Adrian Dutchin on the evolution of Soca and Guyanese pride

As music continues to be refined each year, sound engineers are crafting Soca more deliberately to evoke the “riddim” listeners feel. As a result, the evolution of soca has been rapid and undeniable over the years.
This is one of the views shared by Adrian Dutchin – legendary multi Soca Monarch Champion. Drawing from his experience, Dutchin openly admits that the genre has changed significantly over the years, noting that he has managed to keep his head above water by continuously adapting and pushing toward success.
Dutchin, a former Carib Soca Monarch, currently resides in the United States but has always remained patriotic and supportive of Guyanese both at home and abroad. Over the years, he has performed at numerous events where large numbers of Guyanese gather for celebrations, including Canada’s popular Caribana and Guyana Day events in Queens and Brooklyn, New York.
The Guyanese father of two shared these sentiments during an interview with this publication, where he compared his earlier work to the evolution of modern soca, including projects such as Tick Tock, which he described as having changed “big time”.
“A lot of people still see me today and say it’s because of you and Jomo; it’s because of Times Two that this happened and that happened. It feels good – it really feels good – to know you were part of the foundation,” Dutchin said.
“But it has grown. So to all the producers, artists, and everyone pushing soca music, big up. I also have to shout out Selektah Andre – he pushes Guyana’s music to the core. It’s evolved, and I’m loving it, and I want it to evolve even more.”
He noted that the genre’s evolution has introduced new complexities, especially as many original pioneers of soca are still active and have evolved alongside the music. When asked about the current Soca Monarch competition, Dutchin highlighted the depth of talent involved.
“This year in the Mashramani Soca Monarch Semi-Finals Competitions, there is myself, Jomo Primo, and Calvin Burnett – all seasoned artistes – amongst others. When you really look at it, almost everyone is a Soca Monarch winner or has been in a Soca Monarch before. That’s a serious level of talent,” he said.
Even with heightened tension as legendary Jumo Primo returns to the Soca Monarch scene after several years on the semi-final stage, Dutchin advised upcoming artistes to focus on enjoying the platform, emphasising that the experience itself fosters growth.
“These young ones coming up shouldn’t be fearful. Don’t think, ‘I’m coming up against Jomo or Adrian.’ When you get on that stage, just put your best foot forward. I love being on stage, and if you love what you do and enjoy it, you’ll be good. We all will be good,” he encouraged.
“There can only be one winner – everybody can’t win all the time. You win some, you lose some; that’s life. I’m not going to pull anyone down or bash anyone. If we really want to get out there, we need to lift each other up. This is the highest form of competition for soca in our country. If you’re a part of it, embrace it and enjoy it.”

Guyanese diaspora
Meanwhile, speaking about his role as one of the main performers at Guyana Day celebrations in New York and Florida, Dutchin described the experience as deeply emotional and symbolic, particularly when performing before the Guyanese diaspora. He explained that representing Guyana – the place where he was born and raised – brings an overwhelming sense of pride and connection.
According to him, the atmosphere extends far beyond music. These events often become reunion spaces where Guyanese who have not seen each other in years reconnect, embrace, and reminisce about shared memories and familiar faces now living abroad. He described the celebrations as moments of reflection, recognition, and collective identity – reminders of “where we come from” and “who we are”.
Dutchin linked that experience directly to the evolution of soca, explaining that the genre has grown into a global cultural bridge for Caribbean people. As soca expands beyond regional borders through festivals, diaspora celebrations, and digital platforms, it now serves not only as entertainment but also as a powerful tool for reconnection and cultural preservation. In that sense, he said, modern soca represents “our time – a sound that carries heritage, memory, and national pride onto international stages.
“Listen, it feels great to be on that stage and see Guyanese you haven’t seen in years,” he said. “You see people hugging, reminiscing – ‘Do you remember this person?’ ‘They are living in Florida now.’ It’s a time where we reflect. It’s our time.”
This year, he explained, his song is not limited to Guyana alone but speaks to a broader, universal experience. The track pays homage to wherever a person was born and raised, emphasising pride, emotional connection, and identity, regardless of where life eventually takes them.
“You might be living in Japan, but if you were born and grew up in the Philippines, there will always be that attachment,” he said. Although he was initially hesitant about the concept, the producers encouraged him to pursue it, describing the idea as beautiful and worth developing. He later brought in a friend from Grenada to provide backing vocals, which he said enhanced the final sound. After receiving strong feedback from the entire team, he decided to release the track.
In closing, Dutchin urged Guyanese at home and abroad to come out and support the Soca Monarch semi-finals and finals, particularly the event scheduled for the 23rd. He emphasised that the celebrations are especially meaningful as Guyana marks its 60th year of Independence – a milestone representing decades of struggle, growth, setbacks, and progress.
“This is about showing love to Guyana as a whole,” he said. “Whether it’s Berbice, Georgetown, Essequibo, or Linden, every leg has its own energy.”