What Songs are Popular in on Jamaican Radio?

by Matt
(New Jersey)

QUESTION about: Popular Songs on Jamaican Radio

I'm going on a mission trip to Jamaica over the summer and wanted to know what sort of music plays on radio stations - it's always cool being able to sing along with people native to the region. So besides the obvious, Bob Marley, what kind of songs (both classics and modern songs) are popular on the radio today?


ANSWER: by Kesha Stewart, April 2018

Hello My Friend,

It is very good to hear that you want to visit Jamaica for a worthy cause and to learn also that you want to be able to enjoy Jamaican Radio while you are here.

Jamaica’s musical landscape is so rich that we have a wide appreciation of music from different genres. Of course there is traditional reggae and dancehall which are endemic to the island; in addition there are the Caribbean flavours of Calypso and Soca. However this is not all, we also listen to other varieties from parts of the globe including, African and Indian music.

Categories of music are also different R&B, Soul, Gospel, EDPM, C&W are quite popular too. If you listen to music of different eras then you will be at home in Jamaica since we listen to music from yesteryear 50’s, 60’s 70’s coming forward.

Some stations have designated days or periods of the day for particular type of music (Retro Wednesday, Gospel Tuesday) and other stations play one genre (Reggae, Gospel)and still others play an eclectic mix. So what you hear will depend largely on your willingness to explore and learn.

In terms of artistes you will be hearing Reggae singers such as Romain Virgo, Damion Marley, Tarus Riley and Etana. In gospel at present we are hearing a lot from Kevin Downswell, Germaine Edwards, Jabez, Ryan Mark, Goddy Goody as well as Prodigal Son (now known as Prody).

The summer popular music scene is very competitive so by the time you arrive there will most likely be a new rhythm released and a number of artistes will voice songs on it. Some of these songs will stand out and become summer hits.

*Here is a Random List of Songs I Heard Playing On Jamaican Radio in March 2018.

1. We Pray – Popcaan feat. Dre Island
2. Leh beh Leh beh – Ding Dong & Ravers Clavers
3. Shoulda Fling – Ding Dong & Ravers Clavers
4. Likes – Chronixx
5. You Make Me Stronger – Kevin Downswell
6. Lord I Love You - Adrian Cunningham
7. My Man – Etana
8. Kisses in the Moonlight – George Benson
9. He’s My Daddy-Judith Gayle
10. Wild Thoughts – DJ Khaled feat. Rhianna, Bryson Tiller
11. Island in the Stream – Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers
12. 18 Yellow Roses – Marty Robins
13. Happiest Man Alive – Machel Montano
14. We Have a Truck on the Road – Bunji Garlin
15. How Am I Supposed to Live Without You – Michael Bolton

To get additional hints or to see/hear Jamaican radio stations, you may check out Onespotmedia.com, Iriefm.net and visit my-island-jamaica.com, among others.

Have a memorable visit & Happy listening.

* No particular order







Kesha Stewart
Associate Writer

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