Five-time Soca Monarch Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo returns after 5 years

A familiar force has stepped back into the light of Guyana’s ever-evolving Soca scene: five-time Soca Monarch and Road March King, Jumo “Rubber Waist” Primo, has returned to the spotlight after five years away – his presence signalling not just a comeback, but a shift in the very air of the season.
Primo’s decades-long career has made him a household name and arguably one of Guyana’s most internationally recognised music acts.
This publication caught up with the Soca legend after many years for an in-depth conversation as the nation reminisced on his music and reflected on his absence from the competition – and what he is set to bring as he ushers in his return.
Primo explained that his time away from the Soca Monarch stage was never about stepping away from music but rather about reflecting and overcoming personal challenges.
He stated that while fans may not have seen him competing in Soca Monarch or appearing regularly at state concerts in recent years, the veteran artiste remained active – both musically and entrepreneurially – working inside and outside of Guyana.

Throughout that period, he continued creating music and contributing to the culture, even if his presence was less visible on the nation’s biggest Soca stages.
Amid this, Primo acknowledged that he struggled with the feeling that he had disappointed fans who wanted to see him specifically on the Soca Monarch stage. While supporters continued to encounter him elsewhere, he said the competition holds a special place in the hearts of the people.
“I felt like I abandoned the people who wanted to see me on that stage, even though they’ve seen me elsewhere…that is the stage they want to see me on. Some people say, ‘You’ve won so many times and should take the back burner,’ but I felt like a spectator… But you can’t help build a house, contribute to it, and then stand outside looking in.”
He explained that he could no longer remain a spectator while the industry continued to evolve around him, especially as fans regularly recognised him in public and expected his return.
According to Primo, people frequently stopped him on the streets, calling out his name and asking when he would be back or whether he had new music coming. Those moments reminded him of his role in the industry, which he described as being a “parent figure” to Soca – someone others look to for leadership, inspiration, and direction.
Primo shared that behind the scenes, he often serves as a source of encouragement for others. Because of the positive and inspirational messages he shares publicly, many people reach out to him privately for guidance and support. He noted that artists, like everyone else, face personal struggles that are often unseen.

Barricade
Known for his high-energy performances, Primo said his new music, Barricade, which he sees as a defining moment in his return to the Soca spotlight, is rooted in positivity and personal growth. He emphasised the importance of maintaining spiritual, mental, and physical strength in a world filled with distractions and negativity.
“You have to be energetic spiritually, mentally, and physically. You have to take care of yourself first – especially mentally – because there are so many distractions and negativity in the world today,” he said. “Fear is a major hurdle that can stop you from achieving your goals.”
He explained that Barricade is about more than just road energy, costumes, and Mashramani. While the song carries the excitement of soca – movement, energy, and revelry – it also delivers a deeper message about breaking down personal barriers and investing in oneself.
At the same time, Primo stressed that the song still carries the vibrant spirit of soca. Even when the lyrical content celebrates the road, energy, and movement, the meaning of Barricade extends far beyond that.
“I’m not chasing hype,” Primo said. “What I’m chasing is 36 years in the business and being back on the stage that moulded me, while being there for the people.”
He said he expects fierce competition this year and welcomes it, noting that he still has the potential to elevate his performance even further. With a tempo of 165 beats per minute, Barricade is no easy song to perform, but Primo said it embodies exactly what he intends to deliver – fire, energy, and entertainment.
“It’s about fire. That is what it is about. Yeah, we can chip down the road… Yeah, so that is what I’m bringing. And I don’t just want to go and perform; I want to entertain them as well. A little bit of laughter, you know what I mean? When you believe, you come to a competition that gives you everything. Not just people going and singing. But making sure you have a good time. And that has always been my job. And it’s my job now still.”
Drawing from his 36-year journey, Primo encouraged younger artists to actively promote their music, connect with DJs, create content, and avoid relying solely on external support. He stressed too that even the best song will not succeed if people do not know it.
“The road to greatness might be shorter for you. But it could only be shorter for you if you’re dedicated to the craft. You understand? So when you go on that stage, the first thing you’re freaking [out about] is people. When you see people, you’re singing a song, and nobody don’t know it. And people stand up watching you. You understand? So that is why you need to understand that your job is to make sure that people know your music.”
He also called for greater institutional support, suggesting that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports establish a fund to assist artists who lack the financial means to produce music. Such support, he said, could help talented individuals access studio time and radio play, strengthening the industry as a whole.