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Jamaican Music Collaborations with International Artists
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By Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
Our music, whether dancehall, reggae or even ska has always been enjoyed globally. One of the key factors behind its continued success and evolution is the frequent collaborations between Jamaican artists and international musicians. These cross-cultural musical partnerships have not only brought Jamaican music to new audiences but have also allowed for exciting artistic fusions and groundbreaking creations.
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Ghetto Story (Remix) – Cham feat. Alicia Keys
This inner-city anthem was Cham's biggest hit to date. Cham was a former protégé of Bounty Killer in the late 1990s. Even months after the song's debut, interest in it was still high, so Cham decided to make a remix fusing his gritty sound with Alicia Keys' smooth, sweet one. The collaboration had immediate success with the remix, which peaked at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100. Cham also received immense exposure through the remix's accompanying video, which was highly promoted on BET and MTV.
Baby Boy- Beyoncé feat Sean Paul
To date, this is still one of our biggest collaborations. Sean Paul, one of the genre's biggest ambassadors, collaborated with Beyoncé on the chart-topping hit "Baby Boy" in 2003. This collaboration not only exposed Dancehall to a massive mainstream audience but also highlighted the genre's infectious energy and distinctive sound.
Drake and Popcaan
Canadian rapper Drake has been instrumental in bringing dancehall to the forefront through his collaborations with Jamaican artist Popcaan. Songs like "Controlla" and "One Dance" incorporated dancehall rhythms and Popcaan's vocals, resulting in global hits that showcased the genre's infectious nature while introducing it to new listeners around the world.
Handsfree - Mya and Ding Dong
Grammy-winning R&B/pop singer Mya, noted for her successful team-ups, collaborated with dancehall dancer turned musician Ding Dong on the song "Handsfree" for the "Sexting Riddim" in 2019. Mya's lovely and gentle vocals perfectly complement the rhythm's vivacious and seductive dancehall atmosphere to create an intriguing fusion of the two genres. The Jamaican-shot music video for this club and radio hit features lovely locations and a retro club atmosphere.
Damian Marley and Nas
In 2010, Damian Marley, son of Bob Marley, collaborated with American rapper Nas on the critically acclaimed album "Distant Relatives." Combining reggae, hip-hop, and African influences, the album explored themes of unity, social consciousness, and the struggles faced by people of African descent. The collaboration between Damian Marley and Nas not only produced captivating music but also served as a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaborations and the shared experiences of different communities.
Here are a few more popular collaborations between Jamaican artists and well-known international musicians:
- Rihanna ft. Sean Paul - "Break It Off" (2006): Our caribbean sister, Rihanna teamed up with Sean Paul for this catchy dancehall-infused track, showcasing the Caribbean flavours that both artists bring to the table.
- Major Lazer ft. Vybz Kartel - "Pon De Floor" (2009): American electronic music trio Major Lazer collaborated with dancehall icon Vybz Kartel on this high-energy track that became a global club anthem, blending elements of dancehall and electronic music.
- Koffee ft. Gunna - "W" (2022): Grammy winner Koffee joined forces with American rapper Gunna for this upbeat and melodic track, showcasing the fusion of reggae and hip-hop styles.
- Damian Marley ft. Skrillex - "Make It Bun Dem" (2012): Damian Marley, in collaboration with renowned electronic music producer Skrillex, created this powerful track that blends reggae and dubstep elements, offering a unique and captivating sonic experience.
- Shaggy ft. Sting - "Don't Make Me Wait" (2018): Jamaican-American reggae fusion artist Shaggy collaborated with British musician Sting on this feel-good track that combines reggae, pop, and rock influences, highlighting the diverse range of both artists' musical backgrounds.
- Chronixx ft. Maverick Sabre - "Why" (2015): Chronixx collaborated with Irish-English singer-songwriter Maverick Sabre on this soulful and thought-provoking track, addressing social issues and promoting unity through their powerful vocals.
Jamaican music collaborations with international artists have played a pivotal role in the global dissemination of our island's musical heritage. These partnerships have not only expanded the reach of our Jamaican genres like reggae and dancehall but have also fostered cultural exchange and artistic innovation.
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References & Sources For Jamaican Music Collaborations with International Artists
- McLeod, S. K. (2021, July 26). Three R&B and Dancehall Collaborations to Remember. CNW Network. https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/entertainment/three-rb-and-dancehall-collaborations-to-remember/
- S., S., & M. (2014, June 19). Top 10 international collaborations involving Dancehall artists - Dancehall Usa. Dancehall Usa. https://www.dancehallusa.com/top-10-international-collaborations-involving-dancehall-artists/
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