From Billboard · Kyle Denis · · 2m
Caribbean Up-And-Comer Umpa Leads Dennery Segment Wave
Saint Lucian artist Umpa wins Caribbean Music Award for Dennery segment, aiming to globalize his island’s unique sound.
In brief
Saint Lucian artist Umpa wins Caribbean Music Award for Dennery segment, aiming to globalize his island’s unique sound. Umpa, a 32-year-old Saint Lucian artist, won Caribbean Music Award for Dennery segment artist of the year, aiming to make Saint Lucia’s sound globally recognized. Originally reported by Billboard.
Umpa Wins Caribbean Music Award
Umpa, a 32-year-old Saint Lucian artist, won Caribbean Music Award for Dennery segment artist of the year.
“Umpa held it down for Lucian-born Dennery segment artists, on the same night that Klassik Frescobar, a Jamaican-American, won the inaugural Dennery segment song of the year award for "Dansa".”
Dennery Segment Genre Explained
Dennery segment is a drum-heavy, chant-forward offshoot of soca blending kuduro, zouk, Kwéyòl lyrics, and a dancehall attitude.
“Dennery segment is a unique sound; the way the drums are aligned is what makes the song, because [everything else] is so sparse.”
Umpa’s Musical Journey
Umpa started singing at age 5 with his mother’s karaoke set, later freestyling with friends and recording early songs.
“That was my first time actually getting on a mic. I remember my aunt told me that I had a voice made for a mic.”
First Local Hit: 'Gwatel'
Umpa released his first local hit 'Gwatel' in 2014 on Jammin Records’ Revolt riddim.
“By 2014, all of that steady momentum culminated in the song he calls his 'first local hit': 'Gwatel'.”
Key Hits and Evolution
Umpa’s hits include 'One Drop' (2014), 'Siren', 'Baguy', 'Dennery Anthem' (2020), 'Plat' (2021), 'Pain Killer' (2025), and 'Mouyè' (2026).
“With those three hits, he perfected his sly, carnal, bilingual lyricism as the Dennery segment genre solidified its key sonic signifiers for the 2020s.”
Umpa’s Independence and Team
Umpa maintains a team of close family and friends, emphasizing trust and collaboration over external partnerships.
“If you don’t trust somebody, you can’t work with them because you’ll be uncomfortable. Everybody around me understands their role and what they need to do.”
Dennery Segment’s Cultural Roots
Dennery segment originated in Saint Lucia’s Dennery District, with Kwéyòl lyrics and a distinct Lucian cultural identity.
“The Saint Lucian people gave it the name unknowingly. Our community of Dennery has some stigma [around] it, but the pioneers of the music originated from the community of Dennery.”
Umpa’s View on Genre Inclusivity
Umpa believes Dennery segment should be accessible to non-Lucians while preserving cultural roots.
“We definitely need to become the face of our sound, but I don’t feel we should exclude other artists wanting to try out our music.”
Umpa’s ATV Business
Umpa launched D Segment ATV to showcase Dennery’s culture and history to tourists, using his business to promote the region.
“I decided to start this business to show people the Dennery I know, and, of course, I had to put 'segment' in the business name [D Segment ATV].”
Umpa’s Upcoming Album
Umpa is working on his first album titled 'Volé', meaning 'to fly' or 'to soar', inspired by Caribbean music trends.
“The title is Volé, which means 'to fly' or 'to soar.'”
Dennery Segment’s Recognition
Dennery segment gained mainstream attention with hits like Freezy’s 'Split in Di Middle' and Dezral & Jardel’s 'The Car'.
“With larger hits like Freezy’s 'Split in Di Middle' helping the genre gain more notoriety across the Caribbean near the end of the 2010s...”
Umpa’s Future Goals
Umpa aims to sign younger Denner artists to his label and continue promoting Saint Lucia’s sound globally.
“If you don’t trust somebody, you can’t work with them because you’ll be uncomfortable. Everybody around me understands their role and what they need to do.”
Dennery Segment’s Impact
Dennery segment is reshaping Caribbean music with its unique blend of cultural elements and global appeal.
“The fact that [overlooked] genres are being highlighted [in a more mainstream way], like Dennery segment, bouyon and konpa.”
Umpa’s Definition of Success
Umpa defines success as peace and aims to continue creating music while promoting Saint Lucia’s culture.
“Success is peace. You could have all the things in the world, but without peace, you’re not happy.”
The bottom line
Umpa, a 32-year-old Saint Lucian artist, won Caribbean Music Award for Dennery segment artist of the year, aiming to make Saint Lucia’s sound globally recognized.
