LargeUp Premiere: Jus D x I-Octane – “Perform”

Words by Jesse Serwer

Part of a new wave of Barbados artists updating the island’s soca template with a more global sound and approach, Jus D dubs his take on the genre as “Future Soca.” After unveiling the sound with his recent single “Give It To Me,” the up-and-coming Bajan singer connects with dancehall star I-Octane on “Perform,” a simmering fusion of soca, dancehall and pop in the vein of such crossover as Rupee’s “Tempted to Touch,” Kevin Lyttle’s “Turn Me On” and Collie Buddz’s “Mamacita.”

“’Give It To Me’ represents the uptempo side of Future Soca with its EDM, Dancehall and AfroBeats influences, while ‘Perform’ is in the vein of the sweet soca energy for which Barbados is famous,” Jus D. explains. Adds I-Octane, “Mi nah lie, this song is going fa,r starting with Barbados’ Crop Over season.”

Stream “Perform” below, and look out for Jus D. in LargeUp’s upcoming Music of Barbados series.