Top 10 Reggae and Caribbean Music of 2019
It’s that time of year again! Here are the top 10 reggae and Caribbean tracks of 2019, as voted by you.
Reggae
Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, “Do the Reggay” was the first popular song to use the word “reggae”, effectively naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience. While sometimes used in a broad sense to refer to most types of popular Jamaican danceable music, the term reggae more properly denotes a particular music style that originated following on the development of ska and rocksteady. Reggae is based on a rhythm style characterized by regular chops on the off beat, known as the skank.
Reggae developed from mento, ska, and rocksteady; hence its Afro-Caribbean roots. Reggae represents a stylistic evolution of Jamaican mento and fiftysongs which were dominated by American R&B and gospel overtones with locally produced rhythms featuring played on local instruments such as drums, cowbells, piano, brass, and guitars.
Dancehall
Dancehall is a genre of Jamaican popular music that originated in the late 1970s. Initially, dancehall was a more sparse version of reggae than the roots style, which had dominated much of the 1970s. In the mid-1980s, digital instrumentation became more prevalent, changing the sound considerably, with digital dancehall rhythms becoming one of the signature hallmarks of Jamaican popular music by the early 1990s. By the early 2000s, dancehall incorporated elements from hip hop music.
Soca
Soca music is a genre of Caribbean music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1970s. Soca is a blend of calypso, Indian, African and Latin American rhythms. The name “soca” was coined in 1974 by inventor Lord Shorty (also known as Raleigh Chauhdry), who achieved success with his early hits “Indrani” and “Endless Vibrations”.
Since the 1980s, soca music has been popular throughout the Caribbean, especially in Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, St. Lucia, Jamaica, Antigua & Barbuda and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines. In recent years, soca music has also gained popularity in North America and Europe.
Soca music is generally upbeat and encourages dancing. The lyrics are usually positive and celebrate happiness, love and unity. They often contain references to Caribbean culture and history.
Some of the top soca songs of 2019 include:
1. “Loser” by Skinny Fabulous
2. “Like That” by Kerwin Du Bois
3. “Big People Party” by Destra Garcia
4. “‘Till Morning” by Machel Montano
5. “Your Body Is a Wonderland” by Kerwin Du Bois ft. bunji Garlin
6. “Soak It Good” by Destra Garcia
7. “faluma (didi)” by Machel Montano ft. Pitbull & Lil Jon
8.”The Island Girl Anthem” by Lyrikal
9.”All Eyes on Me”by Kes
10.”Turn Me On”by Ravi B
Afrobeats
Originating from Africa, Afrobeats is a genre of music that has been taking the world by storm in recent years. The infectious rhythms and catchy melodies have been making waves in the music industry, with many artists from all over the world incorporating Afrobeats into their own music.
There are many different artists who are creating Afrobeats, but here are our top 10 picks for the best Afrobeats music of 2019:
1. Wizkid – “Feeling”
2. Mr Eazi – “Leg Over”
3. Yemi Alade – “Knack Am”
4. Tekno – “Pana”
5. Davido – “If”
6. Runtown – “Mad Over You”
7. Wande Coal – “Iskaba”
8. Niniola – “Maradona”
9. 2Baba – “Gaaga Shuffle”
10. Tiwa Savage – “All Over”
Hip Hop
It’s been a great year for Reggae and Caribbean music, with lots of new and exciting tunes coming out of the scene. Here are our top 10 picks for the best tracks of 2019.
1. “No Lie” by Sean Paul ft. Dua Lipa
2. “Wild Thoughts” by DJ Khaled ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller
3. “Unforgettable” by French Montana ft. Swae Lee
4. “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
5. “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
6. “That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars
7. “I’m the One” by DJ Khaled ft. Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper & Lil Wayne
8. “Feeling Myself” by Nicki Minaj ft. Beyoncé
9. “Work From Home” by Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla $ign
10. “One Dance” by Drake ft. WizKid & Kyla
R&B
Reggae and Caribbean music are two genres of music that are very popular all over the world. There are many different artists who create this type of music, and each one has their own unique sound. In 2019, there were a lot of great songs released in these genres, so it was hard to narrow down the list to just 10. However, after much deliberation, we have come up with a list of the top 10 reggae and Caribbean songs of 2019.
1. “No Worries” by Gentleman featuring Sean Paul – This song was released in January of 2019 and is a collaboration between two of the biggest names in reggae and Caribbean music. Gentleman is a German reggae artist, and Sean Paul is a Jamaican rapper who is best known for his work in the dancehall genre. “No Worries” is a feel-good song that makes you want to dance, and it was a big hit all over the world.
2. “Kingston Town” by UB40 – This song was released in February of 2019 and is from the album “For the Many”. UB40 is a well-known reggae band from England, and they have been making music since 1978. “Kingston Town” is a love song that celebrates Jamaican culture, and it was an instant hit with reggae fans all over the world.
3. “Soja (Soldier)” by Chronixx – This song was released in March of 2019 and is from the album “Roots & Chalice”. Chronixx is a Jamaican singer-songwriter who has been making music since 2010. His unique style combines elements of reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop, and his lyrics are often political or socially conscious. “Soja (Soldier)” is an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, and it resonated with many people around the world.
4. “Best Thing” by Romain Virgo – This song was released in April of 2019 and is from the album “Lovesick”. Romain Virgo is a Jamaican singer who got his start as a finalist on The X Factor Jamaica in 2005. Since then, he has gone on to have a successful career as a solo artist, and he has won multiple awards for his work. “Best Thing” is a heartwarming love song that celebrates finding happiness in the simple things in life, and it quickly became one of Virgo’s most popular songs.
5. “Too Much Information (Laolu Remix) [featuring Calypso Rose]” by Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra – This song was released in May of 2019 and is from the album “You No Fit Touch Am (Remixes) [featuring Calypso Rose]” . Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra is a UK-based afrobeat band that was founded by Nigerian musician Dele Sosimi . The band features musicians from all over Africa , Europe , and North America , and they are known for their high-energy live shows . “Too Much Information (Laolu Remix) [featuring Calypso Rose]” is an upbeat remix of one of Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra’s most popular songs , which features vocals from legendary calypso singer Calypso Rose . The remix was done by Laolu , who is best known for his work with Grammy – winning artist Beyoncé .
6 . “AFRICAN SOUL” – Koffee – RELEASED JUNE 7TH OFF THE EP “RAPTURE” Koffee Is A Young 19 Year Old Artist From Spanish town Jamaica . Her Sound Is A Mixture Of Reggae ,Dancehall And Hip Hop .Koffee’s ‘African Soul’ Is A Call For Africans All Over The Diaspora To Unite And Stand Together As One People irrespective Of Their Skin Color Or Religion .The Song Was Written By Koffee And Produced By Winta James Of Champagneglitz Productions Limited . 7 .”Simmer” – Burna Boy – RELEASED JULY 26TH ON THE ALBUM “AFRICAN GIANT” Burna Boy Is One Of Nigeria’s Biggest And Most Popular Artists At The Moment , His Distinctive Sound Which He Describes As “Afro Fusion ” Has Managed To Garner Him A Lot Of International Attention In Recent Times ,With Features On Songs With The Likes Of YG , Lily Allen And Major Lazer . ‘Simmer’ Is The Lead Single Off Burna Boy’s 4th Studio Album Titled “African Giant” Which Was Released On July 26th To Critical Acclaim .8 .”No Cap” – Popcaan – RELEASED ON JULY 12TH ON THE ALBUM “FIXTAPE”Popcaan Is A Prolific Dancehall Artist From Jamaica Who Has Been Making Music For More Than A Decade . He first Gained Major Attention With His Appearance On Vybz Kartel’s Track ‘Clarks’ In 2011 And Has Since Gone On To Release A Number Of Successful Singles And Albums . ‘No Cap’ Is Taken From Popcaan’s Latest Mixtape titled “Fixtape” Which Was Released On July 12th And Features Production From Some Of Dancehall’s Finest Producers Such As BeatDemDead , Notnice Records And Dane Raychords . 9 .”Gum Body [featuring Burna Boy]” – Angelique Kidjo – RELEASED OCTOBER 25TH ON THE ALBUM “CELIA”Angelique Kidjo Is A Beninese Singer , SongwriterAnd Actress Whois Considered One Of The Most Successful African MusiciansOf All Time . She Has Won Multiple Grammy AwardsAnd Has Been Ranked ByTime MagazineAs OneOf The 100 Most Influential PeopleIn The WorldOn Three Occasions . Gum Body Is Taken From Kidjo’s Upcoming Tribute Album To Celia Cruz Titled “Celia” Which Will Be Released On October 25th Via Verve Records/Concord Music Group .The Album Will Feature Kidjo’s TakesOn SomeOf Cruz’s Most Iconic SongsAs WellAs Some New Original Material Written By Kidjo Herself In tribute ToThe Late Cuban Legend 10 .”Jerusalema [featuring Nomcebo]” Master KG RELEASED DECEMBER 13TH ON THE ALBUM “JERUSALEMA REMIXESMASTER KG IS A SOUTH AFRICAN MUSICIAN AND DJ WHO IS BEST KNOWN FOR HIS GLOBALLY SUCCESSFUL HIT SONG ‘JERUSALEMA’ WHICH WAS RELEASED IN DECEMBER OF LAST YEAR AND HAS SINCE GONE ON TO BECOME AN INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON WITH VERSIONS IN SEVERAL LANGUAGES BEING CREATED AND RELEASED BY ARTISTS ALL OVER THE WORLD INCLUDING WILL SMITH AND AKON AMONG OTHERSjerusalemaremixesIs An Album ConsistingOf RemixesOf Master KG’s Global Hit ‘Jerusalema’ Featuring VocalsBy Nomcebo ZikodeReleased On December 13th Via Open Mic productions
Pop
Popcaan, born Andre Jay Sutherland, is a Jamaican dancehall artist, singer and songwriter from the St. Thomas parish. He is one of the most popular artists in the genre and has collaborated with a number of international artists such as Drake, Jamie xx, Major Lazer and WizKid. His debut album “Where We Come From” was released in 2014 to critical acclaim.
Born in Saint James, Jamaica, Busy Signal real name Glendale Goshia Gordon, is a reggae dancehall artist and record producer. His voice and style have been described as “distinctive” and “catchy”. He is best known for his singles “Watch Me Now”, “One More Night”, “Bedroom Bully” and “Stay So”. His fifth studio album “Reggae Music Again” was released in 2012 to positive reviews.
Formed in 2009, Soja is an American reggae band based in Arlington, Virginia. The band’s music is a mixture of reggae, rock, hip hop and dub. They have released six studio albums: “Get Wiser”, “Born In Babylon”, “Strength To Survive”, ” amid the Noise and Haste”, “‘Poetry In Motion” and their latest album entitled “‘Full Circle”.
Reggaeton
Reggaeton is a music genre that originated in Puerto Rico during the late 1990s. It is influenced by hip hop, Latin American and Caribbean music. Traditionally, reggae music was used as a form of protest against social injustice. The lyrics of reggaeton songs often deal with topics such as love, partying, and sexuality.
Reggaeton became popular in the early 2000s, when artists such as Daddy Yankee and Don Omar began releasing hits. The genre has since experienced a resurgence in popularity, with international stars such as J Balvin and Bad Bunny helping to lead the charge.
Here are ten of the best reggaeton and Caribbean songs of 2019:
1) “Calma” by Pedro Capó and Farruko
2) “Vaina Loca” by Ozuna feat. Manuel Turizo
3) “Con Altura” by Rosalía feat. El Guincho
4) “China” by Anuel AA, Karol G, Ozuna & J Balvin
5) “Location” by Bad Bunny feat. J Balvin
6) “BAILAME” by Natti Natasha x Bad Bunny
7) “Taki Taki” by DJ Snake feat. Selena Gomez, Ozuna & Cardi B
8) “Te Boté” Remix – Nio García, Casper Mágico & Bad Bunny feat. Darell, Ozuna & Nicky Jam
9) “Dura Remix” – Daddy Yankee feat. Bad Bunny & Natti Natasha
10)”No Me Conoce – Remix” – Jhay Cortez feat. J Balvin & Bad Bunny
Bachata
Bachata is a genre of Latin music that originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 1960s. It is traditionally sung in Spanish, but it can also be sung in English. Bachata is a combination of African and European musical elements, and it often features guitar, percussion, and horns. The lyrics of bachata songs typically deal with themes of love, heartbreak, and betrayal.
Some well-known bachata artists include Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, Aventura, and Ozuna. Bachata has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to the popularity of Romeo Santos and other contemporary artists. If you’re looking for some good bachata music to listen to, check out our list of the top 10 bachata songs of 2019.
Kizomba
Kizomba is a popular genre of music from Angola. It is a mix of African rhythms and Portuguese melodies, and is often danced to by people from both cultures. The word “kizomba” means “party” in the Angolan language of Kimbundu, and the music is known for its upbeat, festive sound.
Kizomba is one of the most popular genres of music in Angola, and has been growing in popularity in other African countries and around the world in recent years. The genre has even started to crossover into the mainstream pop music scene, with several kizomba-influenced songs appearing on the Billboard charts in recent years.
If you’re looking for some great kizomba tunes to add to your playlist, here are ten of the best songs from 2019:
1. “Uma Noite” by Anselmo Ralph
2. “Telefone” by Matias Damasio feat. Yola Araujo
3. “Contrastes” by Percy Gospel
4. “Bonita” by Loony Johnson
5. “Eu Sei” by Sonia flex feat. Deflestar & Preto Show
6. “Nova York” by Neyma
7. “Parede contra Parede” by Gilberto Gil & Vanessa da Mata
8. “Fogo no Fogo” by Edmazia Mayembe & Os Lambas
9. “Te Amo Te Quero” by HMB feat C4Pedro & Elysa Rodrigues
10.”Eu Vou Te Buscar” by Wendel Silva
