Are you Keeping up with New Reggae and Dancehall?

The relationship between Caribbean people and their music is deeply intertwined with cultural identity, especially for those in the diaspora. As we mature, this relationship evolves in ways that can feel both natural and disconcerting. In this episode of the Style and Vibes podcast we explore this evolution when it comes to dancehall music, uncovering insights that resonate with many dancehall music lovers navigating adulthood and new music discovery slipping away from their identity.

Growing up, Caribbean music discovery was passive – radio DJs like Bobby Konders and David Levy had dedicated slots, mixtapes circulated among friends, and family gatherings became natural spaces for learning new songs and dances. Today, these avenues have largely disappeared.

Technology has dramatically transformed how music reaches us. In 2024, more music was released in a single day than in the entire year of 1989, with approximately 120,000 new tracks uploaded daily to streaming platforms. Within Caribbean music, particularly dancehall and reggae, the singles-driven market has always produced a high volume of releases. However, the decline of riddim-based collections (multiple artists on one instrumental) has removed a key organizational structure that helped listeners categorize and discover new songs.

The podcast conversation highlighted how this shift from passive to active discovery requires intentional effort many adults simply don’t prioritize. As responsibilities increase, discretionary time decreases, making it difficult to justify spending time researching new music rather than enjoying familiar classics. This doesn’t indicate a lack of interest but a realistic reconciliation with limited resources.

Interestingly, while respondents weren’t keeping up with new music, they continued attending cultural events and celebrations – suggesting that connection to culture remains strong even as engagement with its newest expressions wanes. The discussion challenged the common complaint that “today’s music is too slack (vulgar),” noting that every generation has pushed boundaries. Songs from artists like Lady Saw or Power Man that were once considered shocking are now viewed nostalgically through rose-colored glasses.

What emerges is a picture not of cultural disconnection but cultural evolution. As we age, we transition from trend-followers to cultural preservationists, focusing on passing down foundational elements to the next generation. 

The most successful artists bridging generational divides, like Koffee and Agent Sasco, create music with intergenerational appeal through clear diction and universal themes. Meanwhile, older artists like Beenie Man and Bounty Killer continue releasing music that grows with their aging audience, though their visibility may be diminished in spaces dominated by younger artists.

What this cultural evolution ultimately demonstrates is that our relationship with Caribbean music isn’t static but dynamic – changing as we change, while still remaining a cornerstone of our identity. The challenge isn’t keeping up with every new release but finding meaningful ways to stay connected to our cultural roots while making room for new expressions that speak to us.