Ian “Bunji Garlin” Alvarez continues to make waves around the globe with his hit song, “Differentology”, which features Orange Sky’s lead singer, Nigel Rojas, on guitar.
On Sunday night, during the 2014 Soul Train Awards in the United States, it was announced that the song and singer had captured a Soul Train Award for “Best International Performance” as the gala awards ceremony was broadcast on BET Centric.
Speaking to the Express yesterday, Alvarez said he was forced to keep the win a secret over the past three weeks and sees it as another stepping stone for the genre of soca music.
He said: “They sent the confirmation e-mail of the winners about three weeks ago, so I had to stifle that info until last night. I feel good that it was chosen by the people and God gave them the strength and the wisdom to choose and put that award in Trinidad’s hands.”
Alvarez’ “Differentology” was selected from among nominees, including: Machel Montano’s “The Fog”, Emeli Sande’s “Next To Me”, P-Square’s “Personally” and Iyana’s “Ur Waist”.
Just recently, the hit song was featured during the hit US television series Grey’s Anatomy and last month it defeated several challengers, including rapper Eminem and DJ/producer DJ Khaled on Hot97’s “Battle of the Beats” contest to earn entry into the playlist of that popular New York-based urban radio station. “Differentology” has also been a favourite at NBA games and other major sporting events in the USA.
The ever-humble Alvarez spent hours on Twitter thanking artistes, DJs, producers, sporting stars and fans from around the world, who showered him with congratulations as the news spread via the world wide web.
“This is for my family and this is for my fans and this is for my country.” He tweeted, soon after the award was announced. “I thank every single one of you and pray God blesses each of you.”
Garlin is scheduled to release his tenth studio album, entitled Differentology, with VP Records early in 2014.