Bunji Garlin

Trinidadian soca superstar Bunji Garlin, a prominent figure in the ragga soca movement, has successfully crossed over into international recognition through collaborations with Major Lazer, appearances at the Soul Train Awards, and placements on popular television shows like Grey's Anatomy. Born Ian Anthony Alvarez in Sangre Grande, Trinidad, Garlin adopted his stage name from the combination of "bungee cord" and "Garlin," a nod to his flexible approach and sharp delivery. His career took off during the rise of dancehall-influenced soca music, leading to the release of his debut album, The Chronicles, in 2000, featuring soca icon Alison Hinds. Garlin's notable achievements include winning Trinidad's Ragga Soca Monarch competition and the International Soca Monarch award in 2002, followed by the release of his album Revelation under the VP label.

Garlin's international breakthrough came in 2007 with the release of Global, featuring collaborations with renowned reggae artists T.O.K. and Freddie McGregor. Notably, his 2013 hit single "Differentology" garnered widespread acclaim, receiving a remix by Major Lazer, a feature on Grey's Anatomy, and a nomination for Best International Performance at the Soul Train Awards. Signing with RCA in 2014, Garlin continued his success with the release of Differentology on the major label. Over the years, he has collaborated with various artists such as Elliphant, Jack U, Machel Montano, and Sebastian Ingrosso, showcasing his versatility and influence in the music industry. Garlin's ongoing contributions include the release of his single "Big Bad Soca" in 2017, further solidifying his status as a dynamic force in the soca genre.