Location: Eastern Caribbean, just east of Saint Vincent
Population: ~280,000
Capital: Bridgetown
Official Language: English
Currency: Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (UTC -4)
Calling Code: +1-246
Barbados is the birthplace of Rihanna and home to a thriving music scene blending African heritage, British influence, and Caribbean flair. Music is everywhere — from buses to beaches, and especially during Crop Over, the island’s largest festival.
Popular music genres include:
Soca – especially Bajan soca, fast and energetic
Calypso – storytelling through rhythm
Spouge – Barbados’ own musical invention
Reggae, Dancehall, R&B, and Afro-Caribbean fusion
Gospel and Contemporary Worship on Sundays
Barbados has a well-developed radio scene, with FM and digital stations broadcasting music, talk, and news 24/7. Stations often play a mix of local, regional, and international hits, with strong support for local artists and DJs.
You'll hear:
Morning call-in shows and traffic updates
Soca countdowns and Crop Over coverage
Caribbean gospel, late-night R&B, and dancehall marathons
English-language news, interviews, and politics
Known for its stunning platinum-sand beaches
Friendly, music-loving culture
Deep-rooted traditions like fish fries, cricket, and rum
Safe, modern, and great for visitors
Legendary festivals like Crop Over and Oistins Fish Festival
Language on air: English
Streaming available: Yes — most stations are online
Popular Genres: Soca, spouge, gospel, dancehall, pop
Best time to tune in: During Crop Over (June–August)
Local Radio Style: Upbeat, interactive, community-driven