Julien Alfred's win boosts Soca hit
Julien Alfred, the sprinter from Saint Lucia, has captivated the Caribbean by setting a new national record in the 100 meters event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. More significantly, Alfred achieved the first-ever Olympic medal for Saint Lucia, igniting a wave of national pride across the island.
Back home, Saint Lucia has been abuzz with celebration, and the recent Soca hit “Damn Proud Lucian” by Sly has seen a remarkable rise in popularity. The song, which initially peaked at #116 on the Apple Music (All Genres) chart on July 9th, experienced a resurgence in the aftermath of Alfred’s victory. Despite a dip to #124 by July 17th, the track re-emerged on July 22nd at #168, coinciding with the lead-up to the Olympics. Notably, the tune also gained traction on Spotify, accruing 1,000 streams on the same day, indicating the pride of the Lucian diaspora in the upcoming races.
On the opening day of the Olympics, “Damn Proud Lucian” soared to #145 on the Apple Music chart and has continued to climb as Julien Alfred claimed her title as the #1 female sprinter in the world in the 100 meters event. As of today, the song stands at #50 on the Apple Music (All Genres) Chart in Saint Lucia—twice the streaming volume it achieved during the Carnival season. This surge reflects the song’s newfound role as a broader anthem of national pride.
Julien Alfred’s historic achievement has not only brought glory to Saint Lucia but has also turned Sly’s Soca anthem into a symbol of pride and celebration. The success of “Damn Proud Lucian” illustrates how Soca music can transcend the Carnival season and remain relevant throughout the year, celebrating national milestones and connecting communities worldwide.
Listen to Damn Proud Lucian and other favorite Soca Music in Saint Lucia here:
