5 Questions With Muddy
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Muddy shared with ‘The Gleaner’ that one of his hidden talents is singing and writing dancehall music, which he says was his first love.
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Following his brief visit for the launch of Gen XS Infinity, Muddy says he’s most looking forward to experiencing Jamaica’s carnival and seeing how it compares to Spicemas.
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Grenadian soca artiste Muddy delivers a crowd-pleasing performance of his hit song ‘Payroll’ at the recently held Gen XS Infinity media launch last Saturday, giving attendees a taste of what’s to come at Immortals J’ouvert.
Fresh off a surprise appearance at the Gen XS Carnival 2026 launch, Grenadian soca artiste Muddy is gearing up for his first Carnival in Jamaica experience. Born Alex Cuffie, the 2025 Power Soca Monarch of Grenada has steadily built his reputation over the years, with a growing catalogue that continues to resonate across the Caribbean. There’s something about a soca artiste who doesn’t just make music, but moves culture. Muddy is quickly earning that distinction, bringing a raw, high-energy sound rooted in Jab traditions while carving out a space that feels both authentic and forward-thinking.
His hit single Payroll has become one of the defining anthems of his career, gaining widespread traction both on the road and online. With fans consistently sharing their own takes and tagging him in videos, the track has taken on a life of its own, a moment Muddy admits nothing could have prepared him for. It even earned a spot on Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of 2025.
Known for his commanding stage presence and deep connection to Jab Jab culture—a Grenadian tradition marked by oil, paint, powder, and symbolic blackened skin—Muddy’s artistry blends performance, identity, and cultural storytelling in a way that stands out in today’s soca landscape.
Now stepping into Jamaica’s carnival scene for the first time, Muddy is poised to expand his reach even further. His upcoming appearance with Gen XS, powered by Smirnoff, including a headline slot for Immortals J’ouvert, signals a growing regional demand for his sound. As his profile continues to rise, Muddy represents a new generation of soca artistes pushing the genre beyond borders while staying grounded in its roots. He shares more in this week’s 5 Questions With…, reflecting on his hit single Payroll, his expectations for the season, and the story behind his name.
1. It’s your first time in Jamaica. What has the experience been like so far, and what are you expecting from carnival?
This is my first trip to Jamaica, and although my stay was very short, the love, warmth and camaraderie were amazing. I can’t wait to be back [for carnival in April].
2. How do you expect Carnival in Jamaica to compare to home?
Based on what I’ve seen, I’m expecting similarities, with lots of paint and powder,[especially for Immortals J’ouvert], and I’m excited to experience Jamaica’s carnival and compare it to Spicemas. But I’d love to bring Jab culture to Jamaica in a big way, both the Jab music and the blackened skin.
3. What’s the story behind your name, ‘Muddy’?
Muddy came about because of my down-to-earth personality.
4. ‘Payroll’ is one of your biggest hits. What’s it like seeing fans and revellers react to it?
Payroll’s success amazes me every day. With every performance and even the videos I get tagged in daily, the response has been incredible. Nothing in my career prepared me for it; it’s not something you can plan for, it just happened.
5. What’s one hidden talent or hobby people would be surprised to know about you?
My hidden talent is definitely my ability to sing and write dancehall music. Dancehall was actually my first love, I still gravitate to it, especially artistes like Aidonia. But my older cousin, Dingaan ‘Lil Natty’ Henry, who is a soca artiste, encouraged me to try soca and here we are 10 years later.
nyoka.manning@gleanerjm.com