Chronixx Leads Reggae Streams In Spotify’s First Year In Jamaica

In February Spotify became available in Jamaica and the Caribbean region.

Their announced entry into the region was welcoming news for dancehall and reggae artists because it means that there is one more platform to access music in the region.

She says

“Much of the music energy is still untapped, but with our launch we believe that we can give Jamaica’s music culture a boost both locally and globally – and that the access to our creator tools will help propel Jamaican artist’s careers.”

“Data from our dedicated Caribbean Hub shows us that there’s a tremendous interest in sounds from the country, and Jamaican genres have seen massive increases in listenership since Spotify first entered the market”, she said.

She claimed even dying genres like Ska has seen an increase over the year on the platform.

“Ska Revival has seen a 191% increase, Early Reggae a 183% increase, and Ska has a 105% increase. Globally, the playlist “Reggae Classics” is by far the most streamed Caribbean playlist in the past year. Sunshine Reggae, One Love and Dancehall Throwback are also amongst the most streamed playlists the past year.”

Similar to YouTube, reggae is the more streamed globally but dancehall is the leading genre in Jamaica. On YouTube However, Vybz Kartel leads, while in Spotify Alkaline forges ahead this year.

“Whilst reggae playlists dominate globally, Dancehall playlists dominate amongst Jamaican listeners, with Dancehall Official, Back a Yard, Island Pop, Dancehall Throwback and Dancehall Party on the top 5.”

Spotify she says has taken careful note of Jamaica’s music industry and is already helping dancehall artists at home and abroad.

“Besides the Caribbean Hub, we in 2021 supported emerging artists with Jamaican heritage such as Griff, Skillibeng, Jorja Smith and Capella Gray – and hope to expand that support to more local artists and their releases. It’s clear that there’s an appetite for Jamaican sounds and in 2022 we want to continue surfacing local talents and introduce them to more Spotify listeners so they have the opportunity to discover unique local sounds, voices, and cultures.”

As for what streamers should expect in 2022 from Spotify, Julia said there will be new ways to monetize, innovate and improve the listening experience.

“This year we continued to go all in on the limitless power of audio and our mission to connect creators with fans and empower creators to live off of their art with more to come in 2022.”

“We aim to shape a new ecosystem with new tools and formats for creators to..reach new audiences and monetize their work, as well as continuing to innovate around the listening experience including Enhance, Blend and Lyrics.”

See Top 10 Most Streamed Dancehall And Reggae Artists On Spotify December 2020-December 2021 

Most played artists globally – Dancehall

1. Sean Paul

2. Burna Boy

3. Shaggy

4. Stefflon Don

5. Popcaan

6. Damian Marley

7. Vybz Kartel

8. Charly Black

9. Chronixx

10. Dave

Most played artists globally – Reggae 

1. Bob Marley & The Wailers

2. UB40

3. Damian Marley

4. SOJA

5. Chronixx

6. Jimmy Cliff

7. Inner Circle

8. The Wailers

9. Ziggy Marley

10. Protoje

Most played artists on Jamaica – Dancehall

March 2021- December 2021

1. Alkaline

2. Vybz Kartel

3. Skillibeng

4. Masicka

5. Intence

6. Popcaan

7. Dexta Daps

8. Chronic Law

9. Shenseea

10. Skeng

Most played artists on Jamaica – Reggae 

1. Chronixx

2. Beres Hammond

3. Protoje

4. Tarrus Riley

5. Buju Banton

6. Lila Iké

7. Sizzla

8. Kabaka Pyramid

9. Garnett Silk

10. Barrington Levy