In a music industry that moves at lightning speed, moments of affirmation matter.

For recording artiste Zagga, that moment arrived recently when his latest album, Pieces of Paradise, caught the attention of global music authority Billboard.

The project, which has been steadily gaining traction since its release, received a major co-sign when Zagga was named among the magazine’s Top 10 Caribbean Fresh Picks for March, joining an elite list that included heavyweight names like Vybz Kartel, Shenseea, and Valiant.

For an artiste still carving his space in the industry, the recognition signals more than just a milestone, it’s a powerful nod to the musical direction he has been steadily building.

For Zagga, the achievement is both humbling and motivating.

“I give thanks for the love always. Billboard recognises great work, and they let people know, and so this is a great accomplishment indeed,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Billboard singled out the album’s standout track, Right Man, praising its heartfelt approach. The publication described the single as employing an “earnest tone” that centres the unconditional, unwavering type of love of which the song speaks.

In an industry often dominated by bravado and hypersexualisation the track leans into vulnerability — something the magazine believes could spark a broader cultural moment.

“If Zagga’s message has any influence,” Billboard wrote, “2026 just might be the year of the lover man.”

But while the praise may seem sudden to some observers, Zagga says the project’s success feels less like a surprise and more like a moment of shared realisation. He said he always knew the project’s potential and is happy it’s garnering the attention it deserves.

“I wouldn’t say surprise, I’m surprised [by the Billboard co-sign]. I would say I’m more grateful that they can experience what I’ve always known to be a great body of work and agree that it is,” he said. “We give thanks for every blessing and, with God in control, the direction is definitely the right one.”

Zagga went on to share that the success of Pieces of Paradise is the result of deliberate effort to create music that resonates emotionally while maintaining the infectious energy of dancehall. The project blends romance, reflection, and rhythm — elements Zagga believes are essential to the kind of legacy he hopes to build.

“My sound is one of pure motivation and happiness, and the people need that, so I just decided to be the one to deliver it. That’s really the inspiration behind the album, and so far the feedback has been nothing short of amazing. It’s been crazy love from the industry as well as the fans,” he told Splash.

The album also features several collaborations — a creative process the artiste describes as effortless, thanks to the relationships he shares with the musicians involved.

“It was all love cause these artistes are more like family to me. It’s always a joy creating with them, and the energy is real,” he said, adding that his team is now looking to take that energy to the international circuit. “Touring is definitely in our plans, because the team is already thinking of taking this project on the road. A Zagga time now, and I’m looking forward to extending my fan base.”

Zagga (PHOTO: DONALD DELAHAYE)