We’re heading into the home stretch of the Trinidad Carnival season, with soca songs coming out of Port-of-Spain practically by the minute. Of the countless contenders for Carnival anthem status that have hit our inbox in the last few weeks, “Turn Up” by Bunji Garlin is one of the most memorable. (And, speaking of memories, Bunji’s “Take Over Town” ranks highly on our list of 2016’s Best Soca Singles).
The track, produced by Jason “Shaft” Bishop, matches a memorable whistle melody with the sounds of organic brass section and a subtle hint of Trinidadian iron, for a laid-back groovy vibe. The video, directed by Walt Lovelace with Bunji himself, takes us to a fete filled with all manner of colorful characters, including Trini celebrities like DJ Ding Dong, comedian Nikki Crosby and Garlin’s wife, Fay-Ann Lyons.
Watch the world premiere of the video right here, and find “Turn Up” on iTunes here.