Bouyon music featured on new Major Lazer project

In a significant musical crossover, the internationally acclaimed electronic music collective Major Lazer has unveiled their latest Caribbean-inspired project with the release of “G.O.A.T. (Bouyon Mixes)” EP. This new work represents a deliberate fusion of contemporary electronic production with traditional Bouyon rhythms, a sound originating from Dominica that has been gaining substantial traction throughout the Caribbean region.

The title track “G.O.A.T.” features collaborative performances from Trinidadian soca sensation Bunji Garlin and American vocalist America Foster, whom the group has designated as their “First Lady.” The production creatively merges the characteristic zig-zagging drum patterns of Bouyon music with the accelerated tempo of power soca and the expansive synth textures of modern electronic dance music.

This musical initiative forms part of Major Lazer’s broader GYALGEBRA project, launched in November 2022, which aims to showcase the rich diversity of Caribbean musical traditions. The collective, self-described as “Caribbean music ambassadors and global pop icons,” has strategically timed this release to coincide with the upcoming 2026 Caribbean Carnival and soca season.

The newly released EP, available through Diplo’s Mad Decent label, includes both the original album version and two distinctive remixes that further emphasize Bouyon elements. These reinterpretations come from Dominica’s Dadamanufakture and Trinidad’s Precision Productions, both of which accentuate the high-energy, syncopated style particularly popular in Dominica and the Windward Islands.

The Bouyon genre’s growing influence was recently acknowledged by Billboard magazine in a June feature, noting its expanding reach across the Caribbean. Prominent artists including Trinidad’s Machel Montano, Jamaica’s Skillibeng, and Grenada’s Mr. Killa have incorporated Bouyon elements into their recent works, signaling the genre’s increasing mainstream acceptance.

Early reception suggests strong industry support, with Barbados-based DJ Puff generating considerable excitement during a recent livestream premiere of the remixes. This positive response prompted the official release of the tracks across major digital streaming platforms, making this Caribbean-inspired electronic fusion accessible to global audiences.