Oungku of “Red Hot” and formerly of “Burning Flames” is the genius of Soca. Over the last quarter of a century no one else has been as innovative, dynamic, creative and avant-garde as this man in the entire Soca industry. The group that he helped formed was at the vanguard of soca for many years. I guess I can start with the use "rhythm box", it is to be noted that they were not the first to use it, however, they revolutionized its use and made it a staple of theirs riddims. Another innovation that made Flames unique was the utility of the “drum machine” thus producing that one of a kind sound we have all come to know. And as far as I know no one else in Soca does this within the genre. Some of the beats Oungku created seemed so epic that they have taken hold the psyche of Antiguans unlike any other beats. And today elements of those beats are scattered through today’s music. The combination of the melody and harmony within their music has been unparalleled. I don't have to mention the consistency of creating an album for each of these years I alluded to at the beginning. I do not have to mention that this man can be singular handedly responsible for the current pace of Soca. When other countries were dancing to beats that were much slower, Antiguans were jamming to beats per second that were unimaginable during the 1980’s within the genre. I do not have to mention the multiple hits and the ever regional composition of their live road appearances. Another testament of this man’s genius is the fact that there is no sign of slowing down even after so many years. I am curious to know what others think, are my claims valid or not? What are your thoughts about the things I have stated?

Oungku of “Red Hot” and formerly of “Burning Flames” is the genius of Soca. Over the last quarter of a century no one else has been as innovative, dynamic, creative and avant-garde as this man in the entire Soca industry. The group that he helped formed was at the vanguard of soca for many years. I guess I can start with the use "rhythm box", it is to be noted that they were not the first to use it, however, they revolutionized its use and made it a staple of theirs riddims. Another innovation that made Flames unique was the utility of the “drum machine” thus producing that one of a kind sound we have all come to know. And as far as I know no one else in Soca does this within the genre. Some of the beats Oungku created seemed so epic that they have taken hold the psyche of Antiguans unlike any other beats. And today elements of those beats are scattered through today’s music. The combination of the melody and harmony within their music has been unparalleled. I don't have to mention the consistency of creating an album for each of these years I alluded to at the beginning. I do not have to mention that this man can be singular handedly responsible for the current pace of Soca. When other countries were dancing to beats that were much slower, Antiguans were jamming to beats per second that were unimaginable during the 1980’s within the genre. I do not have to mention the multiple hits and the ever regional composition of their live road appearances. Another testament of this man’s genius is the fact that there is no sign of slowing down even after so many years. I am curious to know what others think, are my claims valid or not? What are your thoughts about the things I have stated?

Is he more of a genius than Onyan?

Is he more of a genius than Onyan?

one part you misled is..... leeward islands and virgin islands beats were always fast..... also...17 plus were the ones that took the rythm box to another level.....funk and fredo was like geniuses in the use of the box.....i heard some stuff came from 17 plus that were beyond the limit of the box.... what i can say is oungku introduced the keyboard brass in soca music....also show the world how to make a compact band.... i give both oungku fredo and funk their jacket.....these are the 3 guys who brought the electronic stand point of the drum machine out in the soca world

welcome to Soca chat..u should post more

That's a valid question!
I think when both worked together Flames were at their best and produced their best ever material!

Just my humble opinion.

Is he more of a genius than Onyan?

That's a valid question!
I think when both worked together Flames were at their best and produced their best ever material!

Just my humble opinion.

I have always been saying the govt of Antigua should of jailed them two (onyan,oungku) for breaking up. Each on their own are remarkable talents...put them both together they were the best in the Caribbean at one time. allu ever been behind a burning flames truck back in the 90's? boy that was the best times of my life!!!