Fresh from being named Billboard’s 2026 Caribbean Rising Star, Jamaican dancehall artiste Skippa is addressing perceptions surrounding both his music and the wider state of dancehall. Responding to questions about why he does not make more uplifting music amid ongoing conversations about declining morals in the genre, the fast-rising deejay insisted that he does create positive material but believes it simply does not receive the same level of attention.
“I mean, we do. You have dancehall artists that do make uplifting music, it’s just that it’s not getting highlighted as much,” Skippa said during his Billboard interview. The artiste acknowledged that some of his own music may fall on what he described as the “next side of the spectrum”, but maintained that his catalogue also includes uplifting songs that are not promoted or recognised to the same extent.
Skippa went further, arguing that the issue extends beyond his own music. “So we do still have artists that make uplifting music, it’s just not getting highlighted,” he said, before suggesting that those raising concerns about the genre should take a closer look at how positive dancehall music is being covered and promoted. “You guys probably should look into that.”
The comments come at an important moment for the Jamaican trap-dancehall star, whose profile continues to grow following his Billboard honour and three nominations at the upcoming 2026 Caribbean Music Awards. As debates continue over the direction, content and influence of modern dancehall, Skippa’s response adds another perspective to the conversation: perhaps uplifting music is still being made, but the bigger question is whether audiences and gatekeepers are giving it enough of the spotlight.
