• By the 2020s, Dancehall and Traphall have surged to global prominence, captivating audiences from the streets of Jamaica to the vibrant scenes of East Africa, blending cultures and beats into one of the most influential music movements worldwide.
• On RadioVideo.Music, 375 2020s songs are tagged “dancehall” or “traphall.” Among them, 10 have over fifty millions views on YouTube, and 2 have over one hundred million.
• Overall, the 5 most popular tracks are Busta Rhymes‘ “The Don & The Boss,” Tarrus Riley‘s “Lighter,” Stylo G‘s “Dumpling’s “Remix,” Koffee’s “Lockdown,” Shenseea‘s “Hit & Run (w/ Masicka, Di Genius).”
• We have listed the 20 “Modern Dancehall” songs with the highest engagements over the last 30 days.
• You will find them below in descending order of engagements.

1 . 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.

Genres : R&B, Traditional music, Latin, Hip Hop,alté, dancehall, shatta, afrobeats, soca

The music video is directed by Fernando Hevia

758.64% / -75.81%

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.

Genres : afrobeats, afro-pop, dancehall, nigerian pop

The music video is directed by Charm La'Donna

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

3.72% / 0.26%

3 . 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.

Genres : ,Reggae, Dancehall

The music video is directed by saybyetoit & WizTheMc

185.48% / -12.14%

4 . 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.

Genres : Traditional music, Electronic, Hip Hop,dancehall, soca, ragga

The music video is directed by Hayfa Al Fakih

196.01% / -22.65%

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.

Genres : dancehall, reggae

The music video is directed by Jason Williams

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.55% / 0.32%

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.

Genres : World/Traditional, Hip Hop,dancehall, dancehall queen, jamaican dancehall, traphall, riddim

The music video is directed by Shane Creative

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

6.96% / 0.34%

7 . 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.

Genres : Traditional music, Hip Hop,dancehall, soca

The music video is directed by Elph

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

101.18% / -9.07%

8 . Cup Of Joe - Multo

"Multo" is a single by Filipino pop-rock band Cup of Joe, released in September 2024 as part of their debut album, which traces the five stages of grief.

Placed as the seventh track, the song represents the depression stage, with lyrics born from co-lead vocalist Rapha Ridao and his brother's reflections on loss during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The music video, released in March 2025, features Elijah Canlas and Miles Ocampo, depicting a woman haunted by memories of her lost partner.

Genres : Traditional music, Electronic, R&B, Hip Hop,dancehall, soca, ragga, riddim, reggae

The music video is directed by Kris Cazin

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

533.23% / -77.07%

9 . Kraff - Ikation

Dancehall 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.

Genres : World/Traditional,dancehall, jamaican dancehall

The music video is directed by Shane Creative

Featured on the album IKATION

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

26.04% / 0.59%

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.

Genres : R&B, World/Traditional, Hip Hop, Pop,afrobeats, azontobeats, dancehall, nigerian hip hop, nigerian pop, pop, singer-songwriter pop, uk pop

The music video is directed by Troy Roscoe

Featured on the album Love, Damini

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.60% / 0.11%

11 . Sean Paul , Inna - Let It Talk To Me

Sean Paul and Inna join forces on "Let It Talk To Me," released in February 2025.

Produced by Johnny Goldstein, the track merges Sean Paul's dancehall rhythms with Inna's sharp vocals, setting the stage for a club-ready fusion.

The lyrics focus on movement as a form of self-expression, allowing the body to communicate through music.

This marks their second collaboration after their 2021 single "Up."

Inna, born Elena Alexandra Apostoleanu in Romania, has made a name for herself with EDM hits like "Hot," "Sun Is Up," and "Déjà Vu."

Sean Paul, born in Jamaica, helped reshape dancehall with "Dutty Rock," featuring the Grammy-winning "Get Busy."

Genres : Traditional music, Pop,dancehall, europop

The music video is directed by Bogdan Paun

48.18% / -2.43%

12 . Malie Donn - Body Tea

Malie Donn’s “Body Tea” steeps in raw dancehall grit, simmering over a beat brewed by Dan Sky Records and Attomatic Records.

His unfiltered delivery coils around a rhythm that swings between menace and melody, neither rushed nor restrained.

Emerging from Spanish Town, Kimalie Hylton channels the same intensity found in earlier tracks like “Another Brick” and “Cruise.”

Always personal, never subtle, the track keeps its message close to the waistline.

Genres : Traditional music,dancehall

The music video is directed by Chadd Kreative

216.94% / -18.78%

13 . 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.

Genres : Traditional music, Hip Hop,dancehall, soca

The music video is directed by Shane Creative/444

290.91% / -26.85%

14 . Aya Nakamura - D├ú├é┬®Gaine (w/ Damso)

"Dégaine" brings together Aya Nakamura and Damso on a mid-tempo pop-rap track infused with kizomba and kompa elements, produced by Bleu Nuit.

Released on March 9, 2022, the song appears in Nakamura's collection of non-album singles.

The music video places the duo in stylized settings.

Nakamura, a French-Malian singer-songwriter, gained international visibility with "Djadja" in 2018.

Her album "Nakamura" (2018) reached diamond status in France, selling over 1.2 million copies worldwide.

She has accumulated multiple number-one singles and a number-one album in France.

Her 2020 album "Aya" later earned a double platinum certification.

She has received nominations for the MTV Europe Music Award for Best French Act and became Lancôme's international beauty muse in February 2023.

Genres : ,afropop, dancehall

The music video is directed by Maky Margaridis

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.47% / 0.17%

15 . Popcaan - Nothing Without God

"Nothing Without God" finds Popcaan turning inward, weaving faith and gratitude into a dancehall-infused canvas.

Produced by DropTop Records, the track balances reverence and rhythm, reflecting on divine guidance amid life's uncertainties.

Since aligning with Vybz Kartel's Gaza Music Empire in 2008, Popcaan has expanded his reach through collaborations with Mixpak Records and Drake’s OVO Sound, alongside a foray into film with "The Intent 2: The Come Up" in 2018.

Genres : R&B, Traditional music, Electronic, Hip Hop,dancehall, soca, afrobeats, reggae, riddim, ragga

The music video is directed by Nathaniel Kerr

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

146.88% / -9.78%

16 . Najeeriii - 1Rifle

Jamaican artist Najeeriii's "1Rifle," a trap-dancehall fusion, showcases his “mumble style.” Produced by Zimi Records and others, this August 2024 release balances youthful innovation with rhythmic tradition in the genre.

Genres : World/Traditional,dancehall

The music video is directed by CatalogMG

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

24.70% / 1.15%

17 . Tarrus Riley - Lighter (w/ )

Shenseea and Tarrus Riley collaborate on "Lighter," a contemporary reggae track layered with dancehall influences, released in 2020. Produced by Rvssian for Rich Immigrants, this love anthem plays on the lightness of affection and connection. Shenseea's sultry vocals complement Tarrus Riley's rich tones, creating a perfect balance between romantic tension and rhythmic beats.

Genres : World/Traditional, Rock, Latin,dancehall, lovers rock, dancehall queen, reggaeton, reggaeton flow, trap latino, urbano latino

The music video is directed by Xtreme Arts

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.20% / 0.19%

18 . Teejay - From Rags To Riches

Teejay narrates a journey of transformation in "From Rags to Riches" (2020), an ode to resilience. Produced by Damage Musiq, the song reflects on the struggles and triumphs of personal growth. Its lyrics resonate with those who aspire to rise from humble beginnings, making it a powerful dancehall anthem for the downtrodden and ambitious alike.

Genres : World/Traditional, Hip Hop,dancehall, jamaican dancehall, jamaican hip hop, traphall, trinibad,

The music video is directed by Xtreme Arts Music

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

2.98% / 0.05%

19 . Ayetian - Balance

Weaving hypnotic synths with an understated beat, "Balance" drifts between tranquility and tension.

Ayetian delivers lyrics that oscillate between resignation and quiet defiance, reflecting a search for stability in relationships.

His voice, both distant and deliberate, glides over a production that resists easy classification, hovering between electronic minimalism and R&B introspection.

The track carves out a moment of stillness, where restraint speaks louder than excess.

Genres : World/Traditional,dancehall

The music video is directed by Brownland x Curtis Lee Myrie

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

31.09% / -0.06%

ABOUT Modern Dancehall

What 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 Commentary

Modern 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 Videos

Music videos play a pivotal role in Modern Dancehall, conveying the genre’s aesthetics and messaging through dynamic visuals.

Urban Landscapes and Street Culture

Set 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 Success

Contrasting 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 Choreography

Dance 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 Lighting

Vivid 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” Culture

Many 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 Sensuality

Modern 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 Influence

Despite 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 Influence

In 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.

ADJACENT GENRES

• dancehall queen
• afrobeats
• jamaican hip hop
• nigerian pop
• trinibad
• reggae fusion
• jamaican hip hop
• azontobeats
• nigerian hip hop
• afropop
• riddim