The Antigua Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) proudly endorses the recommendation by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne and the Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Creative Industries, for all members of the legendary band Burning Flames to be conferred with Knighthood during Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence Celebrations.
Formed in 1984 in the village of Potters, Burning Flames revolutionized the soundscape of Antigua Carnival and the wider Caribbean. As pioneers of modern soca and stewards of Antigua and Barbuda’s Benna tradition, the group reshaped Carnival music with their infectious energy, groundbreaking use of technology, and unmatched ability to produce anthem after anthem. With over 30 albums and a record-breaking 17 Road March titles, Burning Flames hold the distinction of being the most decorated band in Antigua Carnival history. Their dominance in Road March competitions is unmatched, having consistently delivered the most celebrated and infectious songs of the Carnival season year after year.
Their catalogue, including global classics such as Styley Tight, Workey Workey, Crazy, Swinging Engine, Gym Jam, Knuckle and Island Girl, just to name a few hits has defined generations of Caribbean music. Beyond local acclaim, Burning Flames achieved iconic international status, consistently selling out venues and exporting the sound of Antigua and Barbuda to the world for over four decades. Their innovative fusion of calypso, reggae, zouk, funk, and soca continues to inspire musicians globally.
The Hon. Daryll S. Matthew added: “This honor is long overdue. Burning Flames’ contribution to Antigua and Barbuda’s culture, coupled with their accolades locally, regionally, and internationally, has set them apart as cultural icons. Their body of work and influence on the creative industries make this recommendation for knighthood most fitting.”
Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the ABFC, stated: “I echo the Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Minister Daryll Matthew in recommending the knighting of the legendary Burning Flames! Their music has inspired many for the last 40 years and will continue to do so for years to come. Burning Flames have not only shaped the landscape of our Carnival and culture but have also provided the soundtrack of our lives. Their contributions represent a living legacy of creativity, passion, and Antiguan pride.”
The band’s legacy includes collaborations with regional and international stars, elevating Antiguan soca to the global stage while remaining deeply rooted in their homeland. Among their many partnerships, Burning Flames were featured alongside Machel Montano in “Showdown (Band Meet Band)” from Xtatik’s Any Minute Now album, a landmark fusion of two soca powerhouses. In their early years, they served as the backing band for Arrow of Montserrat, the global superstar behind Hot Hot Hot, an experience that helped shape their musical foundation. Their breakout hit Workey Workey was later covered by Byron Lee & the Dragonaires of Jamaica, further cementing their regional influence. In the late 1990s, they welcomed Onika Bostik of Trinidad & Tobago and Bryan Fontanelle of St. Lucia for the HokusPokus album, adding fresh creative layers to their evolving sound.
Burning Flames revolutionized the Jam Band landscape and remain the benchmark for live performances, drawing massive audience’s year after year.
In a fitting tribute during this year’s Carnival celebrations, the Cabinet announced the renaming of Potters Village Road to Burning Flames Highway, a permanent and powerful symbol of their roots and enduring impact.
As the nation approaches its 44th Independence, the Antigua Barbuda Festivals Commission once again congratulates Burning Flames on 40 years of extraordinary contributions with hit after hit, Road March after Road March and decades of inspiring cultural pride. The Antigua Barbuda Festivals Commission firmly supports the recommendation for the legendary Burning Flames members in Clarence “Oungku” Edwards, Toriano “King Onyan” Edwards, David “Bubb” Edwards and Rone “Foxx” Watkins for this Knighthood is not only well-deserving, but historic.
