The Caribbean has long been a hub of groundbreaking artists and vibrant sounds, consistently proving to be a powerhouse of global music. We have seen the likes of Shenseea and Skillibeng making their marks globally, emerging from the Caribbean in recent years. Additionally, artists like Rihanna, Shaggy, and Sean Paul have solidified themselves as megastars originating from the region. Whether it’s Dancehall, Soca, Reggae, or Caribbean fusions, the region is known to be a nest of creativity and cultural expression.
As we enter the early stages of 2025, a new wave of talent is emerging from this nest, pushing boundaries and showing the promise of global stardom.
In this article, we spotlight the Top 10 Caribbean Artists to Watch in 2025 a mix of rising stars and breakthrough artists that we at CARIB VOXX have identified as set to take the year by storm, dominating charts and stages around the world. Let’s get to it!
Armanii
Without a doubt talented, the Jamaican Dancehall artist has all the ingredients for global stardom. He already has the formula for creating hits, with a considerable number of singles that have made waves on the dancehall scene. From 2022’s “Party Time” to last year’s “HAAD,” Armanii has proven his consistency and ability to craft catchy anthems. Last year was also monumental for the artist, with the release of his album NO SIGNAL a smooth and seamless dancehall project highlighting his unique approach to the genre and making a statement about the quality he brings to the industry. The album has received positive responses all around, but his talent exceeds beyond the recording booth, as his live performances are as captivating as his lyrics.
Another quality Armanii possesses essential for stardom these days, is his engaging personality on social media. His interactions with fans across platforms, online performances, and new track snippets keep fans engaged and eager for his releases. 2025 will be a big year for Armanii, Carib Voxx called it!
Mortimer
There has been an ongoing debate about the torch carriers of Reggae and the lack of them, but Mortimer is poised to carry that torch with soulful simplicity. Mortimer takes you on a trip with every note, captivating listeners with his distinctive voice and melodies. From his introduction to a wider audience with his feature on Protoje’s “Protection,” his voice has been unforgettable. Nowadays he has hits like “Slowly” and “Style &Grace” and “Lightening” strikes when he takes the stage with his distinctive voice and melodies.
Also releasing an album late last year, “From Within,” it’s evident the direction he is taking his craft. The album goes beyond the smooth and seductive sounds he is known for and gets personal, exploring the human experience. Creativity and Style were not lost on this reggae artist so 2025 is a year to keep tabs on Mortimer.
Mical Teja
The Trinidadian soca sensation whose star continues to rise with every release. Mical Teja has quickly established himself as one of the most innovative voices in the genre. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional soca rhythms with modern production elements has made him a favorite among fans and a force to be reckoned with on the regional and international music scene.
Known for hits like “DNA” and “Runaway,” you’re familiar with what the soca artiste is capable of. With Caribbean music and specifically soca on a steady ascension, especially with Machel Montano’s recent appearance on the popular music platform Tiny Desk. Safe to say we at Carib Voxx deem Mical Teja a worthy torchbearer for the genre, capable of reaching new heights.
5Two
Cosigned and securing features of some of your favorites, this “Caribbean Gyal” is definitely expected to strut her stuff this year. The Virgin Island artist has the making of a star as she stays true to her Caribbean style of which she boasts however allowing influences of global music to enhance her sound. Recently releasing a track with the superstar Nailah Blackman called “Caribbean Gyal,” 5two is already in good company. Her Track “Foolie” was also remixed by Dancehall artist Jada Kingdom as 5Two spreads her unique sound and creates waves in the Caribbean.
450
This artist shouldn’t be new to you but after this year 450 shouldn’t be new to many more. He came on the scene with a one-of-a-kind voice, elite storytelling skills, and impressive lyrical content, all of which he expect him to conquer the year with. He impressively carves his own lane in the industry flexing a melodic style and sound incomparable to others. 450 also has an impressive catalog exploring several themes in his music such as love, struggle, and personal growth. With tracks like “Journey” and “Live n’ Learn” solidifying his reputation, 450 is proving that he’s not just an artist to watch, but one to lead dancehall into a new era.
Kraff
No surprise here, he never misses. Kraff is the safest bet if you expect an artist to have a breakout year on the global scale. He does it time and time again. Hit after hit. Colonizing one instrumental after the next. The Dancehall artiste could find a catchy hook in deep slumber. With his raw energy and bold, unfiltered lyricism, Kraff is one of the most captivating young talents reshaping the dancehall scene.
His impressive catalog and his ability to create tracks that dominate the party scene almost makes his global ascension certain. Kraff is proving he’s not just a rising star but a defining voice in the next wave of dancehall. 2025 is undoubtedly going to be a great year for Kraff.
Stalk Ashley
She needs no introduction as she is everyone’s crush. Stalk Ashley’s rise since her breakout single “Sin Sex” has been a strategically paced takeover, as she is now one of the prominent voices and faces of female representation in the dancehall genre. However, with the hits and brand deals under her belt, Stalky is nowhere near her ceiling. Her style has the versatility that could simultaneously entertain a wider global audience while still staying true to her core dancehall fans, also, her mastery of turning affairs of the heart which is a universal experience into music can be her bridge to a greater international stardom. Therefore, Carib Voxx sees Stalk Ashley as one of the artists to take 2025 by the collar; maybe she will do it “Like Cardi.”
Valiant
It has been nonstop work and ascension from the day Valiant had “Kotch e hat.” This year shouldn’t be much different as his trajectory has only been up. Valiant has been a full package since making headlines, as he has a solid stage presence and performance ethic, and he keeps his fans entertained even without the music, as his social media presence easily sells his energetic personality. He does no differently when the music is involved, as he finds hit after hit and flow after flow, keeping his creativity active in the themes of his music and videos. However, with all this going for him, we expect the year 2025 to be greater. Hopefully, it involves a project from the artist. Fingers crossed.
Lila Ike
Lila Ike has delivered time and time again, on stage and in the studio. Her unique voice and approach to music are refreshing for listeners, and her craft shows that she is a student of the game, regardless of whether she needs to be lyrical or showcase her soulfulness. Already one project down, with no skips, we keep those fingers tight, hoping this is the year we get another Lila Ike project.
The stage has already been set for a rollout, as she has been putting in the work locally and internationally, be it performances or collaborating with some big names from New York rapper Joey Badass to UK R&B singer Mahalia. If not an album rollout, then we can expect some serious heat from Lila this year, as this is a fiery start.
Nailah Blackman
Nailah somehow reinvents herself while still being Nailah. This alone is something to look forward to from the Trinidadian powerhouse each year. She is one of the Soca artists that has been responsible for pushing Soca internationally, and the mission to show global audiences that Soca has no boundaries remains throughout this year. This year we expect more Nailah, more energy, more sultry vocals, and more genre-bending sounds. As the genre continues its upward trajectory, Nailah Blackman is one of the key artists leading the charge, making 2025 another promising year for her ever-growing success.
And there you have it, the cream of the crop handpicked by Carib Voxx to have a standout year in 2025. The Caribbean music scene is showing immense promise whether you jump to some Soca, meditate on some sweet reggae or tune in to some hard-hitting Dancehall.
These artists will definitely bring the heat in these coming months. Who didn’t we mention? Or who makes your list? Let us hear it, either way, we are poised for a musical rollercoaster this year so buckle up!
