Bob Marley & The Wailers ‘Stir It Up’ With Sarkodie, And 13 More New Songs

Beenie Man, Sean Paul, Dexta Daps and Valiant are among the artists to drop new music and videos recently, much to the delight of their fans. With newer variations of Dancehall Trap, club bangers and party-starters joining the fray of burgeoning Dancehall music in 2023, there’s something to be found in this wave of new releases for everyone.

Stir It Up – Bob Marley & The Wailers Ft. Sarkodie  

Billed as a song to “connect generations and continents,” Tuff Gong International recruited Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie for a remake of the classic, Stir It Up. Sarkodie surprisingly managed to not detract from the iconic song, but instead complemented its altered sound to create a unique listening experience. The ballsy move is a gamble that paid off, and Sarkodie successfully did what most artists would struggle to do – comfortably hold their own on a Bob Marley and The Wailers track.

Speaking on the collaboration, Sarkodie said:  “What a way to kick start this year! Definitely one of the highest moments in my career/life… It’s been a BIG torture keeping quiet about this particular project but I guess it’s always the best when timing is right. Big shouts to the team at Island records, my team and the Marley family for getting me on this amazing project with the legend Bob Marley. Such a blessing to lay my vocals right next to the original vocals of the legend…I will be sharing how the whole process happened… for now, get ready to enjoy the remake of Bob Marley’s ‘Stir It Up’ produced by M.O.G” 

Glock 40 – Valiant

Valiant’s first release of 2023, Glock 40 stands as an interesting experiment in the emerging Trap Dancehall subgenre, and it’s one that seems to have paid off swimmingly for the Dunce Cheque artist, owing to its No. 1 spot on YouTube’s trending list just three days after its release. Following his particularly successful campaign last year, there were lingering questions as to whether or not Valiant could have kept his streak up. Glock 40 answered those questions rather boldly, as the song dances between Trap Dancehall interspersed with an unusual yet catchy flow – reminiscent of rap, Dancehall and hints of old school Hip Hop. The song is produced by The Eclipse Group and Diplomat Records, and its music video – which has over 850 thousand views – directed by Shane Creative.

Unload – WSTRN ft. Skillibeng

British Afroswing (known also as Afrobbean or Afrotrap) collective, WSTRN, tapped Skillibeng for this catchy Trap Dancehall track, and created a roof-raiser in the process. The Crocodile Teeth singer, complemented by backing instrumentals that seemed tailormade for him, with even the song’s intro bearing a similar sound to his ‘What Whap’ intro, delivered an impressive verse in a way only he could, complete with his adlibs and mesmerizing flow. It was WSTRN, however, who created the atmosphere for Skillibeng to thrive on the PRGRSHN-produced track, as the group managed to deliver a project that was unmistakably Dancehall, all the while infusing elements from Hip Hop, with a few hints of Grime. The video was also a spectacle, with everything from popular Dancehall dance moves to typical gun references.

Forever – Dexta Daps

Dexta Daps is in a lane all by himself, and ‘Forever’ – both song and music video, is yet another example of why. Nobody in Dancehall does the topic of toxic relationships quite like him, and this song – which kicks the toxicity up a notch, only shows a significantly improved Daps delivering a most enchanting project to kickstart his 2023. The song documents a passion-filled extra-relational affair, which appears to be a burden both Daps and the woman he cheats with share, as they both have significant others they seem to care about. Even while acknowledging how toxic and “venomous” the relationship is, and how it may even hurt their committed partners, they both implicitly agree to keep it going “Forever”. The Xtreme Arts-directed music video follows the song with some raunchy displays between Daps and his lingerie-wearing ‘sneaky link’.

No Fear – Sean Paul Ft. Damian Marley and Nicky Jam

It was a fusion of Reggaeton and Reggae on ‘No Fear’, as Sean Paul tapped Reggae star Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley and Reggaeton singer and actor Nicky jam, for the gritty track, No Fear. First released on Paul’s Grammy-nominated Scorcha album  last year, the song received new visuals on January 19.  It boldly tackles issues of economic and financial inequality, oppression and injustice, and puts front and center the resilience it takes for people to survive under those conditions. Filmed in Kingston, Jamaica, the music video saw all three men delivering their verses at various well-known locations in the capital city, and featured scenes of working-class men carrying out a day’s hard work.  The song is produced by Dutty Rock Records and Island Records.

Artillery – Royal Blu, The Autos, Roe Summerz 

“You affi militant, cyaa too giddy inna Gideon” is just one of the many standout lines in Artillery by Royal Blu featuring The Autos and Roe Summerz. It shows the up-and-comer’s mettle, making full use of his typically alluring flow – often a mix between Dancehall, Reggae and Hip Hop. The Spanish Town native squeezes everything out of this track, and delivers an honest look at life, politics, poverty and mental health in an age of social media. The track is produced by Easy Star Records.

Umlando – Elephant Man

The ‘Energy God’ Elephant Man is back in his element with Umlando, a well-needed dance break for Dancehall, filled with all the hallmarks of a classic Elephant Man tune. It features his usual flamboyant fashion style, complete with relatively high-pitched vocalizing and is already making the rounds on social media. Whether or not its dance-heavy, Tik Tok-friendly moves were intentional, it’s at least clear that Elephant Man has not lost his touch on dance music. As for the music video, it’s a colourful montage of women all over the world partaking in the trend across various social media. Ele is also captured in the video swaying large crowds, seemingly in Africa, as he appears to be performing on stage. The song is ultimately a party starter and roof raiser, fitting for the artist who’s built his career in that niche.

Umlando was originally created by a collective in 2022 involving 9umba, TOSS and Mdoovar, featuring Sir Trill, Sino Msolo, Lady Du, Young Stunna and Slade.

Mankind – Beenie Man 

King of the Dancehall, Beenie Man, has entered 2023 in an introspective mood, with his new song, ‘Mankind’, lamenting what he believes is the “f&#ked up” nature of humans. The Cigar Records-produced track is a noticeable deviation from the Girls Dem Sugar singer, who approaches the tune with his characteristic zeal, but without much of the vocal care we know he is capable of. Even so, that unpolished sound makes the track one that hits home raw, true, and unfiltered on the issues Beenie Man talks about. He extends that treatment to family members as well, signaling his distrust of their intentions towards. It’s a song that seamlessly plays up the trope of isolation for protection, and Beenie’s experiment with it as a well-earned commendation in trying something new in a genre he’s explored almost every crevice of. The song was released January 12.

Full Moon – Skeng

Dancehall star Skeng’s ‘Full Moon’, released on January 13, is an exercise in consistency for the Protocol deejay, who continues to hone his craft. While the song treads on the beaten path for him – with the usual elements of gun violence, money and power being at its core, the deejay does manage to experiment with a new flow, giving new life to old themes. The song’s music video also did not disappoint, as Skeng pulled out all the stops to deliver his scary message – even donning full werewolf makeup to get his point across. 2023 may be the year Skeng makes the leap, and if this is his first step in direction, it’s not a bad way to start.

Desperate Lover – Tarrus Riley

‘Singy Singy’ is back, and it’s almost like he never left! Tarrus Riley’s ‘Desperate Lover’ is brimming with nostalgia, reminiscent of his days ruling the airwaves with ‘She’s Royal’. This track – a tale of betrayal, heartbreak and remorse, seems as good a reintroduction as any, for a beloved Reggae artist who has been gone for a bit too long. Fans of his will be glad to know that his voice is as pristine as ever. It may even be better than we last heard it on a Reggae ballad. ‘Desperate Lover’ was produced by VP Records, and was released on January 13.

The King Is Back – Rytikal  

King Ina War deejay Rytikal has perhaps announced his return to the less glamourous version of Dancehall with this impressive showing of his undeniable talent. ‘The King Is Back’ is anything but a light flex. It may serve as the springboard on which he might relaunch his old ambitions, away from his commitment to only pursue and do “conscious” music. The music video, shot and edited by Reel Visions, is awash with themes of high fashion, women and a single-minded focus on getting rich. ‘The King Is Back’ is produced by Dynasty Global, RMG and Primetime Music, and was released on January 20. The record has left fans of his clamoring for a full-length project.

Hurt – Jah Vinci  

Arguably one of the great vocalists in Dancehall, Jah Vinci thrills his longtime fans – and new ones – with this heart-tugging track about hard lessons, love and life. ‘Hurt’ sees the former Portmore Empire member belting out notes, much like the ones he used to in his heyday, while connecting with the heavy themes he sings about in this track. The song connects much like a prayer would – one in which Jah Vinci is pleading both for his own protection, while fighting against his darker impulses to harm others. It’s a song grounded in gratitude for self, and a reminder that at the end of the day, you are all you’ve got. The song, which premiered on January 20, 2023, is produced by Collect Di Bred Entertainment.

Chance – Quada

 Dancehall artist Quada joined the list of artists in an introspective and reflective mood this year with his latest song, Chance. Offering a look into the life he’s lived and the circumstances he’s had to face, Chance is an anthem for anyone like Quada, who’ve only been waiting for their shot at the big time. He sings about his zinc roof home, what it was like living with the shame of being that poor, and how much his life has changed now. Produced by Young General Records, Kulcha and Galaxy Control Music, Chance is a track many will find something to connect to this year.

Ambition – Rygin King, Teejay 

It was a Montego Bay linkup for ‘Ambition’ – an uplifting track about self-discovery and changing relationships, delivered by Rygin King and Teejay. The two young Dancehall stars each took turns on the Damage Musiq-produced track reflecting on certain life-changing experiences. Both men highlighted how fair-weather friends forced them to depend on themselves, and how much better off they are for it. They also took time to encourage their fans, reminding them not to let life’s pressures get to them. The song was released on January 20.