Burning Flames with Governor General Sir Rodney Williams (photo by Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission)
You can now refer to them as Sir! All four members of the Burning Flames Band were knighted on Monday evening at the Ceremonial Parade marking 44 years of Independence for Antigua and Barbuda.
Brothers, Toriano “King Onyan” Edwards, David “Bubb-Il” Edwards and Clarence “Oungku” Edwards along with their nephew, drummer Rone “Foxx” Watkins received loud cheers from the crowd as they received their honor.
The band is celebrating 40 years of excellence this year, and it was Cabinet who saw it only fitting for the quartet who have long flown the flag of Antigua and Barbuda across the world receive their flowers.
Alongside this knighthood, the Potters Main Road is set to be renamed the Burning Flames Highway.
They are among the five individuals who were knighted during the ceremony.
Congratulations 🎉 well deserved, Burning Flames.
Well deserved. Potters Power.
Comment *Congratulations..well deserved
Absolutely deserved! Burning Flames have shaped our culture and put Antigua and Barbuda on the musical map.
CONGRATULATIONS SIR’S
This move by the government is one of the most unifying and culturally rich decisions in recent times. For too long, our local artists who have contributed significantly to national pride have gone unrecognized. Honouring Burning Flames at this level says to every young musician: “Your talent matters. Your culture matters.”
Now that’s a national moment! The kings of Antiguan soca finally knighted , it’s about time the nation’s heartbeat got its crown. Generations have jumped, waved, and celebrated to their music; this honour feels like history giving a standing ovation.
Every Carnival, every Independence, Flames was the heartbeat. This honour touch every Antiguan
A di debble riddim!! WOOTUP! Congratulations to the legends! The ones who helped for the culture of our nation! The original Burning Flames
This decision should set a precedent. Musicians, athletes, educators, and cultural pioneers who have uplifted the nation should be honoured in tangible ways. The Flames recognition proves that contribution to culture is just as vital as contribution to politics or business.
Dem man deserve more than a knighthood dem deserve a museum!
Dem man deserve more than a knighthood dem deserve a museum!
In a time when the country feels divided on many issues, this was one of those moments that brought unity. Red, blue, independent everyone could agree that Burning Flames put Antigua on the map. It’s a reminder that culture unites where politics divides.
The knighthood of the Edwards brothers and Rone “Foxx” Watkins is not just symbolic it’s historic. For 40 years, they’ve carried Antigua and Barbuda’s flag to every fete, festival, and stage around the world. Many believe this recognition should have come years ago, but better late than never.
You can’t talk about soca, calypso, or Caribbean music without mentioning Burning Flames. They didn’t just make hits; they created an entire sound that influenced musicians all over the region. This honour cements their status as musical royalty