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 1 . Kybba, Ryan Castro & Sean Paul & Busy Signal - Ba Ba Bad RemixOriginally a solo groove from Busy Signal, "Ba Ba Bad Remix" reemerges with Sean Paul and Ryan Castro onboard, exchanging verses over sly rhythmic tweaks. Released in June 2025 by Basshall Records, the track mixes dancehall tension with Latin swing and urban electronics without blinking too hard at genre fences. Production comes courtesy of Kybba—aka Jack Herron—an Amsterdam-based DJ raised in Salento who’s been stirring Caribbean and Afro elements into his projects since launching the Basshall Movement in 2016. He’s behind tracks like "Pon Di Ting" and "Pilot," which shuffle between his Italian roots and club systems louder than necessary.
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 2 . Rema, Selena Gomez - Calm Down"Calm Down" pairs Rema's laid-back Afrobeats groove with Selena Gomez's airy vocal presence, reshaping the song's mellow storytelling into a cross-continental exchange. Released first as part of "Rave & Roses," the track finds new energy in the remix, which expands its reach beyond its original audience. The song climbs to number three on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a milestone for both artists. Rema, born Divine Ikubor, steps into the global spotlight after his breakout with "Dumebi" and his deal with Jonzing World.
The music video is directed by Charm La'Donna
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 3 . Moliy, Silent Addy - Shake It To The Max [Fly] [Remix]"Shake It To The Max (FLY) [Remix]" brings together MOLIY, Shenseea, Skillibeng, and Silent Addy in a fusion of afrobeats and dancehall. Originally crafted by MOLIY and Silent Addy, the track resurfaces with new energy, highlighting voices from Ghana, Jamaica, and beyond. MOLIY, a Ghanaian-American artist, entered the scene with "Wondergirl" in 2020, later appearing on Amaarae’s "Sad Girlz Luv Money." Shenseea has been a key presence in dancehall since 2016, while Skillibeng gained prominence in 2019 with "Brik Pan Brik." Silent Addy continues shaping connections between afrobeats and dancehall. The music video is directed by Fernando Hevia
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 4 . Wizthemc, Bees & Honey - Show Me Love"Show Me Love" pairs WizTheMc’s fluid delivery with bees & honey’s airy sound, weaving hip-hop cool with breezy pop undertones. Produced by Hitimpulse, the beat moves with an effortless ease, balancing crisp percussion and smooth melodies. WizTheMc, born Sanele Sydow in Cape Town and raised in Lüneburg, Germany, carved his path with "For A Minute" in 2021, building a catalog spanning three albums and numerous EPs between Germany and Toronto. The music video is directed by saybyetoit & WizTheMc >> More by the same : Website
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 5 . Spice, Shaggy And Sean Paul - Go Down Deh"Go Down Deh" brings together Spice, Shaggy, and Sean Paul in a dancehall track that merges classic riddims with pop influences. Produced by Costi and Shaggy, the song leads Spice's debut studio album "10," released through VP Records. The collaboration unites three dancehall figures—Spice as the self-proclaimed "Queen of Dancehall," Sean Paul as an international hitmaker, and Shaggy, a Grammy winner with a knack for infectious hooks. Its success extends beyond music charts, securing a place on former U.S. President Barack Obama's 2021 playlist. Certified platinum in Canada, the track marks a milestone for Spice, highlighting her expanding influence. Born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, she first gained traction with tracks like "Romping Shop" and "So Mi Like It." Her stint on "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" only widened her appeal, bridging dancehall with mainstream audiences. "Go Down Deh" reinforces her standing, bringing a infectious rhythm and sultry delivery fit for global ears.
The music video is directed by Jason Williams
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 6 . Shenseea - Hit & Run (w/ Masicka, Di Genius)Interpolating a dialogue between Shenseea and Masicka, "Hit & Run," produced by Di Genius, captures the uncommitted nature of fleeting relationships. Released in January 2024, this dancehall fusion piece sees Shenseea playfully dismissing any intent for deeper attachment, while Masicka reflects on the nostalgia of their encounter. The production pulsates with rhythmic beats, setting the tone for a vibrant yet introspective exploration of love and freedom. The music video is directed by Shane Creative
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 7 . Meryl - Shatta Confessions (w/ )"Shatta Confessions" is a 2025 single by Meryl featuring N'Ken, blending dancehall with Antillean rap in a nod to their Caribbean background. The track offers a sharp, rhythmic structure and lands easily in playlists built for the warmer months. Meryl, born Cindy Elismar in Martinique in 1995, fuses urban and Caribbean influences in her work, including her 2020 mixtape "Jour Avant Caviar." N'Ken navigates similar musical lanes in the French Caribbean scene. The music video is directed by Maza
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 8 . Burna Boy - Tested, Approved & TrustedBurna Boy’s "Tested, Approved & Trusted," from his 2024 album, merges Afrobeats with 80s pop influences. Produced by Adrian X and Yeti Beats, the track reflects Burna Boy’s confidence and resilience in the face of global success. Accompanied by remixes featuring Prince Swanny and Major League DJz, the song reinforces his status as a leading voice in contemporary music. The music video is directed by Cameron Dean Featured on the album I Told Them...
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 9 . Masicka, Rvssian - Rich SexReleased June 28, 2025, "Rich Sex" pairs Masicka with Rvssian under the Head Concussion Records banner. Masicka steers the vocal helm, moving smoothly between dancehall cadences and reggae inflections without breaking a sweat. Rvssian, producer and Head Concussion’s founder, supplies the glossy, bass-heavy backdrop with the confidence of someone used to hearing his beats cross continents. The result is less a grand statement than two savvy players doing what they do best—Masicka with the mic, Rvssian with the mix, and both with a sense of timing that rarely misfires. The music video is directed by Shane Creative
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 10 . Burna Boy - For My Hand (w/ Ed Sheeran)"For My Hand," a collaboration between Burna Boy and Ed Sheeran, blends Afrobeat and pop elements. Released in 2022, the song explores themes of love, devotion, and mutual support. Produced by P2J, the romantic ballad sees the duo serenade listeners with their smooth vocals, accompanied by a striking music video featuring New York's skyline as a backdrop. The music video is directed by Troy Roscoe Featured on the album Love, Damini
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 11 . Denis Nuca , LETTY - Doar La Ea. Ba La Ea"Doar La Ea, Ba La Ea" brings together Denis Nuca and LETTY in a Romanian pop collaboration set for release in February 2025. Nuca, a fixture in the genre since the early 2020s, joins forces with LETTY, whose career thrives on collaborations. The title translates to "Only To Her, But To Her," hinting at a narrative of fixation or devotion. Nuca’s previous singles include "Jocul Calamarului," "Favella," and "Wella, Wella," reinforcing his presence in the scene. The music video is directed by Elph
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 12 . Prince Swanny, Major Seven - Liff Up"Liff Up" pairs Trinidadian dancehall mainstay Prince Swanny with producer Major Seven for a track led by steady Caribbean rhythms and layered vocal interplay. Released in July 2025, it sticks close to the zesser-driven energy that Swanny—born Taryll Swan—has been threading through the scene since his 2017 breakout "Go Fi Dem." He's the voice behind the 2019 debut album "Trinidad's Bad Man," and once again he leans into his dancehall roots without ever losing pace. The music video is directed by Reggie x Swandan Featured on the album Outside (ep)
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 13 . Kraff - IkationDancehall artist Kraff's 2024 track "IKATION" channels Spanish Town's rhythmic roots. Seamlessly blending traditional and modern styles, Kraff asserts his unique voice in Jamaica's vibrant music scene. The music video is directed by Shane Creative Featured on the album IKATION
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 14 . Chronic Law, Cjthechemist - NY Girls“NY Girls” pairs Chronic Law’s pen with Cjthechemist’s engineered precision in a 2025 dancehall cut tailored for late-night reverie. Released under Chemist Records and DubShot, the track sketches New York women through a Caribbean gaze—equal parts admiration and critique wrapped in syncopated riddims. Chronic Law, born Akeem Campbell, navigates the beat with measured flow, backed by Cjthechemist’s clean yet unrelenting production choices. The music video is directed by Jedi The God
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 15 . Ayetian, Ayetian, Govana & Nvtzz - Wah Yo Deh Pan"Ayetian, Govana & Nvtzz - Wah Yo Deh Pan" stirs the airwaves with its Jamaican dancehall flair. Ayetian teams up with Govana, guided by Nvtzz's production expertise. The track spins on catchy call-and-response hooks and swift patois over a bassy riddim. The title, a playful confrontation, translates to "what are you on/what are you about?" The "Ram Putu" lyrics video amplifies its bouncy energy with clipped snares and a deep groove. This single, tailored for dance floors and clashes, highlights Ayetian's viral freestyle edge, Govana's sharp delivery, and Nvtzz's minimalist touch. The music video is directed by Brownland x Jxsse Jxmes >> More by the same : Website
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 16 . Kraff , Dj Mac - My Type"My Type" pairs Kraff and DJ Mac in a dancehall collaboration marked by a rhythmic pulse and lyrics that find quick favor with fans of the genre. Produced by BuduWxrld, DJ Mac, and RaheemWidTheBook, the track leans into an infectious beat that supports its lyrical playfulness. Kraff, known offstage as Tevin Randall, first made an impact with "Deniro" and channels his energy into "My Type," maintaining the approach that defines his work in trap dancehall. The music video is directed by Shane Creative/444 >> More by the same : Website
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 17 . Armanii - 8:00 pm (w/ Malie Donn)In "8:00 PM," Armanii joins Malie Donn for a late-night collision of Kingston and Spanish Town energy, fusing Armanii’s melodic edge with Malie’s weightier tone. The track walks a line between emotional directness and rhythmic swagger, indebted to dancehall’s instinct for tension and release. Malie Donn trades his usual grit for a smoother delivery, while Armanii steps away from balladry into something slicker, if not sweeter.
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 18 . Bessan Ismail - Hayhat“Hayhat” by Bessan Ismail traces the unraveling of trust, where repeated forgiveness only sharpens the sting of betrayal. Produced by Fouad Jned, the track leans into emotional erosion rather than catharsis, sketching a portrait of someone who’s had enough—finally, and quite definitively. A Syrian YouTuber born in 2003, Ismail swaps daily vlogs for somber reflection, packaging heartbreak with a polished melodic edge popular across the Middle East. The music video is directed by Hayfa Al Fakih
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 19 . Uncle Waffles - Wadibusa (w/ Royal Musiq,Ohp Sage, Pcee & Djy Biza)"Wadibusa," released in April 2024, is a collaborative Amapiano track by Uncle Waffles, Royal Musiq, Ohp Sage, Pcee, and Djy Biza. Characterized by its infectious beats and synth melodies, this song captures the essence of South African dance culture, gaining traction through viral challenges. The music video is directed by Larnelle Bakala
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 20 . Masicka - MuteReleased in May 2025 through Def Jam, "Mute" pairs Masicka’s patois-laced lyricism with a minimal beat built on chilly piano loops and clipped hip-hop drums. He alternates between syncopated phrasing and machine-gun delivery, threading rhythmic agility through the instrumental’s stark atmosphere. The chorus feels engineered for communal recitation, throwing occasional shade while keeping the energy meticulously measured. "Mute" lands after collaborations like “Whites (Remix)” with French Montana and tracks from 2023’s “Generation of Kings,” including “Tyrant,” “LimeLight,” and “Wet” with Fridayy. Masicka, from Independence City in Portmore, straddles DJ, vocalist, and songwriter roles with a precision that sidesteps theatrics in favor of raw cadence. The music video is directed by AKA Ruppi >> More by the same : Website
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ABOUT Modern DancehallWhat is Modern Dancehall?Emerging from Jamaica’s vibrant streets in the late 1970s, Modern Dancehall has since morphed into a globally recognized genre. Artists like Shenseea, Popcaan, and Koffee expertly blend traditional dancehall with the infectious rhythms of hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and even Latin influences. This fusion expands its appeal, making it more versatile while staying true to its Jamaican origins. Modern Dancehall thrives on its foundation of riddims—syncopated instrumental tracks, punctuated by off-beat rhythms that are quintessentially Jamaican. Yet, the genre has evolved, with intricate electronic beats and complex rhythms pushing dancehall into the contemporary spotlight. Lyrics: A Dual Lens of Celebration and Social CommentaryModern Dancehall lyrics oscillate between the highs of success and the grit of urban life. Themes of resilience, celebration, and romantic escapades intermingle with sharp social critiques. Bold, confident, and provocative, the lyrics reflect the realities of life in bustling cities. Tales of triumph in the face of adversity, the allure of success, and the realities of personal relationships all find their place within the genre. Dancehall’s “badman” culture, akin to gangsta rap, surfaces frequently, recounting stories of street life and survival. Visual Impact in Modern Dancehall Music VideosMusic videos play a pivotal role in Modern Dancehall, conveying the genre’s aesthetics and messaging through dynamic visuals. Urban Landscapes and Street CultureSet against the backdrop of lively neighborhoods and bustling streets, Modern Dancehall videos embrace the raw, everyday life of working-class communities. Artists like Chronic Law and Skeng reflect this with vivid depictions of street corners and markets, grounded in the struggles and realities of urban living. Luxury and SuccessContrasting its humble origins, Modern Dancehall often showcases the rewards of success—luxury cars, designer brands, and opulent jewelry. Artists like Popcaan and Shenseea prominently feature these symbols of affluence in their videos, encapsulating an aspirational narrative. These visual cues illustrate a journey from hardship to wealth, emphasizing the genre’s persistent “rags to riches” theme. Dance and ChoreographyDance is at the heart of Modern Dancehall, and videos frequently showcase energetic and intricately choreographed routines. Ding Dong and Spice lead the charge, with infectious moves that often spill over into global dance trends. These videos don’t just promote music—they turn dance into a viral phenomenon, with routines that emphasize the communal and celebratory aspects of the genre. Bold Colors and Neon LightingVivid color schemes and sharp neon lighting give Modern Dancehall videos their unique, high-energy look. Valiant and Teejay use striking palettes of neon greens, reds, and pinks to create a visual atmosphere that mirrors the music’s electric beats. This visual dynamism, with flashing lights and kaleidoscopic hues, underscores the party-like atmosphere that dominates much of dancehall culture. Power Symbolism and “Badman” CultureMany dancehall videos embrace the imagery of power and authority. Artists like Alkaline and Tommy Lee Sparta often position themselves in commanding stances, surrounded by large entourages that signal strength and dominance. Guns, military posturing, and images of confrontation reflect the influence of “badman” culture, where personal strength and resilience are paramount. Gender Dynamics and SensualityModern Dancehall videos unabashedly explore sensuality and desire. Female artists such as Spice and Shenseea lead the way, projecting empowerment through bold choreography and unapologetic body positivity. Their performances challenge traditional gender norms, while male artists often emphasize romantic conquests, adding a dynamic layer of seduction to the visual narrative. Cultural Pride and Regional InfluenceDespite its global reach, Modern Dancehall remains deeply rooted in Jamaican culture. Symbols of national pride, such as the Jamaican flag and Rastafarian colors, often appear in videos, alongside local slang and imagery of everyday life in Kingston. Koffee and others seamlessly weave these references into their visuals, ensuring that dancehall’s Jamaican heritage remains central, even as it garners international acclaim. Modern Dancehall’s African Rise: A Fusion of Sounds, Cultures, and InfluenceIn the 2020s, Modern Dancehall has rapidly expanded across Africa, largely due to its fusion with popular local genres like Afrobeats and Amapiano. Artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Stonebwoy have blended dancehall rhythms with African beats, creating a hybrid sound that resonates across the continent. Collaborations between Jamaican and African artists further strengthened these ties, making dancehall more accessible to African audiences. Jamaican artists like Popcaan, Koffee, and Shenseea have gained major popularity in countries like Nigeria and Ghana, thanks to the genre’s relatable themes of resilience, success, and empowerment. Additionally, African artists like Shatta Wale and Patoranking have embraced dancehall, merging it with local sounds to create a distinctive African dancehall movement. Dancehall’s energetic and bold visuals have also influenced African street culture, with its dance routines becoming viral sensations across social media. This cross-cultural exchange has made dancehall an integral part of Africa’s musical identity, while allowing the genre to evolve through African influence. |
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