Global Reggae Charts - Issue #20 / January 2019

annual charts
Looking back on 2018, both the album and singles charts featured
a host of big names while also allowing the talents of lesser-known
artists to shine through. Obviously by their nature, these charts give a
slight edge to music released earlier within the year; however, there
really are a great variety of acts and styles represented.
The album charts reveal that for every Alborosie there’s a Rorystonelove, for every
Protoje a Reemah, or for every Damian Marley a Mo’Kalamity. Yes, Albo and Protoje
did indeed snag the top two spots, with Kabaka Pyramid, Micah Shemaiah, and Etana
stamping the initial five with plenty of rootical vibes. Jesse Royal, King Kong, Sly &
Robbie Meet Dubmatix, Romain Virgo, and Havana Meets Kingston provide more of an
international mixture within the top ten. Also notable are Hollie Cook in at #12, Mellow
Mood at #14 just ahead of the late great Dennis Brown, Iba Mahr at #18, and Alpheus
at #20. The seemingly unstoppable Alborosie even snuck an acoustic album in at #24!
A true representation of reggae’s changing of the guard is Koffee’s top single of the
year, “Raggamuffin.” The dynamic teenager’s rise has been nothing short of phenomenal,
“Burning” sits at #16 as well, so there’s little to suggest that her 2019 will be
any different. The other top tracks are Alborosie’s “Contradiction” featuring Chronixx,
Capleton’s “Help The Weak” also featuring Chronixx, Protoje’s “No Guarantee” once
again featuring Chronixx, and Beres Hammond’s “I’m Alive.” Definitely shows a true talent
doesn’t need to release an album to make an impact! Following Kabaka Pyramid’s
collaboration with Damian Marley at #6, King Kong’s “Old School” ft. Burro Banton and
Pinchers just edged out an impressive showing from Bryan Art. Lila Iké for “Second
Chance,” and Dre Island for “Yaad N Abraad” conclude the first ten singles. Listing
all fifty would certainly be exhaustive, though artists like Yaadcore (#17 for “No Fenke
Fenke” feat. Shanique Marie & Kabaka Pyramid), our cover artist Jah9 (#19), Linval
Thompson (#23), Bulby York (#27), Cocoa Tea (#31), Samory I (#33), Mojo Morgan (#41),
and Sevana (#50) are well worth a mention here. Plenty more talent on the full chart,
so make sure to read carefully and (re)listen appropriately.
global reggae charts | issue 20 / dec 2019
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