Dancehall News Roundup:August 2025

Date: 2025-09-01 | Location: | Category: News

The dancehall scene is buzzing with energy as several big names and rising stars make headlines both locally and internationally.

Veteran firebrand Capleton is gearing up for a major return with his upcoming album, Heights of Fire. The project, he says, will capture his signature fiery spirit and reinforce his dominance as one of dancehall and reggae’s most enduring voices.

Meanwhile, the spotlight was on Romain Virgo and Shenseea at the 2025 Caribbean Music Awards, held in Brooklyn on August 28. Both artists walked away as top winners of the night, showing once again the global reach of Jamaican music.

Controversy surrounds dancehall deejay Squash, who is facing fresh legal hurdles in Florida. U.S. prosecutors are pushing to use some of his lyrics and phone videos as evidence in an ongoing case, raising questions about the long-debated link between dancehall music and the law.

On the reggae-fusion side, rising star Lila Iké is preparing to release her debut album Treasure Self Love, set to drop August 22. The project, infused with nods to icons like Garnett Silk and Peter Tosh, is expected to cement her as one of Jamaica’s most important young voices. Another return comes from Cen’C Love, daughter of Bunny Wailer, who has resurfaced after a nine-year break. Her new single Habibi is already creating buzz, and a full album is scheduled for October.

Dancehall also celebrated a nostalgic milestone this month as Tony Matterhorn’s 2006 classic Dutty Wine was certified Silver in the UK, proof that the track’s cultural impact still resonates almost two decades later.

Internationally, Skillibeng continues to climb. He recently earned his first U.S. Gold certification for his role in Jump, a 2024 collaboration with South African star Tyla and rapper Gunna. At the same time, reggae-dancehall crossover artist Chronixx is finally preparing his long-awaited comeback with a new album titled Exile, his first full release since 2017’s Chronology.

YouTube also carried good news for Alkaline, as his 2015 hit Fleek crossed the 100-million views mark, making it one of the standout visual achievements for a dancehall track. And while the veterans shine, the next generation is hungry Tishaine recently dropped a new music video for Big Boss, while Papie Keelo landed in New York to work on fresh projects, signaling her intent to break into the international market.

With legendary names dropping albums, rising stars pushing boundaries, and milestones being celebrated across the globe, dancehall in 2025 continues to prove that Jamaica’s sound is unstoppable.