In a moment that has dancehall fans buzzing with nostalgia and optimism, Popcaan has publicly endorsed fellow Gaza alumnus Blak Ryno’s latest single Faith, signaling a powerful gesture of unity in a genre often clouded by feuds. The Great Is He deejay took to Instagram Stories to repost the official music video for Faith, captioning it: “@blakrynomuzic Hotoil Mi Fam!”—a nod to their longtime association and recently rekindled friendship. The post, which was later reshared on Ryno’s own page, comes on the heels of the artiste’s surprise cameo appearances at both of Vybz Kartel’s sold-out concerts at the Barclays Center in New York over the weekend.
Ryno, who has steadily been reestablishing his presence in the dancehall space, is currently gearing up for the release of his forthcoming EP Focus, due later this spring. Speaking exclusively with Prism Marketing Consultants, the artiste clarified speculation that Faith was a diss track aimed at a former Portmore Empire member, asserting, “I have no time for feuds. The song is not aimed at anyone—it represents Ryno, Gaza, and Unruly.” The single serves as a poignant declaration of his growth, introspection, and renewed artistic vision, a departure from the diss-heavy culture that once defined much of his earlier career.
The dancehall genre has long been known for lyrical clashes and rivalry, with a 2021 University of the West Indies (UWI) study noting that over 70% of prominent dancehall artistes have engaged in some form of musical feud during their careers. Yet, in recent years, there’s been a noticeable pivot toward reconciliation and collaboration. Popcaan and Ryno’s public show of solidarity mirrors a broader trend—one reinforced by Spotify’s 2024 Wrapped data which revealed a 22% uptick in reggae and dancehall streaming globally, highlighting renewed global interest and opportunities for unity.
Adding to the excitement around his career resurgence, Ryno hinted at further visuals and new singles in the coming weeks, including a possible collaboration with his fiancée and fellow artiste Zirah. “I’m working on several new singles and want to ensure this project reflects my growth as an artiste,” he previously shared. With Faith already setting the tone, Focus is poised to be a defining chapter in Ryno’s journey—one that celebrates not only artistic evolution but also the healing of old wounds in dancehall’s ever-evolving story.
