Jamaican music
Reggae icon Fantan Mojah has died at the age of 49 at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston following a rapid decline in heart-related health. Known for his transition from a window washer discovered by Joe Bogdanovich to a global Rastafarian voice, Mojah had previously battled serious heart issues, including a 2024 hospitalization in Martinique. Despite having secured a new visa for an upcoming tour in Europe, he passed away on Tuesday night after falling ill while staying with friends in Portmore. His legacy remains defined by his conscious lyrical themes and his enduring impact on the reggae genre.
“Orville ‘Shaggy’ Burrell didn’t just break the glass ceiling of the music industry—he built a brand-new house on top of it. From a Marine in the Gulf War to the only dancehall artist in history to achieve a Diamond-certified album, Shaggy’s journey is a masterclass in discipline, evolution, and global dominance. With 40 million records sold and a legacy built on both grit and philanthropy, we’re finally asking the question: Why isn’t he officially crowned the King of Dancehall Reggae?”
Buju Banton has officially announced his new album Too Too Bad, scheduled for release on July 17, 2026. The project marks his return to VP Records after more than twenty years and appears to pay homage to his acclaimed 2006 dancehall album Too Bad. The announcement has generated significant excitement among reggae and dancehall fans, particularly because it suggests a renewed focus on the energetic dancehall sound that helped make Buju one of Jamaica’s greatest artists. Supported by the successful single “Butterflies” and arriving alongside his Roots and Rhymes Summer Tour with Stephen Marley, Too Too Bad is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated reggae and dancehall releases of the year.
Buju Banton’s latest single, “Butterflies,” has secured the No. 1 position on major Caribbean singles and airplay charts, further cementing the reggae icon’s enduring influence. The track combines modern production with a heavy roots-reggae vocal performance, earning widespread support from radio stations and fans across the Caribbean. As anticipation grows for his upcoming album Too Too Bad, the success of “Butterflies” signals that Buju remains one of the most powerful and relevant voices in contemporary reggae music.
Etana, the 2026 Reggae Month Ambassador, is set to release her new album, “The Ganja Collection,” on April 20, 2026, under Freemind Music Records. The project is a dedicated exploration of roots culture and advocacy, building on the success of her previous hits like “Ganja Lover.” By blending her “Raw Soul” style with authentic reggae production, Etana continues to solidify her status as a global cultural icon and entrepreneur.
Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff has died at age 81 after complications from a seizure and pneumonia. Born James Chambers in St. James, Jamaica, Cliff became a global ambassador for reggae, ska, and rocksteady, recording more than 30 influential albums and starring in the groundbreaking film The Harder They Come. His hits such as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “I Can See Clearly Now” cemented him as one of Jamaica’s greatest musical exports. Honored with two Grammy Awards, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, and Jamaica’s Order of Merit, Cliff leaves behind a monumental legacy that transformed the global perception of Jamaican music and culture.
Jamaica will posthumously honour Garnet “Garnett Silk” Smith with the Order of Distinction (Officer class) as part of the 2025 National Honours and Awards announced on 6 August. The investiture of insignia is scheduled for National Heroes’ Day, Monday, 20 October 2025, at King’s House, where more than 140 recipients will receive awards from the state. Garnet Silk, celebrated for his smooth tenor and message-driven repertoire—songs such as “Hello Africa,” “Love Is the Answer,” and “Mama”—is widely credited with helping to revive conscious, roots-based themes in early 1990s popular Jamaican music before his tragic death in a house fire in December 1994 at age 28. Family tributes, community legacy events during 2025, and music-industry commentary have framed the award as both overdue and culturally important, reinforcing Silk’s place in Jamaica’s cultural memory and offering a moment for renewed public engagement with his musical legacy.
Vybz Kartel has made history as the first and only dancehall artiste to sell out the main O2 Arena in London. Performing back-to-back shows on September 4 and 5, 2025, he drew 20,000 fans each night, marking an unprecedented moment for the genre. With guest appearances from Rvssian and Wizkid, Kartel delivered powerhouse performances despite an injured knee, ending each night with an emotional God Is the Greatest. Until now, no dancehall artiste had ever achieved such a feat at the O2, making Kartel’s accomplishment a landmark for Jamaican music and a clear signal of dancehall’s expanding global influence.
Koffee has wiped all her social media accounts, leaving fans questioning what’s next. Speculation suggests she was dropped by RCA, but sources clarify she was never directly signed. Promised Land Records confirms new music is coming soon, hinting at a possible rebrand rather than a setback. Is Koffee preparing for a major comeback, or is something else going on? Tell us what you think.
(ReggaeVibeMedia.com) – In a night that will be remembered as a defining moment in dancehall history, the Queen of Dancehall, Spice, led her crew, Spice Army, to a resounding victory at the Red Bull Culture Clash 2025. Held on March 8 at London’s DRUMSHEDS, the event drew a crowd of 10,000 enthusiastic fans who witnessed […]
