The air in Barbados crackles with the unmistakable energy of Crop Over 2025, and at the forefront of the excitement is the dynamic Coopa Dan, ready to unleash his brand new track, “Two Steps.” This infectious rhythm, a vibrant collaboration with the exceptionally talented Haskell “Dj Spider” Greenidge, who not only penned the lyrics but also laid the song’s foundation, is already generating buzz as a surefire hit on the dancefloors this season. “This one here now,” Coopa Dan enthusiastically shared with Selecta Charts’s Paul Husbands for the Up Close series a recent interview, “I think we’ve created something really special for the Crop Over vibes.”
The Sound of “Two Steps”
Adding another layer of rich Barbadian musical texture to “Two Steps” are the unmistakable background vocals of the esteemed Anderson ‘Mr Blood’ Armstrong. His signature sound elevates the track, weaving in a familiar and beloved element of the island’s musical landscape. The sonic architecture of “Two Steps” is further masterminded by Dj Spider, who stepped into the role of Executive Producer, meticulously crafting the groove with his impressive skills on both the keys and the drums. This deep level of collaboration underscores the strong sense of community and shared artistic vision that thrives within Barbados’ music scene.
A Legacy of Anthems
While “Two Steps” represents Coopa Dan’s fresh offering for Crop Over 2025, his musical journey is paved with enduring anthems that continue to resonate deeply with his fanbase. His 2013 breakthrough hit, “Question of De Year,” remains an absolute crowd-pleaser, its infectious energy undiminished over time. “Question of the year is one of my favorite songs,” he fondly reminisced to Selecta Charts, emphasizing its lasting connection with his supporters. “That song is the song that paved the way for Coopa Dan the artist. To this day that song is still in my set list. Most times I perform, ninety five percent of times I perform, that song has to be in my set list. You know, people keep calling for that.”
The Profound Impact of “Reflection”
His more introspective and universally resonant track, “Reflection,” released during the unique period of global reflection, showcased a different, more profound dimension of his artistry, forging a powerful connection with listeners from all walks of life. “I think the response, the impact, and the whole touching every walk of life aspect of ‘Reflection’,” Coopa Dan thoughtfully explained, “I would say ‘Reflection’ can give ‘Question‘ there two uppercuts and and a jump kick and a body slam and take that out of first place.” The collaboration on “Reflection” with his cousin, the legendary Red Plastic Bag, remains a cherished experience. “We work on the chorus together, and he, the rest was history,” Coopa Dan fondly recalled, acknowledging the invaluable contribution of the veteran artist. “[Red Plastic]Bag is a master at simplifying hooks and choruses. That’s where the simpleness in the ‘I know who I am’ like that kind of vibe is what I was like, yo, I learned that from him for sure.”
Balancing Art and Education
Beyond his vibrant musical pursuits, Coopa Dan remains steadfast in his commitment to education, having dedicated 17 years to shaping young minds as a teacher. “It’s no secret that I’m a school teacher; I’ve been teaching for 17 years now,” he stated with a sense of pride in both his vocations. This remarkable ability to balance his artistic passions with his dedication to education underscores his multifaceted contributions to the Barbadian community. “The good thing about teaching,” he reflected, “you get to touch so many lives. And I be out in the events and I seeing some of the the students I taught, and it’s always that like respect… like I be proud to see how they how they developing and all.”
The Creative Spark
Coopa Dan’s creative process for songwriting is deeply rooted in his keen observations of the dynamic Barbadian cultural landscape. The pulsating rhythms spun by the island’s talented DJs and the infectious energy radiating from the Crop Over crowds serve as constant and potent sources of inspiration. “I listen to a DJ, how a DJ just introduce a song,” he elaborated, offering insight into his creative wellspring. “You know, a DJ just… just do what it’s called, build the argument before you play a song so that when you play the sound it impacts you more. So I listen to what the DJ say before he introduces a song, and they will hear certain things that they actually made sense. The DJ said it to get a response from the crowd, and once the response comes back, it’s like, okay, that’s how these people feel. That’s how them people feel. I know how it make me feel. So I can take that feeling and I said, ‘All right, that’s a topic. There’s a topic. That’s a topic.'”
A Taste of Entrepreneurship
Adding yet another vibrant dimension to his already dynamic persona, Coopa Dan is the passionate and entrepreneurial owner of “De Fried Pickle,” a cherished local food business that has garnered a loyal following. “We blend well-seasoned meats and good old Bajan and pickle,” he described with a warm smile, showcasing his culinary enthusiasm. His talents in the kitchen have even earned him well-deserved recognition. “I actually won the Oistins Fish Festival celebrity cook off last year,” he proudly shared, highlighting his diverse skills and passions.
As the anticipation for Crop Over 2025 reaches fever pitch, all eyes are undoubtedly on Coopa Dan as he steps confidently into the season with the infectious and collaborative energy of “Two Steps.” With a strong team of talented creatives alongside him and a proven track record of crafting impactful and resonant music, he is undeniably poised to be a vibrant and influential force in this year’s celebrations, further solidifying his integral role in the rich and dynamic cultural tapestry of Barbados. “Seriously, I’m grateful for you believing in me,” he expressed with heartfelt sincerity. This sentiment underscores his deep connection with his dedicated fanbase and his unwavering passion for his multifaceted craft.
