“Vibrant, soulful, powerful, magnetic, soothing, refreshing, inspirational” are only a few words used to describe the dynamic genre of Reggae. It is undoubtedly the trademark of Jamaica, as it embodies everything that Jamaica is and continues to be through music. Reggae has given many musicians a platform to express their thoughts and feelings, offer words of encouragement and shape the country through compelling lyrics. Recently, we have seen how reggae has transitioned from “one drop” slow beats to a more industrialized sound which involves a fusion of beats from different genres such as Hip hop and R&B. As reggae continues to touch the minds and hearts of listeners both locally and internationally, an inventive, impactful and innovative set of artists have emerged and they are ensuring they are here to make long- standing impacts in the music scene.
Leno Banton
Leno Banton, the son of Burro Banton is undoubtedly one to watch in 2020. He released his song “Pirates” in November 2019 and also featured on a track with his father, Burro Banton called “Better Days”. Leno Banton has proven to us that he is flexible and dynamic in previous years and we are ecstatic to see how he will make his mark this year.
Blvk H3ro
Blvk Hero’s feet has certainly not failed him in 2019. This pristine artist released his album “Immortal Steppa” on February 15, 2019. This album comprised of fourteen songs with features with artists such as Royal Blu, Iotosh and Leno Banton. Blvk Hero has had a tremendous year in 2019 in terms of music and has no need to watch his step as he certainly earned his position on this list.
Runkus
One thing they can’t take from Runkus is certainly his energy. Runkus has a unique and refreshing sound that can be felt through his vibrant lyrics and soulful music. He is determined to make a name for himself and has certainly done that over the past year releasing songs such as “Energy”, 99%”, “The Apple” and has been featured on songs with other breath-taking reggae artists such as “Crazy Over You” with Ras I and Royal Blu and “Blessed” with Eesah and Randy Valentine, we are more than 99% sure that Runkus has earned his spot on this list and will do great things during 2020.
Mortimer
Mortimer has an enthralling voice and has showcased this through his music. Mortimer had an excellent year for music, releasing an EP entitled “Fight the Fight” on November 15, 2019. The EP has six songs and he has gotten over 3 million views on his song “Lightning”. Mortimer’s “Fight the Fight” EP also debuted at #3 on the Billboard Reggae Charts a few weeks upon its release. Mortimer has certainly struck us down with his compelling tracks and we look forward to what he does next especially with the project he promises to release in 2020.
Jaz Elise
Purple means royalty, nobility and ambition. These qualities are definitely what Jaz Elise embodies and showcases through her songs. Her striking purple hair might have gotten your attention but I guarantee you that is not all there is to this esteemed artist. Jaz Elise has released multiple songs in 2019 with her latest song being “Rock and Groove” which was released in December 2019. She also released another song called “Fresh and Clean”. Jaz Elise certainly has the “vibe” everybody needs to partake of and we are excited to see what the In.digg.Nation artist achieves during 2020.
Ras-I
With an impeccable debut album released on November 29, 2019 entitled “Tsojourna”, the nine track album has more than shown us what Ras I is capable of doing. The artist has featured artists such as Jesse Royal, Royal Blu and Runkus on his album and delivered to us an experience that we did not even know we needed. Ras I has a distinct sound that you have to check out to understand. Ras I’s melodious tracks and unique performing style throughout 2019 has left us with nothing but high expectations for 2020.
Royal Blu
Royal Blu is definitely not an artist all about the Hype, this artist has managed to take the Reggae industry by storm. Royal Blu released two major tracks during 2019 entitled “Hype” and “Style & Pattern”. This remarkable reggae artist has also been featured on multiple tracks with other artists such as Ras I, Lila Ike and Foresta. The artist brings his own swag to his songs and it can be felt through his lyrics and seen in his performances. His calming nature and soulful lyrics is certainly one you should not miss out on and he definitely earned his spot on this list.
T’jean
Melodious, Millitant, Magnetic are only a few words that can be used to describe this artist’s sound. T’jean, son of producer Mikey Bennet is definitely a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The artist released his EP ” Testimony” in August 2019. The album has features from Dancehall artist such as Chronic Law and Squash. T’jean has found a way to combine Reggae and Dancehall in his sound and is definitely a primary example of how Reggae music has changed and continues to change. We are excited to see what works of art this lyrically inclined and poetic artist will produce and release in 2020.
Lila Ike
Vivacious, Promising and Soulful are only a few words that can be used to describe this free- spirited artist with a talent bigger than her signature afro. Lila Ike never fails to deliver. The artist has done a solo European tour twice in 2019 and performed at both Unruly Fest and Reggae Sumfest. The artist has also featured with artists such as Protoje, Tarrus Riley, Agent Sasco, Forresta, Royal Blu and many others. Lila Ike has released multiple tracks during 2019, one of which was “Where I’m Coming From” which has gotten over 600,000 views on YouTube. The artist has also gotten international recognition with multiple features in articles written by Billboard and The Fader. Lila Ike’s sound is timeless and will definitely continue to captivate the minds, hearts and souls of people both locally and internationally.
Naomi Cowan
Awarded the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) in March 2019, Naomi Cowan did not fail to deliver in 2019. The artist had a spectacular year. She performed at Uppsala Reggae Festival in Sweden in July 2019, released her Paradise Plum mixtape in August 2018, went on a European tour with Jesse Royal and released multiple tracks which includes: “Peace of Mind”, “You’re Gonna Loose”, “One True Love”, “Gold” and “Naked”. The all rounded artist showcased her brilliance and her career is expected to continue to grow exponentially in 2020 and we are here for it.
