Conkarah And Shaggy Go Viral With Their Smash Hit ‘Banana’

There are a few songs that are known throughout the Caribbean that have become staples and have been handed down from generation to generation. Now one of those traditional folk songs has been given a modern infusion as the Island-Pop star Conkarah along with help from international Dancehall star Shaggy, have put their own take on an old classic “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).”

The song is actually proving to be a breakthrough hit single for Conkarah.
According to a press release sent by his team, Banana has become “a worldwide summer sensation.” The new take on the song was filmed earlier this month in Kingston, Jamaica by director Jay Will (Major Lazer, Third World) and is now streaming now via YouTube.

Conkarah said that the song is a true representation of how music can be timeless.
“It brings joy to my soul when I can share impactful rhythmic sounds that can alleviate some chaos in the world right now,” he said. He added: “This is why I live for music. It changes and evolves us no matter how trying the circumstances are.”
Shaggy also commented on the new version of Banana and said: “I make songs to put smiles on people’s faces and to make people happy.”.

The song has been making waves in the US and last Friday, July 17, Conkarah and Shaggy performed Banana on ABC’s Good Morning America.

A number of international superstar DJs joined in the remake of the song, last week, including international performers.

The Remix EP includes Dave Audé, Dinaire+Bissen, Faustix, Lady Bee, James Anthony, and New Zealand’s DJ FLe, the latter of which has already proven equally popular to the original version.

Banana, always a crowd favorite, has been bringing in some impressive stream numbers as well.

“Indeed, “Banana” and its “DJ FLe – Minisiren Remix” now boast over 430 million combined global streams to date after five weeks (and counting) in the Spotify “Global Viral 50,” making Conkrah the 406th most listened to artist in the world on Spotify this month. What’s more, “Banana (feat. Shaggy) [DJ Fle – Minisiren Remix]” is accompanied by an official lyric video, now with over 10 million individual views at Conkarah’s official YouTube channel.”

It has also been performing well on the more popular music charts around the world.

“Currently climbing iTunes’ Pop Chart in 16 countries around the world, “Banana (feat. Shaggy) [DJ Fle – Minisiren Remix]” is now impacting at multi-format radio outlets across America. The track is shaping up to be among the top songs of the summer, with over 430 million total streams across an array of platforms. “Banana (feat. Shaggy) [DJ Fle – Minisiren Remix]” has fast ascended content charts around the world, rising to #5 on Shazam’s “Top 200 Global” while reaching the top 10 in 25 countries. In addition, the single recently hit #12 on Spotify’s “Global Viral 50” and #73 on the “Global Top 200.”

It’s even performing well on social media sites like Tik Tok probably because of the dance that the team has invented for the track.

“As if that weren’t enough, “Banana” recently ranked as the #1 Sound on TikTok, featured in over 27 million user-generated videos thus far. Indeed, the track has charted in over 20 countries, fueled in part by the hugely popular #BANANADROP dance challenge, including videos by such celebrities and top influencers as Jason Derulo, Charli D’amelio, Nicole Scherzinger, Chiara Ferragni, and Neymar.”

Conkarah, whose given name is Nicholas Murray, is the son of a well-known member of Jamaica’s national football team. He chose music over the sport, however.

“Conkarah placed his substantial energies towards music, writing his own original songs while also recording soulful covers of his favorite records, accenting each with his signature warm island flare. His heartfelt renditions of pop hits soon earned a worldwide fan following, with over 288 million combined views and more than 750,000 YouTube subscribers to date. Indeed, his rendition of Adele’s “Hello” – featuring Rosie Delmah – reached the top of Spotify’s “Global Viral” chart while the official video has garnered over 108 million views via YouTube.”

Music has given him the opportunity to travel the world and he has been carrying the Dancehall flag globally.

“With his audience growing daily, Conkarah embarked on two global tours, stamping his passport across more than 20 countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific Islands, and South America. 2017 saw his TIMELESS LOVE EP peak at #4 on Billboard’s “Reggae Albums” chart, followed the next year by the release of his acclaimed debut album, EXCITA, a genre-blurring collection of original music available for streaming and download.”