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Saint Lucia's Umpa: Caribbean Music's Next Big Star
20 Oct
Summary
- Umpa named Billboard's Caribbean Up-And-Comer of the Month.
- Dennery segment genre blends soca, kuduro, zouk, and Kwéyòl.
- Umpa won the Caribbean Music Award for Dennery segment artist.
Umpa has been named Billboard's Caribbean Up-And-Comer of the Month for October 2026, highlighting the growing international appeal of Saint Lucia's Dennery segment music. This genre, originating from the Dennery District, is a dynamic fusion of soca, kuduro, and zouk, characterized by its percussive beats and Kwéyòl lyrics.
Brendan Jordan Charlery, known as Umpa, has emerged as a leading figure in Dennery segment. He recently secured the inaugural Caribbean Music Award for Dennery segment artist of the year. Umpa's musical path began in his youth, evolving from early freestyling to recording local hits like "Gwatel" in 2014.
His career gained significant momentum around 2019 with popular tracks such as "One Drop," "Siren," and "Baguy," which helped define the genre's sonic identity for the 2020s. Umpa has continued to release successful songs, including "Dennery Anthem" in 2020 and "Mouyè" in 2026.
Umpa prioritizes maintaining a close-knit team of family and friends for his management. He also expresses a desire to support emerging Dennery artists by establishing his own label in the future. His recent award win was a significant moment, celebrated with a billboard in Dennery.
Looking ahead, Umpa is preparing to release his debut album, titled Volé. He is also involved in an ATV business, D Segment ATV, aimed at showcasing the history and culture of the Dennery region to tourists. Umpa finds success in peace and aims to continue his musical career by releasing more music.
