Music is a universal language that everyone speaks. That is why it would not be strange to see someone from the west play music from the other side of the globe and vice versa. The top 20 dancehall artists in the world today have followers from every corner of the world and keep releasing new projects to earn new fans.
Dancehall is one of the major music genres today. The genre originated in the late 1970s in Jamaica and has since spread to be a favourite among music lovers worldwide. Initially, many critics considered dancehall a smaller version of reggae than the roots style.
Top 20 dancehall artists
Roots reggae had become mainstream before the 1970s, and dancehall brought a fashionable new twist to the genre. Pioneer dancehall music artists include Bounty Killer, Mr Vegas, and Lady Saw. The artists are either making records behind the scenes or being active in the industry.
1. Vybz Kartel
Vybz Kartel is no doubt a household name in the international dancehall scene. The Jamaican artist popularity keeps rising despite him facing murder charges and serving time for killing a businessman in 2011.
The Jamaican recording artist, also known as world boss, has been expanding his discography even while in prison. To date, Vybz Kartel has about 1000 songs. He is one of the most popular dancehall artists.
2. Popcaan
Popcaan began ruling the dancehall scene in his early 20s. The Jamaican deejay, singer and songwriter, first became known when he collaborated with Vybz Kartel on the song Clarks in 2010. The singer has since grown his brand and gone ahead to release about a dozen mixtapes and albums. He is also an actor, featured in films like The Intent 2: The Come Up (2018) and Please Forgive Me (2017).
3. Mavado
Gully King Mavado has been active in the music scene since the early 2000s. The 40-year-old singer and deejay first came into the limelight after releasing his first official single Real McKoy, in 2005. He became people's favourite when he released the song Weh Dem a Do on the Red Bull & Guinness riddim.
Mavado worked on other songs before releasing his debut album Gangsta for Life: The Symphony of David Brooks in 2007. The singer has since collaborated with international stars like Chipmunk, DJ Khaled and even appeared in Drake’s video.
4. Sean Paul
Sean Paul needs no introduction to reggae, ragga and dancehall lovers. The 48-year-old Jamaican recording artist is considered one of dancehall’s most prolific artists of all time. He has been active in the music scene since the early 90s.
Sean Paul has 15 albums and a Grammy to his name. He is a 5-time Grammy Award nominee and Grammy Award winner for Dutty rock, which was rated the best reggae album in 2004.
5. Cecile
Dancehall bad girl Cecile is an icon who should be celebrated for being one of the most consistent female dancehall artists. She took music professionally in 1995 when Steven Ventura, the Celestial Sound Recordings owner, noticed her.
She worked on her singles and demo tapes before blowing up to be the badass artist that everyone wanted to be associated with. Her debut album, Bad Gyal, was released in 2008. She has since recorded seven more albums.
6. Beenie Man
Beenie Man has been the king of the dancehall scene for the longest time now. The 47-year-old music legend came to be popular in the 80s and 2000s as he was starting his career. The star is also a deejay with over 30 albums and thousands of singles.
Beenie Man is one of the few artists who are still relevant in the dancehall, reggae and raga genres despite being in the industry for decades. He is one of the most celebrated Jamaican dancehall artists.
7. Spice
Spice is one of the female dancehall artists with excellent chemistry when making music with dancehall king Vybz Kartel. The two have collaborated on various songs, including Conjugal Visit, Back Way, and Romping Shop, which have all been hits. The 38-year-old recording artist, singer and songwriter came into the limelight in early 2000 and has so far released about 1000 songs, 3 EPs and mixtapes.
8. Buju Banton
Buju Banton is not your average dancehall artist. Since he started, the singer has been relevant in the industry and went to jail and released after serving time for ten years. He is known for songs like Blessed, Hills and Valleys, Buries Alive, Destiny, and Love Black Woman. He has over 30 albums to his name.
9. Alkaline
Alkaline is one of the best dancehall artists. He is known for having surreal eyes, which have had fans question if he had tattooed his pupils or not. It is only recently that the 27-year-old Jamaican artist revealed that he has been rocking black eye contacts and that he had not tattooed his pupils.
Many believed that Alkaline would follow in Vybz Kartel’s footsteps when he first came into the scene. He has been making records and using Kartel’s style as an inspiration for his projects.
10. Konshens
Konshens is known for club bangers and party songs. Get the man in the studio, and he will produce hits that will top charts for months. The singer was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1985 and has been active in the music scene for about two decades now.
Some of his renowned hits include Gal A Bubble, Pull Up To Mi Bumper, Walk and Wine, Do Sum’n, Simple Songs and Bruck Off Mi C*ck. He is rated among top dancehall artists. Konshens has 10 albums and EPs.
11. Alaine
Alaine Laughton has always been a darling to dancehall lovers. The 42 years old singer and songwriter never fail to perform whether she is making a party song or a worship song. Her musical prowess and bubbly spirit are what makes her a dancehall favourite.
Alaine was born in 1978 in New Jersey, USA and got into the music scene in 2003. The dancehall, RnB and reggae artist was baptized in 2019 and released the single Boast Inna God.
12. Mr Vegas
For some time, many considered Mr Vegas king of Jamaican dancehall together with Beenie Man's likes. He is known for his distinct voice and fantastic music. The 46-year-old musician first came into the music scene in 1997 and had his debut album Heads High in 1998.
Mr Vegas got his name from his friend, who teased him that he kicked the ball like a Las Vegas dancer. Today, he has over a dozen albums, and two Grammy Award wins to his name.
13. Elephant Man
Elephant Man started his career as a member of the Scare Dem Crew in 1995. The dancehall and reggae veteran later went solo and made a name for himself. He sings aggressively and always gets his fans to dance along to his tune.
Other than his wonderful music, Elephant Man is known for his unique dressing style, which includes dying his hair in bright colours like red, green and yellow. He also has a one of a kind voice that is easily recognizable. The 45-year-old musician has eight albums.
14. Chris Martin
Any fan that enjoys lover’s rock and soothing dancehall sounds listens to one of the best reggae dancehall artists, Chris Martin. The artist has a mellow voice and knows how to get one on feet with his sweet-sounding and melodic love songs. He has been active since 2005 and has so far released three albums and EPs. Some of his popular hits include Is It Love, Take My Wings, Let Her Go, and Nah Go Change.
15. Koffee
Koffee has achieved what many of her peers can only dream of at 21 years of age. Having been in the industry for a little over three years, he is doing well for herself. She released her debut single ‘Burning’ in 2017.
After gaining popularity, she went viral on Instagram while singing the song Legend, a tribute to Jamaican star Usain Bolt. Koffee became the youngest person and only woman to win a Grammy Award in the Best Reggae Album category at 19.
16. Shaggy
Everyone was singing along to It Wasn't Me and Strength of a Woman throughout the 2000s as Shaggy grew to be an international star. The 52-year-old singer, DJ, and actor is a two-time Grammy Award winner and 7-time nominee. Shaggy is known as a superstar in the music scene, but not many know that Mr Boombastic was in the military for a short period in his life.
The musician enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1988 and obtained the MOS of 0811 (Field Artillery Cannon Crewman). He served with a Field Artillery Battery in the 10th Marine Regiment during the Persian Gulf War.
17. Tommy Lee Sparta
33-year-old Montego Bay native is one of the most aggressive dancehall artists today. Tommy Lee Sparta has for the longest time been one of Vybz Kartel’s closest associates. He gained popularity when he signed to Adidjahiem Records and later on when working with the Portmore Empire crew. Tommy Lee Sparta has recorded eight albums and collaborated with some of the dancehall scene's biggest names.
18. Chronixx
Chronixx is one of the youngest dancehall stars that have shown effort ever since he became a household name. He became a sensation when he released his hit Smile Jamaica. The Here Comes Trouble singer got his name from his father, Chronicle, and decided to go with Little Chronicle.
He later changed to Chronixx. Other significant hits by the 28-year-old include Sweet Love, Eternal Light, Skankin Sweet, Ghetto Paradise, and Ain’t No Giving In.
19. Macka Diamond
Macka Diamond is known for her longevity in the music scene and among the pioneers that paved the way for female dancehall artists. The 48-year-old started her career in the 1980s and has had a few name changes before settling with Macka Diamond. The Dye Dye singer first went by Lady Charm before changing to Lady Worries and later Lady Mackerel. Apart from singing, she is also an author of 4 books.
20. Gyptian
Hold You was a 2010-2015 dancehall anthem for all lovers of dancehall and reggae. Gyptian made the song hit and even made it better with the remixes that followed. The singer first came into the limelight in 2004 and has been consistent with music as he grows his discography. The dancehall, roots reggae and lovers rock singer have over five albums and EPs.
Music loves that enjoy dancehall music also love Jamaican culture. Fans worldwide travel to the Caribbean country to enjoy the Jamaican experience and get in touch with the locals. The top 20 dancehall artists in the world have been making international tours which add to their net worth.
Yen.com.gh shared a comprehensive list of the top 20 richest musicians in Ghana in 2021 and their net worth. Many individuals have become millionaires by nurturing their skills and talent in music. The richest musicians in Ghana release hit after hit, thus becoming a majority's favourite.
The richest musicians in Ghana continue to make several million dollars as they entertain their local and international fans. These musicians are the epitome of hard work, passion, and consistency.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
FAQs
The top 20 dancehall artists in the world right now 2022? ›
Male Dancehall Artiste of the Year – Masicka
Skeng, who continued to churn out hit after hit in 2022, saw his career soar to new heights when he landed a collaboration with international rapper Nicki Minaj.
Male Dancehall Artiste of the Year – Masicka
Skeng, who continued to churn out hit after hit in 2022, saw his career soar to new heights when he landed a collaboration with international rapper Nicki Minaj.
- Elephant Man. 239,561 listeners. ...
- Mr. Vegas. ...
- Konshens. 114,382 listeners. ...
- Bounty Killer. 181,997 listeners. ...
- Ir Sais. 75,774 listeners.
- Dreadsquad. 48,801 listeners. ...
- Alkaline. 34,790 listeners. ...
- Skillibeng. 33,560 listeners.
“He is one of the biggest names in Caribbean music despite being in prison for years, we are talking about the King of Dancehall, Vybz Kartel” said reporter Lisa Evers.
Who is the #1 trending artist 2022? ›The top global artists of 2022
It's a three-peat for global recording artist Bad Bunny. The singer-songwriter is the year's most-streamed artist in the world on Spotify—a spot he's held since 2020.
Shenseea on Breaking Barriers and Being Labeled 'The Fastest-Rising Dancehall Artist' | Billboard – Billboard.
Who is the new king of dancehall? ›The new 'King' of Reggae/Dancehall in Africa, Stonebwoy, has said that his kingship in music is like that of Asantehene.
Who won the best dancehall? ›Mr Killa was announced as the winner of the Best Reggae and Dancehall category at last evening's African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA). The Grenadian Soca superstar was voted as the category's winner over the likes of Spice, Shenseea, Stefflon Don, Popcaan and Alkaline.
Who is King of dancehall 2023? ›From Nick Cannon comes King of the Dancehall, an exhilarating coming of age and tumultuous love story of Tarzan Brixton that spans from the projects of Brooklyn to the shores of Jamaica.
Who made dancehall popular? ›Some of the artists who popularised this new era of Dancehall were Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Popcaan, Vybz Kartel, Konshens, Mr. Vegas, Mavado, Ward 21, Lady Saw and Spice, some of whom saw international success.
Who is the real king of reggae? ›
Jamaican musician Robert Nesta Marley, popularly known as Bob Marley, would have been 74 years old today, February 6. Thirty-eight years after he died of skin cancer, he, however, remains wildly celebrated as one of those who popularised reggae or for some, as the 'King of Reggae'.
Who is 1 famous person in Jamaica? ›Bob Marley, who was born Nesta Robert Marley in Jamaica in 1945 and died in 1981, is the best known and best loved performer and writer of reggae music. He is credited with spreading the Jamaican music and the Rastafarian Movement throughout the world.
Who is No 1 artist in the world? ›Canadian singer The Weeknd is the artist with the most monthly listeners as of April 2023, additionally being the artist with the highest number of listeners ever (112.78 million) and the first artist to reach 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
Who is the biggest artist right now? ›Abel Tesfaye, more commonly known as The Weeknd, is statistically the most popular musician on the planet, and no one else even comes close. The 33-year-old Canadian singer's success has seen him set two new Guinness World Records titles: Most monthly listeners on Spotify – 111.4 million (as of 20 March 2023)
Who is the No 1 singer in the world? ›BTS currently holds the record for most consecutive weeks at number one with 180. Justin Bieber has spent 163 weeks at number one on the Billboard Social 50. Taylor Swift have spent 28 weeks at number one, the most by any female artist.
Who is the father of dancehall music? ›Gerald “Bogle” Levy is to dancehall what Bob Marley is to reggae. But 15 years after the legendary dancer was shot dead, Jamaica's dancehall scene still craves recognition for its fallen hero.
Who is the most played dancehall artist on Spotify? ›The data reveal that Alkaline, Vybz Kartel, Masicka and Skillibeng are among the most-played artistes, both globally and locally. Skengs' Gvnman Shift and Countree Hype and Intence's Yahoo Boyz also made it to the lists over the most-played songs.
Who started Jamaican dancehall? ›First records: Noting the popularity of sound systems, Jamaican music producers like Duke Reid and Henry “Junjo” Lawes created the first dancehall recordings in the 1970s by taking existing instrumental songs or passages from songs with vocals and rerecording new vocals with other singers and deejays.
Which Dancehall artist passed away? ›The Dancehall fraternity has been plunged into mourning, following the sudden death of veteran deejay Merciless, one of the island's most eminent clash artists. The Gyal Dem Gizzada was found dead at a motel on Beechwood Avenue in St Andrew, 18 days after he celebrated his 51st birthday on July 1.
Who is the face of Dancehall? ›Skillibeng was born Emwah Warmington in Lyssons, St Thomas, Jamaica on December 23, 1996. He attended Morant Bay High School and did one year of sixth form at Seaforth High School.
Who is the king of music in Jamaica? ›
Bob Marley, Various Artists - Bob Marley: The King Of Jamaica / Various - Amazon.com Music.
Which dancehall artist sold the most albums? ›Koffee, Shenseea And Masicka Have The Best-Selling Jamaican Reggae/Dancehall Albums Of 2022. As far as litmus tests go, there are not many metrics more reliable at assessing how an artist is doing commercially than album sales and streams in the United States.
What dancehall artist got charged? ›Dancehall artiste Skeng has been freed of charges arising from an argument with a member of Port Security Corps at Norman Manley International Airport last May. The artiste, whose given name is Kevon Douglas, was charged with disorderly behaviour and resisting arrest.
Which Jamaican artist has won a Grammy? ›Reggae star Kabaka Pyramid has won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album with his sophomore album The Kalling. The winner was announced by presenter Arturo O'Farrill, during the 65th Annual Grammy Awards premiere ceremony, which was held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 5.
Is dancehall bigger than reggae? ›According to Watkis, the numbers show that dancehall continues to be the preferred genre among the majority of Jamaicans, particularly the youth. He notes that while more young people are beginning to pay more attention to reggae, they are only listening to certain artistes.
Who won dancehall artist of the year? ›VGMA23: Stonebwoy takes home 6th Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year award on return. Stonebwoy's return to the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (VGMA) stage after two years was a triumphant one for him. The 'Everlasting' hitmaker swept three awards, including the Reggae/Dancehall Artiste of the Year award.
Who is the youngest dancehall artist in Jamaica? ›| Koffee | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Mikayla Victoria Simpson |
| Born | February 16, 2000 |
| Origin | Spanish Town, Jamaica |
| Genres | Pop Melodic Rap Trap Dancehall Reggae |
Today, Grammy-nominated artist and entrepreneur Spice, internationally known as the 'Queen of Dancehall,' released a new single and music video, “God A Bless Me,” on all music streaming platforms.
What is Jamaican dance called? ›The tambu dance takes its name from the drum referred to as “tambu” and is performed mainly for entertainment with couples facing and moving towards each other using the Shay-shay, Saleone and Mabumba sequence. The shay-shay features rotating action of the hips, shuffling along with one foot on the ball.
Who was the first Dancehall artist to trend in the US? ›
Yellowman – Zungguzungguguzungguzeng
He went on the become the first Jamaican dancehall artist to sign to a US label, releasing his first album in 1982. His second album, Zungguzungguguzungguzeng, of 1983 is the one that made his name and helped establish dancehall on the international music scene.
2014–present: Music from prison
Since his incarceration in 2011, Vybz Kartel has been releasing new music prolifically. Jamaican prison officials have denied allowing him recording privileges, and Kartel has refused to state the exact source of the recordings, whose lyrical content includes current events.
Legend – The Best Of Bob Marley And The Wailers, with sales of over 10 million in the US alone, is the biggest-selling reggae album of all-time.
Who is the best Jamaican reggae? ›1) Bob Marley
No list of reggae artists would be complete without Bob Marley in the top spot.
Perhaps the earliest artist to take a more Jamaican-centered approach to the island culture was Isaac Mendes Belisario (1795–1849).
Who was the dancehall artist killed in Jamaica? ›Dancehall artist Al'Qual had a tough life. The son of crack addicts, the youngster kept on the straight and narrow, choosing music as his singular focus as he chased his dreams.
Who is Jamaica's biggest earner? ›Tourism is tied with remittances as Jamaica's top source of revenue. The tourism industry earns over 50 percent of the country's total foreign exchange earnings and provides about one-fourth of all jobs in Jamaica.
Who is the most followed Jamaican on Tiktok? ›- deno_crazy. @deno_crazy. Check contact details. ...
- Asta @asta.irl. Check contact details. ...
- Quite Perry. @perryquite. ...
- Rebelofficial. @rebelthisrebelthat. ...
- TheOriginalTc. @the_original_tc. ...
- SCANDY_OFFICIAL. @scandy_official. ...
- PmC The MasTer. @pmcthemaster. ...
- Krissii. @islandgyaltina.
The richest person in Jamaica is Joseph M. Matalon, with a net worth of $3.6 billion. The compensation he receives as Chairman of ICD Group Holdings has helped him amass his wealth. This is an investment holding firm based in Jamaica.
What is the number one song in Jamaica? ›| Pos | P+ | Artist - Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | = | Ireland Boss & Malie Donn - V6 |
| 2 | = | Valiant - Expensive |
| 3 | = | Byron Messia - Talibans |
| 4 | = | Kraff Gad - Calmc |
Who is the most famous star of this Jamaican music? ›
Bob Marley was a Jamaican singer-songwriter whose distillation of early ska, rock steady, and reggae musical forms blossomed in the 1970s into an electrifying rock-influenced hybrid that made him an international superstar.
Who is the most trending Dancehall artist in Jamaica? ›Beenie Man
Beenie Man has been the king of the dancehall scene for the longest time now.
The new 'King' of Reggae/Dancehall in Africa, Stonebwoy, has said that his kingship in music is like that of Asantehene.
Which Jamaican Dancehall artist died recently 2022? ›In 2022, the 'Grim Reaper' struck in many unexpected places, from nine-year-old Khalif Lawrence, the son of dancehall artiste Aidonia, and his wife Kimberley Megan, to two members of the iconic reggae group, the Mighty Diamonds, and left the music and entertainment fraternity in mourning.
Who is the most played Dancehall artist on Spotify? ›The data reveal that Alkaline, Vybz Kartel, Masicka and Skillibeng are among the most-played artistes, both globally and locally. Skengs' Gvnman Shift and Countree Hype and Intence's Yahoo Boyz also made it to the lists over the most-played songs.
Who is the king of dancehall music in the world? ›Although he has been behind bars for the past five years, Adidja Palmer—a.k.a Vybz Kartel a.k.a. Di Teacha a.k.a. The World Boss—continues to rule the dancehall scene with new releases dropping every month.
Who is the father of dancehall? ›Nicholas Lall, the father of dancehall...
Who was the first Jamaican dancehall artist? ›First records: Noting the popularity of sound systems, Jamaican music producers like Duke Reid and Henry “Junjo” Lawes created the first dancehall recordings in the 1970s by taking existing instrumental songs or passages from songs with vocals and rerecording new vocals with other singers and deejays.
Which dancehall artist passed away? ›The Dancehall fraternity has been plunged into mourning, following the sudden death of veteran deejay Merciless, one of the island's most eminent clash artists. The Gyal Dem Gizzada was found dead at a motel on Beechwood Avenue in St Andrew, 18 days after he celebrated his 51st birthday on July 1.
What artist has the most 1 billion plays on Spotify? ›As of April 2023, Canadian rapper Drake is the most-streamed artist of all time on Spotify, while American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift is the most-streamed female artist.
Who is the 2 most listened to artist on Spotify? ›
Most streamed artists on Spotify – Results
Expectedly, the most streamed artist of all-time is Drake, followed by Bad Bunny who leads among Latin acts. The top 3 is completed by Ed Sheeran. Among female singers Taylor Swift took over the top spot ahead of Ariana Grande.