Jamaican-born entertainer Byron Messia, based in St. Kitts and Nevis, has achieved a significant milestone. His international hit “Talibans” has sold over 200,000 units, leading to him receiving a Silver certification in the United Kingdom. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) officially awarded this recognition on Friday, August 25, 2023.
The acclaimed song is a part of Messia’s album “No Love,” which has secured the No. 3 spot on the current U.S. Billboard Reggae Albums chart. With a multi-album deal from Interscope Records, Messia’s accomplishments are extending further.
“Talibans” continues its upward trajectory on multiple Billboard charts, notably the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, Rap Airplay, and Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts. The remix featuring Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy made an impressive debut at No. 18 on the Nigeria Hot 100 Singles chart and achieved No. 74 on the Irish Singles chart.
Furthermore, the sequel made its entry into the U.S. Hot 100 at No. 99, marking a historic moment as the first time a dancehall artist from St. Kitts has entered this prestigious chart. Notably, the original rendition of “Talibans” initially debuted at No. 67 on the U.K.’s Official Charts in June and peaked at No. 12.
“Talibans” is the first Trap Dancehall song to receive certification in the U.K. and the second to chart on the U.S. Billboard, after “Crocodile Teeth Remix” by Skillibeng and Nicki Minaj, which spent a week at No. 100 in May 2021. Skillibeng’s chart entry was the first by a Jamaican artist in four years.
Building on this remarkable success, Messia’s album “No Love” has garnered attention, leading to his nomination in the “Best Album” category at the upcoming Caribbean Afro Music Awards (CAMA) in the U.K. Celebrating outstanding talent across genres such as Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Latin Caribbean/Reggaeton, Gospel, and Afrobeats, the CAM Awards offer fans and enthusiasts the opportunity to vote from August 1 to September 14, 2023, on the official website. The awards ceremony, scheduled for October 15, 2023, will be broadcast on RepDat TV and will feature distinguished personalities from the entertainment industry, enhancing its prestige.
