Gregory Hodge (DJ Avalanche)
A Soca hit song produced by St. Thomas native DJ Avalanche has won the Road March title at Vincy Mas 2024. The song, "Carnival Jumbie" performed by Problem Child, marks yet another significant achievement for DJ Avalanche, whose real name is Gregory Hodge.
Hodge expressed his joy on Wednesday, stating on Facebook, “Now this is a nice B'day Gift and another win for VI! Just got the word. I just won another international road march. (That makes 3) For those who are unaware I officially produced the road march for St. Vincent and the Grenadines (Vincy Mas 2024). 'Carnival Jumbie' performed by Problem Child, produced by DJ Avalanche (Gregory Hodge).”
This victory adds to Hodge's accolades, having previously produced the Road March-winning song "Hard Fete" by Bunji Garlin in Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival 2023.
"Hard Fete" was a monumental and historic achievement as it was the first time a Virgin Islands-produced rhythm won the title in Trinidad. According to the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), "Hard Fete" was the most-played song at judging points with 135 plays, outpacing Nailah Blackman’s and Skinny Fabulous's "Come Home" with 106 plays and Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts's "Like Yuh Self" with 50 plays.
Following the Trinidad win, Bunji Garlin expressed his gratitude: “Thanks to DJ Avalanche for letting us get to grit on this beat and make some magic. He sent me a whole set of beats and when I asked about this one after my bro Pumpa had sent me it to hear we were ready to go!!!! Big big big love to the V.I. massive."
In April, DJ Avalanche was honored during a Perma Plaque Ceremony hosted on St. Thomas. He was recognized for his outstanding contributions as a disc jockey, radio talk show host, and entertainer, receiving the official Key to the Virgin Islands. Accepting the recognition, DJ Avalanche thanked the community for their support and encouraged young Virgin Islanders to “let my story be a symbol of inspiration that we can do big things from a small community.”
