Dwayne Mendes, CEO of Blazin’ FM, is experiencing a remarkable creative and commercial resurgence in the music industry exactly one year after recommitting to his songwriting and production passions. His collaborative soca track “Cyah Behave,” performed by artist Voice, has emerged as a standout hit throughout Trinidad’s 2026 carnival circuit while earning the prestigious selection as Exodus Steel Orchestra’s competition piece for this year’s Panorama championships.
The journey to this success began during Miami Carnival in October 2025, where Mendes rediscovered his connection to soca music after exploring various genres including R&B, dancehall and reggae. “During Miami Carnival, I was able to absorb the atmosphere and remind myself what people loved about soca,” Mendes reflects on the experience that reignited his creative spark.
Mendes attributes his refined craft to invaluable industry feedback that helped him develop a distinctive writing style and production formula. “I adjusted my approach based on what audiences truly respond to—the sing-alongs, the hooks, and other essential elements,” he explains, noting how he subsequently revisited and enhanced his earlier compositions.
Adopting a business-minded strategy, Mendes now contracts professional brokers to pitch his songs, a system that enables rapid growth while maintaining creative freedom. “I’m currently negotiating about eight songs, which allows me to remain consistently creative,” he reveals.
Commenting on contemporary soca trends, Mendes observes the effective blending of nostalgic elements with innovative approaches. “Music operates in cycles similar to fashion,” he notes. “What sounds nostalgic to some listeners represents something entirely fresh to the 18-25 demographic, creating a smart bridge between generations.”
Looking toward Saint Lucia Carnival, Mendes is collaborating with Teddyson John on a reimagined classic and developing new material with former monarch Alpha. His perspective is informed by pioneering work with Studio 758 and SLU Records, which produced international breakthroughs including Ricky T’s “Pressure Boom” and historic appearances at International Soca Monarch and Madison Square Gardens with Machel.
“The financial landscape has transformed dramatically since we built Saint Lucia’s soca scene from the ground up,” Mendes observes. “Today’s artists achieve genuine success, allowing me to focus exclusively on providing quality music rather than artist management.”
Beyond soca, Mendes continues ghostwriting for prominent dancehall artists and awaits album placements with a Jamaican act signed to an international label. He expresses profound satisfaction witnessing Saint Lucia’s soca scene flourish, stating: “I’m happy to reap fruits from what we started over 15 years ago and participate in this industry from a renewed perspective.”