In a rhythmic fusion of Caribbean culture and brand storytelling, KFC Jamaica has teamed up with soca powerhouse Bunji Garlin to release a Jamaica-themed remix of the high-energy track Carry It just in time for Jamaica Carnival 2025. 

Originally launched during the height of Trinidad Carnival earlier this year, Carry It quickly became a defining anthem of the season. Written and performed by Ian Antonio Alvarez, more popularly known to fans worldwide as Bunji Garlin, the song is a potent homage to Trinidad’s golden era of soca. It celebrates the authenticity of grassroots Caribbean music while shouting out regions and cities across Trinidad in a lyrical ode to place and people.

Recognising the song’s resonance with Jamaican audiences and its growing presence on local soca playlists, KFC Jamaica approached Bunji Garlin with the idea of crafting a remix tailored for the Jamaican carnival circuit. The Trinidadian artiste readily agreed, resulting in a high-energy reinterpretation that honours Jamaica’s cultural landscape.

“We felt that Carry It had the potential to create that same sense of energy, passion, and connection that the original has created in Trinidad and all throughout the soca world since Bunji released it. The fact that it so creatively pays tributes to the various parts of Trinidad was a real plus, and we felt that this would translate well if we did a Jamaican version—spotlighting and “bigging up” various parts of Jamaica,  sharing in the love for soca and for carnival. We’re really excited to have facilitated this remix coming to life and it has been a pleasure to work with Bunji and Fay-ann [Lyons] on this project. We know it will be a huge hit in Jamaica for carnival season,” said KFC Jamaica marketing manager Andrei Roper.

The remix, produced with Bunji’s signature lyrical flair and musical depth, swaps out the Trinbagonian references for distinctly Jamaican markers from Half Way Tree to Montego Bay without losing the original’s core momentum and call-to-action spirit. It’s a cultural handshake between islands. The track is already gaining traction as fetes across the island will feature it heavily on the road come Carnival Day, April 27. 

For Bunji Garlin, the project is both personal and celebratory. “Jamaica has always welcomed me with open arms, and for a long time, it has been one of my favourite places to visit and to perform. And so it was a real thrill and pleasure to do this remix of Carry It for my Jamaican people. This song really channels the raw heritage and the passion of soca, and it was really a pleasure to bring this energy and this emotion to life while paying tribute to my Jamaican fans and their love for soca.”

The collaboration reflects KFC Jamaica’s ongoing commitment to supporting the evolution of Jamaica’s carnival experience. The brand currently sponsors two of the island’s leading bands, Xodus and GenXS, and sees its role not as a mere corporate participant but as an engaged cultural stakeholder. “Carnival in Jamaica continues to grow, and even though we are known as the home of reggae and dancehall, we feel that Jamaica continues to demonstrate year after year that we are capable of staging one of the premier carnival experiences in this side of the world.  We continue to stage premier carnival events during the season, attracting revellers from all over the globe. For us at KFC Jamaica, we are delighted to be a part of Jamaica’s carnival journey,” added Roper.