2019 was a solid year for Caribbean and African music! We’re hearing new and traditional Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and Afrobeats. We’re also hearing a fusion of all sounds from artists across the globe, which we’ll hear more of in 2020. While many argue about what hot, who’s running the place and how the music is changing, for better or worse, the artists are putting out more and more music direct to their fans.
In a singles driven market, artists across all the genres are putting in a great effort to create holistic projects, investing in the sound with great producers, the marketing with cover art and social media campaigns and putting in the time to get the music to the masses in markets across the globe. With more artists and ease of recording artists are constantly putting out new music and fewer are opting to release albums, but here are a few that are on our radar for 2019 that you should check out. It will take you right into the new year while you wait for more heat to be released from some of your favorite artists and a few new ones in 2020.
Best Albums and mixtapes in Reggae, Dancehall, Soca and Afrobeats in 2019
- Abeng – Walshy Fire
- Anbessa World Mixtape – Kelissa
- And Then – Chris Martin
- As I Am – Julian Marley
- African Giant – Burna Boy
- Bad Man vs Nice Guy – Konshens
- B.L.E.M. -Tarrus Riley
- G.O.A.T – Machel Montano
- A Good Time – Davido
- Great Man – Jahmiel
- Hybrid – Collie Buddz
- Juju Boss Mixtape – Dovey Magnum
- Lyrikal Content – Lyrikal
- Mass Manipulation – Steel Pulse
- Midnight Spark – Kranium
- More Work to be Done – Third World
- Rebel with a Cause – Pressure
- Parts of the Puzzle – Busy Signal
- Rapture – Koffee
- The Reel – Nailah Blackman
- Royal Soldier – Jah Cure
- Soundman Vol.1 – Wizkid
- Ten – GBM Nutron
Listen to our 2019 Reggae, Dancehall, Soca & Afrobeats playlist with a few songs off the albums and projects released in 2019. (Apple Music | Spotify)
Did we miss any of your favorites for 2019? Who are you looking forward to hearing more from in 2020?
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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