There is a lot to look forward to during these pandemic days when it comes to fresh music. And the belief the world will go back to normal. 2020 saw the resurgence of a giant in Buju Banton when he dropped Upside Down 2020. The album was Buju’s 11th studio album and it managed to grab a Grammy nomination.
Incarcerated deejay Vybz Kartel managed to put together 2 very contrasting albums To Tanesha and Of Dons and Divas, both having much success in the Caribbean. It was the same story for him once again as he was snubbed for a Grammy nomination. The Wailers and Maxi Priest rolled back the years notching nominations for Best Reggae Album and Koffee made it once again on President Barack Obama’s festive playlist with Lockdown.
Following Koffee’s meteoric rise in 2019, we are yet to see another individual make such an impact. However, there were a lot of positives and much progress from the likes of Lila Ike and Sevana who both debuted with their albums as Protoje capped off the Inn.Digg.Nation stamp with In Search of Lost Time.
Without mentioning the likes of Popcaan, Shenseea, Squash or Govana. There is a lot of dancehall and reggae to look forward to in 2021 including 2 albums from Sean Paul and the return of the Warlord in Bounty Killer with King of Kingston. Sean Paul’s albums Live and Living and Scorcher will be released in March and September accordingly.
In closing be sure to look out for dancehall’s bad boy Skillibeng. Skillibeng, whose government name is Emwa Warmington is an emerging dancehall artist who is on a current roll. The young talent earned himself the most streams on Youtube for January 2021. His tracks HOT and Not, were trending all January and there is another collaboration with Lila Ike on the horizon.
Covid-19 is presently here to stay. However, there is nothing stopping us from getting lost in the music as we map our way through these uncertain times.
