The Original Burning Flames Celebrate 40 Years of Soca Excellence

Burning Flames - Antigua

The legendary Original Burning Flames are marking 40 years of creating some of the Caribbean’s most memorable and influential soca music. Since their formation in 1984, the band has become synonymous with high energy performances, timeless hits, and a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of fans and artists alike.

Hailing from the village of Potters, Antigua, the original line-up featured three brothers: Toriano “King Onyan” Edwards (vocals, guitar), David “Bubb-I” Edwards (vocals, bass), and Clarence “Oungku” Edwards (vocals, keyboards), along with drummer Rone “Foxx” Watkins. The brothers initially performed as buskers before joining Arrow’s backing band, with Clarence notably serving as bass player and arranger on the world-famous hit “Hot, Hot, Hot”.

The band made an immediate impact on the Carnival scene in 1985 with their song “Stylie Tight,” which won the Road March and was released as their debut single in 1986. They continued their rise with international hits like “Workey Workey” (1989), which was later covered by Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, and the 1990 track “Chook and Dig.” Their sound is a vibrant blend of high energy soca and multiple musical influences, which earned them critical acclaim and a deal with Mango Records, leading to the release of their 1991 album, Dig.

Over the years, Burning Flames have amassed an unmatched record of 17 Road March titles as a band, including a dominant streak from 1985 to 2000 with 12 wins. In total, members of the Original Burning Flames have won the Road March title 21 times since their debut.

Throughout their career, the band became a staple of Antigua’s Carnival, famous for their electrifying “Lion’s Dances” at the Lion’s Den, dynamic performances at the popular ‘Jam Pond’ venue, and their ability to energise J’ouvert crowds from St. John’s all the way to Potters. Their infectious energy has also carried them far beyond the Caribbean, with tours and performances in China, the United States, Colombia, Europe, and more, captivating audiences worldwide.

After a brief hiatus and line-up changes, the band reunited in 2015 with a celebrated concert at YASCO Sports Grounds. Since then, the Original Burning Flames have maintained a rigorous touring schedule, performing frequently across the US, Europe, and the Caribbean. They have been honoured with keys to the city of Atlanta, making history as the first Caribbean band to receive this recognition, and remain a headline act at major Caribbean festivals and cultural events.

Looking ahead, the band’s 40th Anniversary Tour includes stops in Toronto, Atlanta, New York, Belgium, St. Lucia, Orlando, and Houston in 2025. They will also perform at the Antigua Independence Gala in New York and Miami, continuing their role as main entertainment since 2018. Additionally, band members were awarded diplomatic status at their 40th Anniversary Concert and are slated to receive a National Award at Antigua’s next Independence Award Ceremony in November 2025.

The Original Burning Flames’ 40-year journey is a testament to their enduring talent and dedication. As they continue to set stages ablaze around the world, their legacy as soca pioneers remains firmly intact, proving that for them, the only limit truly is the sky.

As part of their anniversary celebrations, the Original Burning Flames will be featured at the CARIFESTA XV Soca Super Concert on Friday, 22 August 2025, at the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre, National Botanical Gardens, Barbados. The Soca Super Concert promises a night full of vibrant performances and high-energy music. The Super Concert series also includes Caribbean Jazz and Worldbeat on Tuesday, 26 August; Reggae on Friday, 29 August; and Vintage Kaiso on Saturday, 30 August, all taking place at the same venue.

For updates on performances and ticket information, stay tuned to www.carifesta.net