, the drinks that fuel the party. “This is a song for the drinkers, the ones who bring the vibes to the Carnival with every sip they take,” Skinny laughs. “But remember — everything in moderation! You don’t want to be the one ruining the vibes for everyone else.”
Last year, Carriacou, the artiste’s home island, was devastated by Hurricane Beryl. Amid that unfortunate circumstance, he stood up with a sense of determination to draw awareness to the plight of those left to clean up and get their lives back to normal. His popularity as an entertainer, aided somewhat in that effort as he was able to assist with food and necessities for those affected. Through his artistry, Skinny continues to shine a spotlight on his roots, celebrating the vibrant culture and resilience of his community.
In Trinidad recently, he reconnected with fans of his music, sharing the new songs ahead of the 2025 Carnival season. “Music is the universal language,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what language you speak. What matters is that it makes you feel something — and that’s what I try to give. The people know good music. They need music to lift their spirits, make them move, and sing along,” he explained, adding, “That’s what I strive to provide — music that resonates, that connects, music that brings people together.”
To stay connected with Skinny Banton and get the latest on his upcoming music and Carnival appearances, follow him on Instagram and Facebook @skinnybanton.
Soca music lovers from all around the world tuned in to Trinidad and Tobago radio station Scorch 101 FM on Friday as the station delivered what can only be described as a deep dive into the music genre. With 101 days to go to Carnival 2025 the team at Scorch Radio pushed out a plan to ensure listeners from around the world tuned in, and that they did.
The Internet could not get enough of the music that is so often attached only to the carnival culture. A list of what the Scorch team considers 101 of the top Soca tracks based on criteria such as danceability, cultural impact, lyrical content, music production, and versatility brought out Soca enthusiasts from every nook and cranny across the Internet. In one day, Scorch radio penetrated the Diaspora and brought people together, though via the Internet, to banter heartily over whether the choices were or were not valid.
Judges on the panel included DJ Adam, Travis World, and DJ Private Ryan among others. Scorch Radio CEO Kwesi ‘Hoppy’Hopkinson steered the event, giving his views throughout the day on the music that would be shared with listeners worldwide. In the end, the most impactful Soca single would be Machel Montano and Destra Garcia’s ‘It’s Carnival.’ Delivered in 2003, the collaboration between these two accomplished Soca artistes maintain a powerful presence at carnival fetes held around the world, annually. The song however, did not capture that year’s Road March in Trinidad and Tobago. That year, Fay Ann Lyons stole the show with ‘Display,’ a song that did not make it to the Scorch Radio 101 Soca Hit List. The multiple title holder’s ‘Meet SuperBlue’ was positioned at #90 on the Scorch 101 Soca Hit List.
The single-day Soca showcase perplexed some who questioned the rationale behind the choices and the placement on the list. Kevin Little’s globally known, ‘Turn Me On,’ made it to #2 while Rupee’s “Jump” was given the third spot on the list. The 2010 Road March “Palance,”made the list at #4.
Whether agreed upon in its entirety or not, the Scorch Radio team created an effective campaign that ignited the energy of Soca music lovers globally.