With 2025 ending on a high note for a number of dancehall artistes, it was indeed a good year for entertainment. But while the usual names lived up to their superstar status last year, several new artistes also packed a heavy musical punch.

Whether they were topping trending charts across digital streaming platforms or they were busy headlining some of the hottest events locally and regionally, these fast-rising stars are certainly worth watching in 2026.

Skippa

Entering the year as one of Jamaica’s highest-streaming artistes according to YouTube, Skippa is perhaps the one pundits need to watch out for the most in 2026.

Bested only by Chronic Law and Vybz Kartel in 2025, Skippa dominated the popular streaming platform, still considered one of Jamaica’s main sources of music.

The entertainer had one of the best years in music any young act could ask for with his anthem on DJ Mac’s WYFL rhythm hitting the top spot on both the YouTube Jamaica Weekly Chart and Apple Music Jamaica. The track, which made its debut on YouTube only a month ago, quickly raced towards the million views mark and has since surpassed 4 million views.

But WYFL was not the only track that the entertainer made his mark on in 2025. He also dominated airwaves with Go, Currency, 40 Ball, and No Budget. All four songs have amassed more than 12 million views collectively.

Known for his fresh, trap-influenced dancehall style, Skippa has gained a loyal younger fan base that will no doubt follow him all of 2026.

Skippa

Ayetian

Born in Jamaica to Haitian parents, this up-and-coming dancehall artiste has all the qualities of a superstar in the making. Image, lyrical potency, flow, coupled with that ‘new school’ dancehall aura, Ayetian is on the cusp of greatness. His rapid ascent from viral TikTok sensation to a leading voice among dancehall’s freshest faces, the entertainer made powerful musical connections in 2025.

Having landed collaborations with heavyweights including Govana, Shenseea and Skillibeng, Ayetian proved that his entry into the dancehall sphere was no fluke. With songs such as Tip, Balance, and Weh Yo Deh Pan continuing their dominance on local airwaves, the entertainer is sending a clear message: He’s here to stay. Here’s to seeing what he’ll do in 2026.

Ayetian

Nhance

Building on the momentum he gathered in 2024, dancehall artiste Nhance enjoyed much success in 2025. The son of former Gaza Empire member, Gaza Sheba, Nhance already possesses a musical pedigree that continues to work to his advantage.

Praised for his authenticity, the entertainer is known for chronicling his personal struggles, channelling pain into purpose in his songs and forging a deep connection with his listeners. He’s already started the year off with a bang, having landed a spot on DJ Mac’s widely popular WYFL rhythm. The visuals for the song Too Bad, featuring Suspense (another on our artistes to watch list), premiered on YouTube over the weekend and is already racing towards the 100,000 views mark.

Nhance

Suspense

In 2026 Suspense is expected to take the industry by storm after spending a number of years honing her craft. The entertainer, who came to prominence after her 2017 win in the now-defunct Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition, is set to put her skills to the test as she aims to become the next big female dancehall act.

After a period away from dancehall — during which she explored Christianity and gospel music —Suspense says her present musical journey should be considered a ‘rebirth’ as she is re-energised and ready to take on the largely male-dominated music business.

Suspense

Tielo Lanez

Tielo Lanez first captured attention after his track Greedy achieved virality on TikTok. Since its release in April last year, the song has amassed more than half a million views on YouTube. Targeting the female audience and encouraging women to walk away from relationships when their financial needs aren’t being met, the track offered the up-and-coming act a window of opportunity in the widely competitive dancehall arena. He seized it with both hands, following up on the single’s success with People Change featuring Nhance. The latter earned the entertainer his first top 10 hit on the Jamaican charts in late 2025. He is hoping to continue his musical successes with the release of an EP later this year.

Tielo Lanez