Toriano “King Onyan” Edwards, David Edwards and Clarence “Oungku” Edwards
The members of legendary Antiguan band Burning Flames have been issued diplomatic passports by the government of Antigua and Barbuda, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced today, recognizing their four-decade contribution to Caribbean music and culture.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his wife Maria with members of the Burning Flames Band
The diplomatic passports will allow Toriano “King Onyan” Edwards, David Edwards and Clarence “Oungku” Edwards to travel internationally with enhanced dignity and respect as cultural ambassadors for their nation.
The band is also being considered for knighthood, with the Cabinet planning to nominate them for a National Award at the next Independence Award ceremonies to pay tribute to their exceptional legacy.
Meanwhile, in another gesture of recognition, Potters Main Road is set to be renamed “The Burning Flames Highway.”
Nice congratulations
Congratulations guys well deserved. 49 years is a long time for a band to stay together
40 years
Congrats to Burning Flames! They’ve put our little nation on the global stage for decades true cultural ambassadors