Who was the best in Reggae and Dancehall in 2024? We have the list

BY MICHAEL THOMAS

As 2024 is getting set to greet 2025, Reggae and Dancehall is also getting set to unleash more of its timeless musical vibes on the world, and wherever you are it is going to reach you.

Bob Marley once said, “One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain,” and so from the looks of things as reported by heavyweight VP Records, Reggae and Dancehall fans can expect to be “brutalized with music,” Reggaematically and in a Dancehall style. Let us go in.

First, we shall examine some timeless releases and fresh reissues, these go as follows:

• Sizzler’s “Black Woman and Child” along with Beres Hammond “Just a Man” were reissued carrying with them the original ingredients, while feeling the same even decades later.
• Fredlocks “Black Starliner” with its timeless message, and Sister Nancy’s “Bam Bam” was reissued on gold vinyl. The re-release of Travellers “Black Black Minds” brought back memories of when sweet harmonies reigned in Kingston.
• Eek-A-Mouse “Ganja Smuggling” made a comeback as a limited 7-inch while Bob Marley’s “Chatter Box” made its long-awaited digital debut following a vinyl release on Record Store Day 2023.These reissues brought back the moments when the turntable was king.

Now we shall look at the Reggae and Dancehall stars who turned Gold and Platinum, shall we? YG Marley’s “Praise Jah in the Moonlight” took Platinum in the US. This song sold over one million units in under twelve months.

In the UK Gyptian “Hold Yuh” went Double Platinum and Spice grabbed her first certificate there as well with “So Mi Like It.” Spice’s song also went gold in Canada and Wayne Wonder’s” No Letting Go” made it to Platinum in the UK too.

Dutty (aka Mr. Sean Paul) added to his long list by certifying gold with “We Be Burnin” and “Am Still in Love with You” plus a Platinum for “The Trinity” proving that Reggae and Dancehall knows no global boundaries.

Now for a little recognition, Records Mart opened its doors 55 years ago in Kingston Jamaica and has not looked back since. My first interview and article as a reporter for Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was titled (VP Records Still Going Strong at 40.)

I remember how Patricia Chin (aka Miss Chin) took more time than usual to explain to me how it all began and where it has come today. This label is celebrating 45-years of promoting and lifting up Reggae, Dancehall and Caribbean music internationally, hats off to you VP Records.

Some real heavy hitters are celebrating 40 and even 50 years of music, from: Yellowman (who I consider the king of all Dancehall), Johnny Osbourne, Agustus Pablo, the great Max Romeo, and the Cool Ruler himself the late Mr. Gregory Isaacs are all in the lineup.

Those in a more recent lane are Morgan Heritage, Tanya Stephens, and Queen Ifrica, who are all celebrating milestones musically with their respective songs of: 25, 20 and 15 years.

Romain Virgo has become quite a force to reckon with, and like fine wine, he is maturing nicely. The release of his album titled “The Gentleman” has gotten him included in the Granny.com list of artists shaping Reggae today. Virgo was named Male Reggae Artist of the Year at the Caribbean Music Awards and with performances from the US to Europe and more. Like I said earlier, Virgo is not to be taken lightly musically.

Vybz Kartel has reemerged after 13 years in the “big house”, but will this former hitmaker be able to hold his position as the once relevant showman that he is known as? As Jimmy Cliff once said, only time will tell.

The Reggae and Dancehall landscape is constantly producing a string of new and vibrant talents who are willing and able; artists like Ai Milly and Skippa to name a few. Shenseea, Teejay and Mesicka are reaching out globally as well.

On the label front, Greensleeve Records has been around forever and is making waves on Instagram and are also hosting Reggae sessions across the UK. This is the label that brought us legends like: Yellowman, Macka B and Eek-A- Mouse to name a few.

There is so much to mention here like Peter Metro once said, “Paper never nuff.” Morgan Heritage tributed lead singer the late Peter Morgan in Central Park NYC. This year Reggae and Dancehall were treated royally.

On August 6^th, 2024, Jamaica’s Prime Minister presented the Reggae Icon Award to: Bounty Killer, Bennieman, Third World, and Patricia Miss Pat Chin for their unmatched work in the vineyard of Reggae music.

Later on (August 29^th, 2024), in Queens New York Sean Paul got the entertainer’s Key to the City for his Reggae and Dancehall contribution there. On August 31^st, 2024, Shaggy presented Marcia Griffiths the Queen of Reggae with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Many more including the sound men were honored for their outstanding work in the field of Reggae and Dancehall and for their contributions worldwide.