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**”Rise Up”: 10 Caribbean Artists to Watch in 2025**
The music industry is always on the lookout for fresh talent and innovative voices, and the Caribbean region is no exception. As we head into a new year, Billboard highlights 10 artists from across the islands who are poised to make waves globally with their unique sounds, styles, and stories.
**1. Koffee (Jamaica)**
Rising star Koffee has been making waves in the reggae scene with her soulful vocals and socially conscious lyrics. Her latest single, “Pull Up,” showcases her growth as an artist, and we can’t wait to see what she brings to the table in 2025.
**2. Romain Virgo (Jamaica)**
A seasoned veteran of the Jamaican music scene, Romain Virgo is about to bring his smooth, R&B-infused vocals to the international stage. His new album, “Loyalty,” promises to be a game-changer for fans of island pop and beyond.
**3. Arooj Aftab (Trinidad & Tobago)**
This Trinidad-born singer-songwriter has been making waves with her genre-bending sound that blends elements of indie rock, folk, and Caribbean rhythms. Her latest single, “Moon Child,” showcases her incredible vocal range and emotional depth – a must-listen for fans of the likes of Phoebe Bridgers.
**4. Tasha LaRae (Jamaica)**
As a proud queer artist from Jamaica, Tasha LaRae is on a mission to amplify marginalized voices through her music. Her powerful lyrics and soaring vocals have already earned critical acclaim – we predict big things for this rising star in 2025.
**5. Jo Mersa Marley (Jamaica)**
As the grandson of the legendary Bob Marley, it’s no surprise that Jo Mersa Marley is following in his family’s footsteps as a talented musician. His latest single, “Luminous,” showcases his unique blend of roots reggae and conscious lyrics.
**6. Mavado (Jamaica)**
This Jamaican dancehall star has been making waves for years with his explosive energy and unapologetic lyrics. As he continues to evolve as an artist, fans can expect more of the same high-octane beats and socially charged messages from this trailblazer.
**7. Iba Mahr (Jamaica)**
As a member of the influential Rebel Tumbit band, Iba Mahr is well-versed in blending traditional Jamaican rhythms with modern production techniques. His solo work promises to be just as innovative – we can’t wait to see what’s next from this talented multi-instrumentalist.
**8. Kelsey Montague (Barbados)**
This young Bajan singer-songwriter has already made a splash with her introspective indie-folk sound, which explores themes of identity and empowerment. As she continues to grow as an artist, we predict big things for this rising star – stay tuned!
**9. Lila Iké (Jamaica)**
As the latest signing to RCA Records, Jamaican singer-songwriter Lila Iké is about to take her atmospheric indie-rock sound to new heights. With a voice that’s reminiscent of Billie Eilish and Tame Impala, fans can expect a wild ride with this enigmatic talent.
**10. J Boog (Jamaica)**
Reggae legend J Boog has been paving the way for island artists worldwide, and we’re excited to see what he brings to the table in 2025. His latest album, “Truly Blessed,” showcases his growth as a songwriter – stay tuned for more from this iconic artist.
In conclusion, these 10 Caribbean artists are just a few of the many talented voices we’ll be keeping an eye on throughout 2025. From genre-bending fusions to socially conscious lyrics and powerful vocal performances, the future looks bright indeed.
Source: www.billboard.com
