Bunji Garlin SOCA Paradise

Born in Sangre Grande and raised in the Royal Chartered Borough of Arima, Trinidad, Ian Anthony Alvarez better known as Bunji Garlin, is a Trinidadian artist and international  royalty. He is affectionately known as “de girls dem darlin” (although now married to Faye-Ann Lyons, a fellow performer) and also “fireman” for his famous chant of “Fire!” during his performances. Garlin says he got his stage name from the bungee cord, which is flexible and Garlin is a type of gun with powerful shots. In his own words: “…no matter what they send at me, I will always bounce back.”

Both a composer and performer of soca and ragga soca, Garlin is a prolific lyricist who calls himself the Lyrics King, a title very few would dispute. Ragga is a blend of soca with music, a genre he adopted and made his own during his first years on the music scene. He also sings songs that blend soca with other genres such as , R&B and .

As the leader of his band the Godfather’s Asylum, Garlin mentors and provides a nurturing environment for soca artists who are talented but have not found a way to break into the business.

Garlin was educated at Arima Senior Comprehensive School, where he demonstrated his unique chanting skills whenever he had the opportunity. His debut in the music industry in 1998 came after Garlin made a name for himself performing at small venues and local events. He is the undisputed king of  soca, having won the “Ragga Soca Monarch” competition in both 2000 and 2001, the two years in which the competition was staged. Garlin won the Young King title in 2001, and captured the coveted title of International Soca Monarch in 2002, then reclaimed this title for three more years.

Bunji Garlin performs both in his home country and abroad, where he spends the major part of the year after Carnival season ends in Trinidad. His performance reviews are usually glowing, as crowds always respond well to his high-energy performances, as well as his lyrical confidence and eloquence evidenced in his amazing ability to perform freestyle lyrics with an ease which most performers could only aspire to.

2nd Annual United Way of Broward County’s “Rock United”

Mission
To focus and unite our entire community to create significant lasting change in the community impact areas of Education, Income and Health – the building blocks for a better life – which positively impacts people’s lives.

Vision
United Way of Broward County will be the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite hearts, minds and resources within our community.

Values
Our Values are the foundation of our culture; guiding all we do with each other and the community we serve; fostering togetherness, collaboration and responsiveness.

Integrity
Candid and consistent in our words and actions.

Inclusiveness
Honor and embrace the diversity of our backgrounds, talents and ideas.

Compassion
Care about each other, sharing a commitment to improve our community.

Inspiration
Instill hope and the ability to change lives.

Creativity
Authentic and innovative in developing ideas and solutions.

Responsibility
Accountable to each other and conduct our work with transparency.

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