Top Caribbean Musicians You Should Be Listening To

We all love the Caribbean. A melting pot for many musical genres, such as reggae, dancehall, calypso, soca and more! This made the islands a beautiful place with an everlasting mark. Caribbean musicians and DJs, with their infectious rhythms and heartfelt lyrics, make sure everyone won’t forget about it! It doesn’t matter if you seek meaningful lyrics, upbeating sounds or anything else: there’s something for everyone, believe me! This great curated list has some of the best famous caribbean musicians you gotta know.

Bob Marley (Jamaica)

It’s a crime to make a Caribbean musicians list and not put Bob Marley first. The legendary King of Reggae was born in Nine Mile, and made the genre known all around the world. Want some beatiful bangers to listen to? “No Woman, No Cry”, “Redemption Song” and “One Love” are all MUST-listen. What made his songs so inspirational were the message of peace and social justice; paving his way to being an icon. Even after his death, he is still inspiring many people and his legacy will live forever.

Rihanna (Barbados)

Barbadian superstar Rihanna is a global icon. We all have heard her name at least once! “RiRi” blends her roots with R&B and pop, having hits like “Work”, “Diamonds” or “Umbrella”, turning her into one of the most successful artists of all time. But she’s not a simple artist: this businesswoman also has a very important brand of makeup “Fenty Beauty” and a lingerie line called Savage X.

Shaggy (Jamaica)

If you look for a kind and chilling voice, then Shaggy is your choice! A staple of the Caribbean tracks for decades, his hits like “It Wasn’t Me”, “Boombastic” or “Angel” usually combine reggae and pop, making tunes that are listened all around the world! They’re great! Other collaborations such as the one with Sting are great, making him the top of the industry.

Buju Banton (Jamaica)

One of the most famous caribbean musicians. A cornerstone of reggae and dancehall, Buju Banton is celebrated for his deep, resonant voice and thought-provoking lyrics. From socially conscious tracks like “Untold Stories” to energetic dancehall hits like “Champion,” Buju has captured the complexities of life in Jamaica while addressing global themes. His return to music after incarceration reinvigorated his career, proving his timeless appeal. In many Caribbean bars people gather to listen to their music while enjoying poker games, classic Caribbean games and typical Caribbean cocktails.

Calypso Rose (Trinidad and Tobago)

Born McCartha Linda Sandy-Lewis, Calypso Rose is another of those living legends of the music. One of the most famous calypso artists, this woman from Tobago became the first female calypsonian to be renowned worldwide. Tracks like “Fire in Me Wire” and “Leave Me Alone” are heard all around the world because of their empowering lyrics. With more than 60 years of career, she’s an incredible artist!

Sean Paul (Jamaica)

If we talk about popular caribbean music artists, then Sean Paul is one of the most famous dancehall artists. Why? Well, lemme tell you about this amazing singer: He has very uplifting beats and really catchy lyrics like “Temperature”, “Get Busy” or “Give It Up to Me”. But that ain’t everything: he’s also one of the voices of dancehall around the world, mixing it with hip-hop/rap and pop, earning him a huge amount of awards and a really loyal fanbase (and a really big one!).

Celia Cruz (Cuba)

Although her music primarily falls under the salsa genre, we can’t ignore the HUGE influence of Celia Cruz on Caribbean music. Why? Because the Queen of Salsa is one of the other amazing stars of the industry. Her vibrant personality and beautiful voice makes this Cuban singer and international star. We all have listened “La Vida es un carnaval” at least once; showcasing her great skills to connect with audiences and fans worldwide, especially the Afro-Cuban ones.

Machel Montano (Trinidad and Tobago)

Speaking of kings, we can’t forget about the King of Soca! This genre is deeply tied to the calypso traditions from Trinidad and Tobago, and it’s beautiful to listen to. Montano is know for his high-enery performance and hits like “Like Ah Boss”, usually listened to during the Carnivals. Besides that, this singer helped soca evolve, making it a more recognizable genre in all of the Americas.

Juan Luis Guerra (Dominican Republic)

It’s difficult to describe Juan Luis Guerra. Why? Because he’s simply amazing. A brief description could be “musical genius”, right? This dominican artist converted bachata and merengue into its own thing, with beautiful lyrics that enchanted everyone. “Burbujas de Amor”, “Ojalá que llueva café” or “La Bilirrubina” are some of his greatest hits. But that’s not eveything: he also mixed Caribbean style with rock, gospel and even jazz, earning him lots of awards (such as the Grammys!)

Vybz Kartel (Jamaica)

Despite his controversial non-public lifestyle, Vybz Kartel is one of the most influential figures in the dancehall genre. Known for his witty wordplay and captivating tunes, Kartel has created numerous hits like “Fever,” “Summertime,” and “Clarks.” His impact on present day dancehall is massive, inspiring a new technology of artists and enthusiasts of the genre!

Charly Black (Jamaica)

Charly Black’s “Gyal You a Party Animal” became a global anthem, cementing his fame in the Caribbean music history. The Jamaican artist focuses on dancehall and reggae fusion, crafting tunes which can be each danceable and deeply rooted in Caribbean culture. His tune reflects the joy and vibrancy of the islands.

Tarrus Riley (Jamaica)

Known for his soulful voice and poignant lyrics, Tarrus Riley is a main singer in modern-day reggae. Tracks like “She’s Royal” and “Lighter” demonstrate his capability to combination conventional reggae with cutting-edge influences. Tarrus keeps to captivate audiences with his authenticity and willpower to retaining the style’s roots.

Konshens (Jamaica)

A distinguished name in dancehall, Konshens is well known for his easy-to-understand lyrics and catchy hooks. Songs like “Bruk Off Yuh Back” and “Gal a Bubble” have made him a dancehall favorite global. His collaborations with artists throughout genres highlight his versatility and dedication to spreading Caribbean track to the masses.

J Balvin (Colombia) and Bad Bunny (Puerto Rico)

Though their roots are technically in Latin America, J Balvin and Bad Bunny have embraced and popularized reggaeton, a genre born from Puerto Rican influences. With global hits like “Mi Gente” and “I Like It,” these artists have brought Caribbean sounds to international charts, collaborating with musicians from various backgrounds to create a multicultural celebration of music.

Kes the Band (Trinidad and Tobago)

Kes the Band, led by the famous Kes Dieffenthaller, is a Trinidadian group blending soca with pop and reggae affects. Their music “Savannah Grass” is a Carnival style that everyone knows. Their active performances have earned them many fans internationally, known around the world. Kes the Band represents the versatility and current evolution of soca song.

Protoje (Jamaica)

Protoje is a pioneer of the reggae revival movement, mixing conscious lyrics with modern reggae sounds. Songs like “Who Knows” (proposing Chronixx) and “Bout Noon” have earned him essential acclaim. His work frequently addresses social issues, staying genuine to reggae’s roots of activism and cognizance.

Koffee (Jamaica)

Mikayla Simpson, also known as Koffee, is a rising superstar in the world of reggae and dancehall. At simply 19, she have become the youngest and first woman artist to win a Grammy for Best Reggae Album along with her EP Rapture. Since one of the most popular caribbean artists, her tracks, together with “Toast” and “Lockdown,” are full of positivity and youthful power, making her a beacon of wish for the destiny of Caribbean vibe.

Spice (Jamaica)

If Sean Paul is the King of Dancehall, then Spice is definitely the Queen. She has been dominant within the genre for over a decade, and has some serious hit that you cannot miss, believe me! (“So Mi Like It”, for example). What makes her so unique is that her ambitious personality helped her achieve great and important things. How so? Well, she uses it to endorse for empowerment and representation. A truly inspiring person!

Conclusion

Caribbean music is a testament to the region’s wealthy cultural background and resilience. These Caribbean singers, with their past and present, encompass the spirit of the islands, imparting sounds that are varied, belonging to the Caribbean itself. Whether you’re dancing to soca, reflecting with reggae, or vibing to dancehall, the song of the Caribbean presents a soundtrack to joy, celebration, and team spirit. Explore those artists, and also you’ll discover the boundless creativity of this beautiful region.