Continuing our series on reggae and dancehall artists with the most monthly listeners on Spotify, we bring you an updated ranking on the women of the genre. These numbers represent the unique individuals who have streamed an artist’s music at least once within a 28-day window. It’s a crucial metric that gives insight into the size and engagement of an artist’s audience. Unlike streams, which count every play of a song, monthly listeners focus solely on distinct listeners, regardless of how often they play the music. Here’s a look at some of the leading artists in the genre, from those with fewer subscribers to the ones commanding the largest audiences.
10. Marcia Griffiths – 550k
Marcia Griffiths, often hailed as the Queen of Reggae, attracts 550,000 monthly listeners. With a career spanning several decades, her timeless hits like “Electric Boogie” and collaborations with Bob Marley & The Wailers have cemented her legacy in the reggae world.
9. Diana King – 570k
Diana King, (who is now non-binary and genderless) famous for her distinctive voice and hit single “Shy Guy,” has 570,000 monthly listeners. Her blend of reggae, dancehall, and pop elements has earned her international acclaim and a loyal following that continues to grow.
8. Jada Kingdom – 577k
Emerging artist Jada Kingdom captivates 577,000 monthly listeners with her soulful voice and contemporary dancehall vibes. Tracks like “Banana” highlight her unique sound and relatable lyrics, making her one of the promising stars in the genre.
7. Lila Ike – 1.46 Million
Lila Ike released her debut EP The ExPerience in May 2020 with songs like Forget Me. Her collaboration with Jorga Smith “Greatest Gift” and her latest single “He Loves us Both” with H.E.R. from her forthcoming studio album are among her top songs.
6. Dawn Penn – 1.52 Million
Dawn Penn, best known for her classic hit “You Don’t Love Me (No, No, No),” enjoys 1.5 million monthly listeners. Her music remains influential in the reggae community, and the timeless appeal of her hits continues to attract new fans.
5. Koffee – 1.56 Million
Mikayla Victoria Simpson, known as Koffee, is a Jamaican singer, songwriter, rapper, and guitarist from Spanish Town, Jamaica, born on February 16, 2000. She debuted with the single “Burning” in 2017 and later signed with Columbia Records. Her 2019 EP “Rapture,” which features two reggae tracks, won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, making her the youngest and only woman to receive this award. Her debut album, “Gifted,” was released on March 25, 2022.
4. Sister Nancy – 1.7 Million
Sister Nancy, a pioneering female DJ in dancehall, commands 1.7 million monthly listeners. Her iconic track “Bam Bam” is a cultural touchstone, frequently sampled and referenced in modern music, underscoring her lasting impact on the genre.
3. Spice – 2.6 Million
Spice, the reigning Queen of Dancehall, has 2.6 million monthly listeners. Known for her energetic performances and hit songs like “So Mi Like It,” Spice has a dynamic presence in the music industry, continuously pushing boundaries and expanding her influence.
2. Stefflon Don – 7.3 Million
Stefflon Don, the British-Jamaican rapper and singer, is yet to released her debut album Island 54 but she boasts 7.3 million monthly listeners. Her versatile style blends dancehall, hip-hop, and pop, resulting in chart-topping hits and widespread recognition. Songs like Hurtin’ Me featuring French Montana showcase her broad appeal and ability to cross genres. Her top features are Bum Bum Tam Tam with MC Fioti, Instructions by Jax Jones featuring Demi Lavato
1. Shenseea – 8.9 Million
Topping the list of female Jamaican artists with the most listeners on Spotify is Shenseea with an impressive 8.9 million monthly listeners as of June 10, 2024. Shenseea has quickly risen to prominence in not only the dancehall scene. Her top track is “Blessed” featuring Tyga frothier debut album “Alpha,” but her features with Kanye West, 21 Savage, Megan Thee Stallion international artists have propelled her to global stardom. Her latest album “Never Gets Late Here” released May 24, 2024 has surpassed 21 million streams on Spotify.
A 2023 Spotify fan study revealed that “super listeners,” who are more engaged with the artist, “make up 2% of an artist’s monthly listeners but account for over 18% of monthly streams.” These dedicated fans often purchase merchandise and engage deeply with the artist’s brand beyond just the music. Notably, if streams increase but monthly listeners remain constant, it suggests that the same fans are repeatedly playing the songs, which is also a valuable indicator of loyalty.
