Caribbean music has long held a special place in the global musical landscape, from the iconic reggae tunes of Bob Marley to the modern offerings of artists like Shenseea and Masicka. After a period of relative quiet on the international stage, the Caribbean music scene is experiencing a resurgence, with a new generation of artists pushing boundaries and blending genres in innovative ways.
In recent times, songs like Byron Messia’s “Talibans,” Ireland Boss & Malie Donn’s “V6,” and Teejay’s “Drift” have gained global recognition, demonstrating the enduring appeal of contemporary Dancehall and reggae. Additionally, the rise of reggaetón, which owes much to Dancehall’s influence, has further highlighted the Caribbean’s musical impact on the world stage.
The 2020s are witnessing a resurgence of Caribbean music’s mainstream prominence, with artists not only building upon the foundations laid by legends but also pushing the boundaries by incorporating elements of Dancehall, reggae, soca, calypso, Afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, and gospel into their music. This fusion of styles represents an exciting new frontier for Caribbean music, captivating audiences worldwide.
Notably, the influence of Caribbean music extends beyond the islands themselves, with the children of Caribbean immigrants in cities like New York, Toronto, Miami, and London making their mark with genre-blurring tracks such as Capella Grey’s “Gyalis” and Cochise’s “Buff.”
To celebrate and honour the rich diversity and growing influence of contemporary Caribbean music, Billboard is launching a monthly column. This column will spotlight 10 of the best new Reggae, Dancehall, and related genre songs each month. While covering every track in today’s music landscape is impossible, the accompanying Spotify playlist will expand upon the ten highlighted songs.
Inaugurating this exciting venture, here are ten reggae and dancehall tracks that are igniting playlists and late-night gatherings from Kingston to New York City:
- Millbeatz & Lyrikal, “Blessed Day”
- Skippa, Najeeriii & Sulfa Ge, “Like Bob”
- Nailah Blackman & KANIS, “Follow Follow”
- Bounty Killer & Cham feat. Dexta Daps, “Slow Motion”
- Capleton, “Say Them Love You”
- System32 & Lyrikal, “Stick On”
- Popcaan, “Nyqui” (with Anju Blaxx)
- Mr. Vegas, “God Out (Enuh)”
- Skeng feat. Valiant & Jiggy D, “Loyal Gyal”
- Nadia Batson, “Market”
Stay tuned for more vibrant Caribbean rhythms in the months to come as we explore the ever-evolving landscape of this rich and influential musical tradition.
