15 Dancehall & Reggae Songs That Glorify Being ‘Blessed’
One virtue all Jamaicans want to be is “blessed and sanctified.” As a country with Christianity as the most widely practiced religion, both devout Christians and the secular aim to live their lives in good favour.
It’s no wonder that many Dancehall and Reggae artistes frequently dedicate entire songs to being “blessed,” receiving “blessings” or declaring some aspect of their life as “blessed.”
Depending on the artiste, the connotation of “blessings” or being “blessed” in their songs varies from conscious to raunchy. Regardless of the lyrical context, Dancehall and Reggae fans remain ardent in praise and can often relate to the artiste’s message.
It would be endless to list all songs throughout the history of Dancehall and Reggae that refer to the sought-after virtue of blessings, so here are 15 picks that glorify “blessings.”
Beenie Man – Blessed (1994)
In direct opposition to the religious meaning of the term “blessed” and the Roman Catholic Church, Beenie Man dedicated Blessed as a denouncement of contradictory political and religious views that Rastafarians and low-income families in Jamaica faced in the early 1990s.
In the lyrically-laced satire produced by Shocking Vibes Production, Beenie accused politicians and religious leaders of misleading the public with false ideologies on crime, drugs, and worship.
Despite the myriad of lies, he confirmed his “blessings” and assurance through his faith in Rastafari and allegiance to Emperor Haile Selassie I, former emperor of Ethiopia and patriarch of Rastafarianism. He also accepts accountability for his mistakes, unlike the political and religious leaders, he criticizes in the recurring line, “Blessed be thy name. For certain wrongs I’ve done, who’s to take the blame?”
Sizzla featuring Garnett Silk – Bless Me (1998)
In a remake of Garnett Silk’s 1992 hit, Bless Me, Sizzla adds three lyrically-charged verses to the timeless song from one of Reggae’s most renowned musicians, which advocates for mindfulness and trust in the “sustainer of life” for life’s “blessings.”
Accompanying the sampled chorus in which Garnett repeatedly asks for “mighty Jah-Jah” to “bless” him, Sizzla encourages compassion and faith in Jah to end suffering and doubt by saying,” Be blessed, and ask of Jah for all things.” Bless Me was released on Sizzla’s fifth studio album, Good Ways, which was produced by Bobby Digital in 1998.
Sizzla – Bless Up (2002)
Bless Up is a compilation of rapid-fire verses of high-energy inspiration from Sizzla to “bless up,” which represents an encouragement of hope and faith in a higher power to protect and heal.
This track, released on the Da Good Thing album in 2002, has a notable increase in verses to emphasize the artiste’s empathy for the history of Black people’s struggled experiences. Sizzla simultaneously appeals for trust in Jah’s “blessings” to provide salvation from this struggle, joining the repertoire of Reggae tracks that aspire toward religious affirmation.
Mr. Vegas – I Am Blessed (2009)
Released on the Good Life Riddim in 2009, I Am Blessed by Mr. Vegas quickly became the anthem for prosperity, hope, and faith in Dancehall.
Confirming Jamaicans’ innate desire for divine protection from all things evil, the catchy chorus of this track directly mirrors the general significance of being “blessed” as being completely and forever protected. Meanwhile, Mr. Vegas also took the opportunity to laud his accomplishments despite the judgment and ill will from “badmind” and “wicked” people.
Vybz Kartel – Ever Blessed (2012)
On the more lascivious end of the “blessed” spectrum, Vybz Kartel’s 2012 Christmas hit, Ever Blessed, refers to a divine affirmation of another nature. Instead of divinity for one’s soul, this blessing assures females’ sensual and sexual best performance, which forms the basis of many of Dancehall’s sexier songs.
In this sultry Dancehall serenade, Kartel compares women’s fertility, and his enjoyment of it, to the religious divinity of the bible and God. In one way or another, they are one and the same for Vybz Kartel, who considers sexuality as a “blessing.”
Ever Blessed was produced by Rvssian through Head Concussion Records.
Tarrus Riley ft. Konshens – Simple Blessings (2018)
Simple Blessings became another anthem of hope in Dancehall following its release in 2018 through Chimney Records.
Coming from two artistes with collections in Reggae and conscious music, both Tarrus Riley and Konshens compared the realities of a world view influenced by vanity and one characterized by gratitude and positivity. The term “blessings” in this track, now with over 21 million views on YouTube, refers to the recognition and appreciation of life’s simple pleasures like quality time with family, self-care, and wellness.
Kabaka Pyramid ft. Chronixx – Blessed is the Man (2018)
“Remember I tell you, blessed is the man.” Similar to Beenie Man’s Blessed, the recurring motif in Kabaka Pyramid’s Blessed is the Man is the confirmation of divine protection through the liberating beliefs of Rastafarianism and belief in Haile Selassie I.
In complex multi-bar verses, punctuated by the chorus voiced by Chronixx, Kabaka recounts the tragedies Rastafarians experienced in Jamaica at the hands of former Prime Minister Sir Alexander Bustamante and the personal oppression faced from religious and historically oppressive leaders.
Being “blessed” denotes faith and trust in Haile Selassie I or “Ababa Janhoy” and Africa for redemption. Blessed Is The Man, produced by Chronixx and Teflon “Zincfence,” was a part of Kabaka’s album, Kontraband, which was released through the Ghetto Youths International (GYI) record label – founded by Stephen, Damian, and Julian Marley.
D’Angel – I’m Blessed (2018)
D’Angel has consistently released music with a message of gratitude throughout her career, and I’m Blessed joins the collection of hope-filled music.
The veteran Dancehall artiste commends herself for being happy, hardworking, and relaxed, which she considers her “blessings.” D’Angel shares sentiment with Tarrus Riley and Konshens in appreciating life’s simple pleasures as significant sources of gratitude and contentment in this track, released as a part of Divas of Dancehall Volume 1 – distributed by 21st Hapilos.
Popcaan – Best/Blessed (2019)
The Unruly King’s 2019 track Best/Blessed joins Kartel’s Ever Blessed on this list in the raunchier collection of songs advocating being “blessed.”
Best/Blessed revers female sexuality and sexual prowess, comparing both to the divine status of being “blessed” and an affirmation of it being the best. As expressed in this track, released through TJ Records, and in many other songs in his repertoire, Popcaan praises the company of women as a significant aspect of his life.
Tommy Lee Sparta – Blessings (2019)
This 2019 hit single from Tommy Lee Sparta became another Dancehall anthem for guidance and protection, now with over 16 million views on YouTube.
Ringing a similar tune to Dancehall songs of the same nature, Blessings describes Tommy Lee’s experience with and conquering of negativity throughout his life and career. What makes this song different is his advocacy for mental health, meditation, and introspection in the process of appreciating one’s “blessings.” In this track, produced by Damage Musiq, Tommy Lee trusts only God and himself to assure his “blessings.”
Shenseea ft. Tyga – Blessed (2019)
Shenseea scored big with this YouTube-trending hit song released through the American record label, Interscope Records. Describing “blessed” as success earned despite obstacles, the essence of being “blessed” is not only achieved by her success but also by being the best at what she does without regard for her competition.
Shenseea’s Blessed has over 45 million views on YouTube since its release last year.
Masicka – Blessing (2019)
Like hits from other male artisites dominating the Dancehall scene, female sexuality and femininity form the basis of Masicka‘s Blessing.
In this 2019 track, produced on the Tribaco Riddim by Squirl Entertainment, the subject of his serenade is a “blessing” to him and so deserves his financial investment and lifelong devotion – two things that are usually associated with the Christian church’s idea of commitment to reap divine blessing.
Buju Banton – Blessed (2020)
“Tell them we bless. Tell them seh we still have life wi nuh stress, God light shine on we on our quest.” The chorus of Buju Banton’s Blessed, from his latest album Upside Down 2020, extols the fulfillment that accompanies the feeling of gratitude and God’s favour.
In this track on his first album since his release from incarceration almost two years ago, Buju defends the trial and tribulations of the everyday struggle in the face of systematic oppression. Blessed was produced by Gargamel Music and released through Gargamel Music Company with exclusive licensing to American record label Roc Nation.
Chronic Law – Count My Blessings (2020)
In a skillful numbers game, 6ix member Chronic Law counts his blessings in this three-minute-long single released earlier this year on the Intention Riddim.
Count My Blessings, produced by Attomatic Records and Dan Sky Records, describes “blessings” as both the positive experiences throughout his life and the lessons he learned from the harder ones. Although grateful, he aggressively guards his success to prevent a recurrence of his negative experiences – much like the hits from Mr. Vegas and Shenseea on this list.
Sevana – Blessed (2020)
As a part of her latest album, Be Somebody, In.Digg.Nation songstress Sevana voices a beautiful ode to being “blessed” with self-assurance and self-worth despite the obstacles life may throw her way.
Sevana’s Blessed, produced by Jamaican Grammy-award winning producer IzyBeats, describes the singer’s belief and trust in a higher power for guidance and protection. The track was released through the In.Digg.Nation Collective, in collaboration with American record label RCA Records.