Dancehall fans are convinced something could be brewing after dancehall heavyweights Aidonia and Alkaline were spotted conversing in Antigua over the weekend, exchanging pleasantries and discussing music, according to sources close to both camps. The encounter has sparked widespread speculation that the Vendetta deejay could feature on Aidonia’s forthcoming project, which management has confirmed is in development but has yet to reveal whether it will be an EP or a full-length album. While neither camp has commented publicly on the speculation, the possibility of two of dancehall’s most influential and collaboration-selective artistes joining forces is quickly becoming one of the genre’s biggest talking points.
The two were in Antigua to headline the highly anticipated La Playa Privada event at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on July 26, alongside Skippa and Stalk Ashley. Their appearance came at a time when both artistes are enjoying significant momentum across the Caribbean. Aidonia has been riding the success of his hit single Like How Yuh Feel, which has topped Apple Music charts in Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and the British Virgin Islands. Earlier this month, his brother and manager, Lav “Lalo” Lawrence, confirmed to Prism Marketing Consultants that a new project is currently in development but declined to reveal the nature of the project. “We are currently working on a new project, that’s all I can say at this time,” Lawrence said.
Meanwhile, Alkaline continues to build on the success of his third studio album, NPT, which has secured Top 10 Apple Music album positions across Jamaica, Guyana, Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, and Saint Lucia. The project has also reignited interest in his landmark 2016 debut album, New Level Unlocked, which recently re-entered the Guyana Apple Music Top Albums chart a decade after its release. The rare resurgence has reinforced the Vendetta deejay’s catalogue strength while highlighting the staying power of one of dancehall’s defining albums of the streaming era.
Although there is no confirmation that a collaboration is in the works, the timing of the Antigua meeting has inevitably fuelled conversation among fans. Aidonia has rarely collaborated outside his immediate circle throughout his career, while Alkaline has also been highly selective with features, making the prospect of the two recording together particularly intriguing. Whether the discussion was simply a friendly exchange between industry peers or the beginning of a future musical partnership remains unknown. For now, dancehall fans will be watching closely for any official announcement as anticipation surrounding Aidonia’s next release continues to grow.
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