Alison Hinds: A Bajan Treasure

MASX
Nov 20
3 min read

When you hear the rhythms of Caribbean carnival or the high-energy pulse of soca music, one name stands out: Alison Hinds. Known widely as the “Queen of Soca”, she’s a trailblazing performer whose influence transcends the islands and reaches audiences around the world. Her story is one of talent, perseverance, cultural pride and female empowerment.

Early Life & Roots

Alison Amanda Hinds was born on June 1, 1970, in London, England, to Barbadian parents. Her early childhood was in Plaistow, East London, but when she was about 11 years old, following her parents’ separation, she and her mother relocated to Barbados. This move would prove pivotal: she was immersed in Barbadian culture, including the carnivals, musical traditions and rhythms of the Caribbean. The blending of her British birth and Bajan upbringing helped shape her distinct identity as an international yet deeply Caribbean artist.

Rise with Square One

Alison’s professional music journey began when she joined Square One, a popular Barbados-based soca band, in 1987. With the band she achieved major regional success. For example:

Square One’s single “Raggamuffin” became a huge hit in Central America, topping the charts in Guatemala for an extended period.
In 1997, Alison became the first woman to win both the Road March and the Party Monarch titles in Barbados.

These accomplishments were significant—not only because of the honors themselves, but because they broke gender barriers in a male-dominated genre. Alison herself has said that when she entered the scene, female lead vocalists in soca bands were rare.

Cultural Impact & Legacy

Alison Hinds is much more than a hit-maker. She has become a cultural ambassador for Barbados and the wider Caribbean. Her presence has helped pave the way for female soca artists, showing that women could lead major bands and dominate carnival stages. Moreover, her music embodies themes of identity, empowerment, joy and cultural pride—all essential aspects of Caribbean carnival culture.

Why Her Music Matters (Especially for You)

Living in Trinidad & Tobago (or anywhere in the Caribbean diaspora), you’ll feel Alison’s music in several key ways:

Carnival Vibes: Her songs capture the spirit of carnival—dance-driven, rhythmic, celebratory.
Female Representation: Her success shows women can lead in genres traditionally dominated by men.
Cultural Connection: As someone who bridged Barbados and the UK, she resonates with Caribbean diasporans who straddle multiple geographies.
Message of Empowerment: Tracks like “Roll It Gal” go beyond party music—they encourage self-worth, independence and confidence.

Selected Songs to Start With:

1. Roll It Gal

Signature empowerment anthem. Her most iconic solo hit — powerful, feminine, and full of Caribbean confidence. This is Alison at her peak.

2. Faluma (Square One)

One of the biggest soca songs ever. A timeless classic featuring a multilingual hook and infectious rhythm. Instant carnival energy.

3. Iron Bazodee (with Square One)

Pure old-school soca joy. A staple track if you love classic 90s/early 2000s soca.

4. Togetherness

A feel-good carnival song. A celebration of unity, community, and Caribbean love. It’s impossible not to smile when this one plays.

5. Raggamuffin (with Square One)

A carnival-ready waistline track. Fun, flirty and fantastic for the road or the gym.

Closing Thoughts

Alison Hinds’ journey—from a young girl in London and Barbados, to a band lead singer, to solo “Queen of Soca”—is remarkable. Her influence in Caribbean music is enduring and her message still resonates: celebrate your roots, claim your space, and dance to your rhythm.