Courtesy Overtime Media- Photos: JERMAINE CRUICKSHANK
Welcome back to the XVibes! We are getting you ready for The Greatest Show on Earth with weekly updates on all things entertainment. This week, we showcase the 2025 Grenadian Soca Monarch and People’s Choice Winner, Alex “Muddy” Cuffie, who is preparing to share his fearless and commanding Jab energy with us for Trinidad Carnival 2026.
Aside from recording one of the catchiest songs of the year, this rising singer, songwriter and performer also brings the ancestral presence and cultural essence of Grenada’s Jab to the Carnival stage. Stunned after Rolling Stone magazine listed his 2025 Soca Monarch–winning release, “Payroll,” at number 85 on its 100 Best Songs of 2025 last week, Muddy happened to be in Trinidad at the time, promoting his music ahead of the Carnival season. Now signed to the DSM Music Group, Muddy will also be managed by its CEO, international music executive Int’l Stephen “DJ Stephen” Phillip who was also responsible for the rise of another of Grenada’s sons, Jevaughn John, better known as V’ghn when he made his breakthrough. So this marks yet another powerful new chapter in his DSM Agency’s growth.
Speaking with Overtime Media and the XVibes team about his success, Muddy shared: “It is a blessing beyond words for me, my team and the entire tri-island of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. I’ve been doing this for a while now and was starting to wonder if it was really my destiny, but having won the Monarch crown and now seeing Payroll recognised by Rolling Stone is a big win for us, the whole Caribbean – and I’m really honoured to be able to play my part in this music movement.”
On Soca News, producers John and Jason James of Xpert Productions also expressed their joy, saying: “As producers from the tiny island of Carriacou, it is a blessing to see our music being appreciated on this level. This global recognition reflects the true power of Grenadian soca music, and we are truly grateful to Rolling Stone for recognising Caribbean culture in such a meaningful way.”
Muddy made the rounds of radio and television stations last week, effectively cementing his entry into the Trinidad Carnival scene. He admitted: “I’ve been here before, but as a silent observer who was not in demand at the time. I was able to see who is who and who does what, and see some of my favourite artistes perform and how they handle interviews. I just took notes and learnt the lessons so I could be ready for when my time came, and that time seems like it is happening now, so I am eager to return in January to say ‘Hello’ and to put the whole Carnival on a Payroll!” Muddy’s poetic lyrics and melodic delivery continue to captivate listeners and audiences, and you’re sure to see him on fete stages this coming season.
Follow @muddy_original on social media for more info and insights. Log on to vibes.trinidadexpress.com and Instagram @xvibesent for exclusive and advance stories on the top trending acts, hottest events and latest developments in entertainment both local and international. If you’re interested in being featured, drop us an email at jermaine.cruickshank@trinidadexpress.com and xvibesent@gmail.com
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