Fuego Dinero: Rising Through the Beat of Hip-Hop in Bouyon Dominica
by Semaj Bernard
Fuego Dinero
“When you ain't got no money, you ain't got no friends,”
In the vibrant cultural landscape of Dominica, Fuego Dinero is carving out a space in hip-hop, bringing a unique sound to a scene primarily dominated by bouyon. While reggae and bouyon are the island’s musical mainstays, this Dominican artist, with roots in both Dominica and the U.S., has set out to make hip-hop his territory.
Growing up with music in his blood, Fuego Dinero's father was a member of the Midnight Groovers, one of Dominica's legendary reggae bands. This early exposure to music shaped his appreciation for rhythm and sound. "My biggest musical influence was just music itself," he says. "I think it’s just the love of music that made me want to do music." While reggae played a big part in his youth, Dinero found himself drawn to hip-hop after spending years in the U.S., and it quickly became his primary creative outlet.
“Hearing people playing my music in their cars and on buses, that was a big accomplishment for me,”
Despite Dominica’s strong bouyon culture, Dinero's debut single, Catch Me If You Can, was a breakthrough moment. This track was more than a catchy beat; it was a message for those around him: keep up with his energy. The song struck a chord locally, where seeing hip-hop embraced on the island is rare. "Hearing people playing my music in their cars and on buses, that was a big accomplishment for me," he recalls.
The name “Fuego Dinero” came from a nickname his friends gave him. "They would always joke about how fast I spent money, like I was burning it up," he laughs. The nickname stuck and soon became his stage persona—a fitting identity for an artist known for his fiery energy.
Balancing music with his personal life has been manageable, he shares. Dominica’s preference for bouyon gives him the freedom to approach music as a passion rather than a full-time commitment. When he’s not in the studio, Dinero stays connected to his love of sports, coaching the Southside Jah Lions, a local basketball team. "I grew up playing basketball, and even though I don’t play as much now, I love coaching. Sports are always my thing."
Beyond just dropping singles, Dinero has used his music as a platform for honest reflection. Songs like *Strange Things* highlight the importance of vigilance and resilience. “When you ain't got no money, you ain't got no friends,” he says in the track, encouraging listeners to stay alert and do what it takes to succeed while staying within the law. His music often carries messages of loyalty, resilience, and street wisdom.
The artist has also benefited from collaborations with artists like Keks Mafia, Quan, and Supalyne, which expanded his reach and connected him with fans who might not have otherwise encountered his music. "You get to reach out to different people who don’t know you, you get to reach the other person’s following,” he explains.
Despite the challenges of breaking into the Dominican music scene with a non-mainstream genre, Fuego Dinero remains motivated. “Music is a vibe for me; it’s not like a full-time job, so it’s like a vibe and I like to go into that vibe,” he shares. Hip-hop is not just his passion; it’s his life.
Fuego Dinero's journey shows that hip-hop can find a home in even the most bouyon-centric cultures. With hits like Catch Me If You Can and his latest track, What You Like, featuring Big Shill, Fuego Dinero is pushing the boundaries of Dominican music, one beat at a time.