Summer has finally arrived after a series of delays, bringing with it the vibrant atmosphere of music festivals, lively carnival celebrations, and the exhilarating quest for the ultimate song of the summer. As the sun shines brightly, the excitement in the air is palpable, inviting music lovers to indulge in the rich tapestry of sounds that define this season.
The month of May showcased dynamic album releases from notable dancehall artists such as Valiant with his album Prove Them Wrong and Ding Dong with From Ding Dong to World Ding. However, the most talked-about event emerged during the final weekend of May. Renowned artist Vybz Kartel, who recently declared his first world tour in over two decades, and Moliy, the Ghanaian-American singer whose Afro-dancehall hit “Shake It to the Max” made waves on the Billboard Hot 100, were scheduled to perform at Trinidad’s One Caribbean Music Festival on May 31. Unfortunately, due to what was described as “non-fulfillment of contractual obligations” by Kartel’s management, he withdrew from the festival mere hours before his anticipated performance. According to his team, the King of Dancehall did not receive his complete payment prior to the festival’s commencement.
According to the promoter’s statement, “Vybz Kartel was formally contracted to perform at [One Caribbean Music Festival] 2025 for a total sum of $1.35 million. To date, $950,000 has been paid directly to the [artist], while an additional $150,000 was disbursed to his legal representative. The remaining balance was made available in full; however, due to legal and financial regulations in Trinidad and Tobago, the organizers were unable to disburse the final amount in cash.” This situation highlights the complexities of managing high-profile performances and the importance of adhering to contractual obligations in the entertainment industry.
In a similar vein, Moliy also decided to withdraw from the event, citing failures on the promoter’s part to fulfill “key contractual obligations.”
“Moliy arrived in Trinidad ready and excited to perform, but since landing, her team has not received any communication from the festival organizers,” her management team stated in a press release. “This lack of communication, combined with their failure to meet essential contractual obligations, ultimately made it impossible for the performance to proceed.” This situation reflects the critical nature of clear communication and mutual respect in the realm of live performances and contracts.
Despite the withdrawal of these two major artists, the One Caribbean Music Festival continued as scheduled, featuring performances from other talented artists such as Chronic Law, Rvssian, and Sizzla Kalonji. The festival showcased the enduring appeal and resilience of Caribbean music, providing a platform for emerging and established talents alike.
Outside of the festival controversy, Caribbean artists are experiencing a significant moment in the live entertainment landscape. Beenie Man captivated audiences with a headline show at Long Island’s UBS Arena on May 24, while Bounty Killer is set to headline Brooklyn’s Barclays Center next month on July 5. These events underscore the evolution of Caribbean music into a genre that commands arena-level attention and highlights its growing popularity in the 2020s.
While Billboard’s monthly Reggae/Dancehall Fresh Picks column may not cover every song released, our curated Spotify playlist linked below will feature an expanded selection of the ten highlighted tracks. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this month’s music recommendations:
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Discover the Uplifting Vibe of Asa Bantan’s “God Is Good”
Asa Bantan, an artist from Dominica, masterfully intertwines gospel and soca in his latest track, “God Is Good,” creating what many are calling one of the standout soca songs of the year. Infusing timeless gospel refrains like “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good,” Bantan engages with thrilling drum-forward production while delivering a vocal performance filled with gratitude and joy. Whether your sanctuary is a church, a carnival road, or anywhere in between, Bantan’s “God Is Good” serves as a reminder of how the power of music can vibrantly connect seemingly unrelated spaces.
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Original Koffee Makes a Comeback with “Koffee”
After a three-year hiatus, the Grammy-winning reggae sensation Original Koffee returns with her new solo single, “Koffee,” paying homage to the artist name that brought her success with hits like 2019’s chart-topping “Toast.”
“I almost drop my liquor, ’cause right now nobody sicker/ Except the one Masicka, I tell my dawgs, ‘Go sick ’em’/ They wanna study me, but they couldn’t copy my rigor/ In the drop top, my nigga, go tell badmind fi keep up,” she skillfully delivers over an infectious beat produced by Ghanaian beatmaker GuiltyBeatz. This track showcases a delightful return of her much-loved wordplay while honoring the tradition of self-assertion, proving that absence from the scene hasn’t dimmed her vibrant presence.
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Bayka & Spice Team Up for the Sensational “Miss Pretty”
Jamaican artist Bayka has been making waves with a series of international collaborations this year, but his latest track with fellow Jamaican star Spice stands out as the hottest release from his new Gyal Dem Shift EP. “Face pretty, and my two stiff titty/ Come from Lube City/ Wet, fat clean kitty/ Pum pum fluffy, this grippy and grip/ Buss off mi panty, Miu Miu, not Vicky,” Spice delivers with her signature style, adding her unique flair to remix the DJ Mac’s Spanish guitar-infused production.
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A!MS Joins Forces with Julian Marley for “Light & Love”
British-Cypriot artist A!MS collaborates with Grammy-winning reggae icon Julian Marley and acclaimed producer Anateus for the uplifting track “Light & Love,” featuring assistance from Hypertone. This track serves as the lead single from A!MS’ eagerly awaited Peak Season LP.
Over an electrifying electro-dancehall beat, Marley and South London’s Hypetone deliver an enchanting tribute to the restorative powers of nature, singing, “When it hurts/ Look to the Earth/ Don’t bother with chemicals/ God works miracles that you deserve/ Long life, good light and love.” A!MS later injects his signature melodic rap, voicing skepticism toward the control exerted over the people, contributing to the track’s rich narrative.
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Ding Dong & Skillibeng Unite for “Di New Pull Up”
After dominating dancefloors for two decades with the hit “Badman Forward Badman Pull Up,” Ding Dong finally released his debut album at the beginning of May. Among its notable tracks is “Di New Pull Up,” featuring Skillibeng, which elegantly bridges two generations of dancehall talent. Skillibeng infuses a melodic energy into the high-octane track, which also boasts production from the talented Ricky Blaze. Ding Dong complements this with new verses that expand upon the original, creating a fresh take on a classic.
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Michaël Brun & Shirazee Present the Mesmerizing “Elevate”
As anticipation builds for BAYO, his upcoming single-day musical festival on June 28, Grammy-winning Haitian DJ Michaël Brun has released new music in preparation for his Barclays Center event. Teaming up with Shirazee, this collaboration marks their second effort since 2018’s “Soweto,” as Brun continues to merge the sounds of Benin and the Caribbean through shimmering Afro-house production that beautifully showcases Shirazee’s melodious voice. The track’s rhythmic elements nod to both Caribbean riddims and Afrobeats, offering a serene contrast to Moliy’s energetic “Shake It to the Max.”
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Hector Roots Lewis Collaborates with KA$E & Johnny Cosmic for “Battle Cry”
Just over a year after his notable appearance in the hit film Bob Marley: One Love, Jamaican multi-talented artist Hector Roots Lewis has launched his debut album, Cosmic Roots. This album delves into Lewis’ interpretation of roots reggae, featuring solo tracks and collaborations with prominent artists such as Busy Signal, J Boog, and KA$E, the latter of whom is featured on the compelling track “Battle Cry.”
“You will never walk alone/ The voice inside will guide you home/ Sound the bell and let it ring/ Hear the souls, the songs they sing,” he powerfully sings in the pre-chorus, evoking a rich history of resilient voices that have resisted various forms of oppression, all set against Cosmic’s militant production.
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Collie Buddz & Stick Figure Revisit “Good Life (2017)”
Originally recorded in 2017, “Good Life” stems from a studio session that had been lost until now. The mix has been revived, and Grammy-nominated reggae stars Stick Figure and Collie Buddz are excited to share it with their audience. “One shot cause mi need it baaad/ Next shot for the week weh mi had/ Three shots make me bun out mi job when me look pon mi check mi feel like me get robbed,” Collie expresses, setting an emotional backdrop for his quest for the “good life” through various means.
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Konshens Reimagines the Classic with “Back That Azz Up”
Juvenile’s iconic hit “Back Dat Azz Up” remains a timeless anthem, yet it also serves as a versatile beat suitable for any genre, as demonstrated by Jamaican dancehall star Konshens. Sampling Mannie Fresh’s original, Konshens fully embraces his dancehall roots, maintaining his unique cadence while incorporating the New Orleans bounce production into his style. He opens his verse with, “Cock up yuh body, yow, fling it pon di riddim,” showcasing his mastery as a master of ceremonies across genres.
“I was working out at Hit Factory in Miami and Birdman sent the beat to my manager and told me to do [something] on it,” Konshens elaborated in a press release. “At the same time, I was in the midst of a discussion about how raw dancehall can seamlessly fit onto any beat… what you’re hearing is literally what we created that night [in the studio]… 100% authentic dancehall lyrics.”
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DJ Cheem Teams Up with Jagwa De Champ for “Shots”
Klassik Frescobar’s “Dansa” has emerged as the standout track on DJ Kalli and Boogy Rankss’ riddim, but Bajan-American soca artist DJ Cheem is now stepping into the spotlight. Collaborating with Jagwa De Champ, DJ Cheem’s “Shots” captures the high-energy vibe of Frescobar’s original while adding a lyrical focus on the enchanting effects of good liquor. As “Dansa” continues its global rise, be on the lookout for more interpretations of this captivating riddim.
