You know that feeling at a Virgin Islands party? The music hits, and suddenly you’re lost in it. That irresistible cadence of the riddim, that infectious bass line, the electrifying drums – what do you call it? A new term is emerging to describe this distinct genre: B.R.A.M.
An acronym for Bass, Riddim, and Melody, B.R.A.M. aims to capture the essence of modern Virgin Islands music. It encompasses the beloved sound that defines the music of powerhouses like V.I.B.E., Blind Earz, Karnage, Poizon, Showtime and Shaw HP.
On an episode of the “Caribbean Currency” podcast hosted by Kyle and Red Man, Swanks of Blind Earz, shared that while he didn’t come up with the term, he was part of the collective that chose it from a pool of options. This collaborative effort reflects a growing recognition of the need to give this unique sound a name.
”“It had an email blast and they picked a top 10 and B.R.A.M. was one. From then is where I see the name.” He went on to share that on a Facebook post where the question was posed to the community as well, a young lady also recommended the name, with a breakdown of the acronym. “To me that was perfect. To me it sound edgy, it don’t sound corny. I feel like it’s actually how our music sound.”
SwanksBlind Earz
Naming something is a crucial first step in building anything, whether it’s a business, a movement, or in this case, a musical genre. Think about it: when you hear “Reggae,” you immediately envision a specific sound and vibe. The same goes for Dancehall, Bouyon, Jab Jab and Kompa. These names instantly evoke a particular musical style, allowing them to thrive on a global scale.
B.R.A.M. represents a similar step towards giving Virgin Islands music the opportunity it deserves. By giving this sound a name, we acknowledge its unique identity and pave the way for greater appreciation and wider recognition.
Over the years, Virgin Islanders have been prolific contributors to shared Caribbean music genres like Calypso and Soca. However, the evolving soundscape of the Virgin Islands deserves its own distinct identity. This isn’t about denying our roots, but rather acknowledging the innovative spirit that defines our music today. B.R.A.M. isn’t just a name; it’s a recognition of this evolution.
Beyond its infectious danceability, B.R.A.M. showcases a remarkable versatility. It’s not just about the party; B.R.A.M. encompasses a range of emotions and experiences. V.I.B.E.’s iconic “Good Vibe” featuring Jougo, for example, is an anthem of positivity, encouraging listeners to embrace good energy and uplift their spirits. Similarly, songs like “Flashlights” by V.I.B.E. ft. Kylo hold a special place in the hearts of many Virgin Islanders, serving as poignant reminders of loved ones. Talented musicians like Brent Hoyte have even tapped into the sound to create innovative Gospel music at his praise parties that attract thousands of viewers.
This sound is no stranger to gaining traction and captivating audiences both regionally and internationally.
“Big Jam” by Marvelus featuring Kylo and Monéa, a prime example of B.R.A.M., amassed over 500,000 views on YouTube and was a major hit at the Uber Soca Cruise in 2018. Similarly, the contagious “A-List” by Pumpa, another powerful example of this evolving sound, took over 2024, racking up over 1.5 million views on YouTube and earning Pumpa the prestigious Impact Award at the Caribbean Music Awards – a historic first for a Virgin Islander. These achievements demonstrate the growing influence of Virgin Islands music on the regional and international stage.
Photo by CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS
While the term itself may still be new to some, the spirit behind it – the desire to celebrate and elevate Virgin Islands music – is something we should all get behind.
So whether you run up the views/streams on your favorite B.R.A.M. songs, request them at the next party you’re at or simply encourage a Virgin Islands musician to keep going, support for this music is crucial now more than ever. Like Reggae to Jamaica or Bouyon to Dominica, B.R.AM. is ours— a deep and meaningful celebration of our culture and our people.
