Mek Sense?
- Aug 16, 2023
- 3 min read

The Top 10 Bands in the VI

V.I. Bands ranked according to riddim, lyrics and influence.

We know you loved our best rappers list, and with the release of the song 'Run the Route' by Jougo, many arguments have sparked regarding who are the best bands of the VI. Our editors have taken these debates one step further by creating a list of the Greatest VI Bands of All Time using our ranking system and guidelines based on riddim, lyrics and influence.

#10 - UMB Soldiers

Songs like 'Cut and Go Thru' and 'Don't Stop Wukkin Up' are cemented classics that dominated jams throughout the VI in their prime. The band name itself might not be a household name, but you definitely know their songs (unless you too young), and for these reasons UMB Soldiers secure the tenth spot.

#9 - Xtaushun Band

We might not know what Pumpa was singing half the time, but we know it had us wuking up. On the rare occasion this band reunites, the crowd that they gather shows how timeless their music is, therefore earning them the ninth spot on the list.

#8 - Primetime Band

At one point, Primetime was the biggest band in the Virgin Islands and rivaled the Daddy Friday led Jam Band. One of their hits 'Bernie,' inspired by the movie 'Weekend at Bernie's,' is still played to this day both in jams and on the radio, and we can't forget the iconic dance that accompanies it. Primetime is legendary and have earned eight place on the ranking.

#7 - The Venomous Poizon Band (Uncle Sasso & BDJ Era)

This band has always been surrounded by controversy, but one thing they'll do is turn those controversies into great music. Now we know what you're thinking, and yes we know it's controversial to list BDJ. However, we're going to choose to separate the art from the artist and acknowledge that Poizon deserved road march several times earning them our seventh place.

#6 - Xtreme Band (ft Harella)

Pascal's energy and whitty lyrics, Dirky's insane riddims and Ramon's drums all mix together to create an almost perfect sound, with Tortola's very own soca queen taking this already incredible band to another level. We had to give them our sixth spot.

#5 - Shaw HP (Jammerz HP & JDPP)

To avoid taking up three spots on this list, we decided to treat all of Shaw's bands, past and present, as one. Shaw has come a long way. Once criticized for his voice sounding like a Daddy Friday wannabe, he's now regarded as one of the greatest of all time. His longevity and ability to remain relevant over the span of 20 years is incredible. Bass player, Rain Man, now a member of Blind Earz, grew to become one of the best bass players in the VI and became a fan favorite while playing for Jammerz. This band is legendary and we didn't even mention the JDPP Party mix. They belong on this list, and we put them at fifth.

#4 - Kylo & The Stylee Band

This band came to a tragic end much to soon with the terrible passing of their beloved lead singer, Kylo. Kylo was unparalleled when it came to his influence. He was one of the best to ever do it and he, along with Stylee Band itself is missed immensely. Swanks has gone on to become the leader of Blind Earz and one of the biggest producers from the Caribbean. This band defined a generation, and for these reasons, they are fourth.

#3 - VIBE

VIBE had a controversial start, but once they got started, they hit the ground running and never slowed down. VIBE has become a fan favorite and is known throughout the VI as the best band out at the time of this article. No matter where they play they will draw a crowd. They have won countless road marches and ruled jouvert each year. For these reasons, they are ranked third.

#2 - Showtime Band (Boss & Jougo Era)

This band almost doesn't seem real anymore. With a legendary cast of both Jougo and Boss, Showtime Band dominated the VI music scene and released timeless hits that have been certified classics. At one point, every tree in Tortola feared them when the song "Pushing Bush" was released. When the police tried to stop the jam they didn't need any musicians, just a bottle in their hands. For these reasons, they are second.

#1 - The Awesome Jam Band (Daddy Friday Era)