Alkaline, Chronixx Most Streamed On Spotify After Platform’s First Year In Jamaica

alkaline chronixx
Alkaline, Chronixx

Alkaline and Chronixx are the most streamed Dancehall and Reggae artists on Spotify in Jamaica, after the streaming platform became available on the island in February this year.  See full lists for the top 10 Dancehall and Reggae artists below.

Spotify’s expansion to Jamaica — and 80+ other markets — was welcome news for the industry because it meant that there would be one more platform for fans to access music in the region.

According to Julia Lavender, Communications Manager for Spotify’s new markets across the world, the platform is positioned to help propel Jamaican music locally and worldwide.  “Much of the music energy is still untapped, but with our launch we believe that we can give Jamaica’s music culture a boost both locally and globally – and that the access to our creator tools will help propel Jamaican artist’s careers,” she told World Music Views.

Spotify holds a majority 32% market share among premium streaming services, according to Statista.  Streams earned on premium services are worth more dollars than those gained on ad-driven services like YouTube.

“Data from our dedicated Caribbean Hub shows us that there’s a tremendous interest in sounds from the country, and Jamaican genres have seen massive increases in listenership since Spotify first entered the market,” she said.

Lavender indicated that even dying genres like Ska have seen an increase over the year on the platform.

“Ska Revival has seen a 191% increase, Early Reggae a 183% increase, and Ska has a 105% increase. Globally, the playlist “Reggae Classics” is by far the most streamed Caribbean playlist in the past year. Sunshine Reggae, One Love and Dancehall Throwback are also amongst the most streamed playlists the past year.”

“Whilst reggae playlists dominate globally, Dancehall playlists dominate amongst Jamaican listeners, with Dancehall Official, Back a YardIsland PopDancehall Throwback, and Dancehall Party on the top 5,” she added.

Lavender said Spotify has taken careful note of Jamaica’s music industry and is already helping dancehall artists at home and abroad.

“Besides the Caribbean Hub, we in 2021 supported emerging artists with Jamaican heritage such as Griff, Skillibeng, Jorja Smith and Capella Gray – and hope to expand that support to more local artists and their releases. It’s clear that there’s an appetite for Jamaican sounds and in 2022 we want to continue surfacing local talents and introduce them to more Spotify listeners so they have the opportunity to discover unique local sounds, voices, and cultures.”

As for what streamers and artists should expect in 2022 from Spotify, Lavender said there will be new ways to monetize, innovate and improve the listening experience.

“This year we continued to go all in on the limitless power of audio and our mission to connect creators with fans and empower creators to live off of their art with more to come in 2022.”

“We aim to shape a new ecosystem with new tools and formats for creators to..reach new audiences and monetize their work, as well as continuing to innovate around the listening experience including Enhance, Blend and Lyrics.”

Top 10 Most Streamed Dancehall And Reggae Artists On Spotify For 2021

Most played artists in Jamaica – Dancehall

  1. Alkaline
  2. Vybz Kartel
  3. Skillibeng
  4. Masicka
  5. Intence
  6. Popcaan
  7. Dexta Daps
  8. Chronic Law
  9. Shenseea
  10. Skeng

Most played artists in Jamaica – Reggae

  1. Chronixx
  2. Beres Hammond
  3. Protoje
  4. Tarrus Riley
  5. Buju Banton
  6. Lila Iké
  7. Sizzla
  8. Kabaka Pyramid
  9. Garnett Silk
  10. Barrington Levy

Most played artists globally – Dancehall

  1. Sean Paul
  2. Burna Boy
  3. Shaggy
  4. Stefflon Don
  5. Popcaan
  6. Damian Marley
  7. Vybz Kartel
  8. Charly Black
  9. Chronixx
  10. Dave

Most played artists globally – Reggae

  1. Bob Marley & The Wailers
  2. UB40
  3. Damian Marley
  4. SOJA
  5. Chronixx
  6. Jimmy Cliff
  7. Inner Circle
  8. The Wailers
  9. Ziggy Marley
  10. Protoje