18 Jamaican Artists, Brands And Events To Watch In 2018

The island of Jamaica is chock full of talent that influences cultures around the world.

Your favorite artists have been inspired by and collaborated with many of Jamaica’s finest for decades; Some have even been known to rock the flag’s Black, Gold, and Green out of respect.

If you’re interested in the future roots of Jamaica’s global influence, flip the page and let @SwadeDaVillain introduce you to 18 creators, curators and entrepreneurs who are up next on the island, and abroad.

Musicians

Jamaica’s music culture wouldn’t be where it is without the impact of artists like Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Vybz Kartel. Here are a few future musical stars to keep on your radar for years to come.

1. Blvk Hero

Straight out of Kingston comes Blvk Hero’s unique reggae fusion.

With co-signs from Diplo, Protoje, and UB40, H3ro puts his life experiences in his songs, and also has plenty of music celebrating Jamaica’s sweet Mary Jane.

With a debut album on the way, you can get familiar with tracks like “Skydive”, “Feet Don’t Fail” and “My Story (Get Free)” as starters.

Follow the H3ro:

Twitter: @BlvkH3ro
Instagram: @BlvkH3ro
Soundcloud: BlvkH3ro

2. Baker Steez

https://twitter.com/jaepapii17/status/985697403604033536

The “Trap Music” era influenced many Jamaican Hip Hop Artists, and one of them making waves is Baker Steez. With his unforgettable swagger, visuals and vibrations, he has been making an impressive buzz over the past year and a half.

With an EP out (Topman), and collaborations with Dancehall Artists Tommy Lee Sparta (“Propane”), and Konshens (“Imagine”), get your surfboards ready to ride the wave.

Twitter: @BakerSteez
Instagram: @BakerSteez
Youtube: https://goo.gl/WbozPT

3. Bella Blair

Bella Blair is an Actress, Comedian, Musician, Spokesperson, Writer, and Model. Many knew of her thanks to her numerous Youtube skits over the years. Putting those days behind her, she is fully focused on her buding music career now.

Bella caught the attention of many with her patriotic “Jamaica” in 2016, followed up with two female anthems: “I Can Do Better” in 2017, and “Hot Gyal Sum Ting” earlier this year.

With an EP on the way, you need to the keep up with this multifaceted one.

Twitter: @TheBellaBlair
Instagram: @TheBellaBlair
Youtube: https://goo.gl/EBQG2w

Photographers

Need a Photoshoot done? Need someone to immortalize that “Glo Up”? Let these Photographers on the rise help you out!

1. ShotByDeth

https://twitter.com/foreverdeth/status/1000222374946574336

Keanu Gordon’s name may not be familiar to many, but his brand “ShotByDeth” has been seen worldwide!

Keanu has been seen capturing many Artists in their element, and providing results that aim to stand out. While he gets into the directing/videography game and pushes his “Forever” music movement, Deth has been a go-to-guy for many on the rise for quite some time.

If you don’t know, now you know.

Twitter: @ForeverDeth
Instagram: @ShotByDeth
Website: ShotByDeth.com

2. Romario Lynch

Considered a “Visual Connoisseur,” prepare to be tagged with his #SeenByLynch branding if you’re caught by his razor sharp lens.

Also a Graphic Designer and Videographer, Lynch covers all grounds when it comes to delivering a visual package for your favourite Artist, or brand. Get familiar with the works of LYNCH including his recently released “Stay Good Vol. 1” book.

Twitter: @LeBossLynch
Instagram: @LeBossLynch
Website: SeenByLynch.com

3. SvmSing

https://twitter.com/xsvmsingx/status/883885611723239424

Samantha Singh a.k.a. “SvmSing” is another Photographer that should be in your contact list. From event shots, to capturing nature, she’ll make anything look good.

An upcoming producer as well, she can provide the soundtrack to your photoshoot if needed. Get familiar with her today, you might end up in her upcoming Lookbook.

Twitter: @xSvmSingx
Instagram: @xSvmSingx

Artists

It’s always refreshing to come across fantastic visual pieces from the already gorgeous island.

These featured artists let you into their beautiful minds with their one of a kind works of art.

1. Kidding Art

Blending Jamaican music culture and sexual innuendos with her ideas, Monique Kidd a.k.a. Kidding Art has been in high demand since taking her craft seriously in 2016.

You can find her art on Leno Banton’s “Universe” single cover, on the walls of a few hang out spots in Jamaica, and on many laptops and notebooks in the form of stickers.

You won’t be disappointed, get to know her today!

Twitter: @Kimmmon
Instagram: @Kidding_Art

2. CMills Art

Inspired by comic books, Cory Mills a.k.a. CMills Art could take your life and turn it into an amazing series, print and animated.

Some of his popular pieces include his work on Miss Jamaica 2017 Davina Bennett, Dancehall Artist Shenseea, and Reggae Artist Chronixx. Get lost in some CMills Art today!

Twitter: @CMills_Art
Instagram: @CMills_Art

3. DaVinci Studios

While Davinci Studios can deliver some awesome artwork for album covers, his typography work is something special.

Once he gets a hold of your lyrics, he works magic!

Having worked with the likes of Dancehall Artists Jada Kingdom and Danielle D.I., he can also be found tutoring folks through his Youtube channel. Need to supercharge your next lyric video? Need dope graphics?

Call on DaVinci!

Instagram: @D_av_inci
Youtube: https://goo.gl/qWfiij

Vloggers

Youtube is a great place for discovering new music and cultures, and is also a great avenue for creatives of the Vlogging world. Below are a couple Vloggers on the rise in Jamaica.

1. ShannyDeLioness

Shana Reid lets you in her world with her “ShannyDeLioness” Vlog series. From her adventures as a “Dry Land Tourist”, to showcasing her love for Soca Music, you can discover something and somewhere new through her lens. She also has a Website filled with different topics that you can relate to.

Get familiar.

Twitter: @ShannyDeLioness/@Shanny_14
Instagram:

@ShannyDeLionessDeBlog/@ShannyDeLioness
Website: ShannyDeLioness.com
Youtube: https://goo.gl/gzV7C5

2. RushCam

From providing tips, to event vlogs, to product reviews, RushCam is a Jamaican Vlogger you should be subscribed to as well. While he holds down the role of Attorney of Law, he is all about the Vlog life in his off time.

You might find yourself trying out a thing or few from him, and watch him interact with some of his famous friends.

Twitter: @RushCam
Instagram: @RushCam
Youtube: https://goo.gl/jTvVup

3. Down Di Road

https://instagram.com/p/BiuBE7YnYRv/

The best way to experience Jamaica is to travel throughout the Island. Before you make that trip however, you can join the “Down Di Road” series in its many trips. Headed by Duane “Doofy” Phillips, you will be familiarized with not only the attractions, but also many events that are held on the Island.

https://instagram.com/p/BiX3QE-nVZ8/

Get away from the norm, take a ride “down di road”!

https://instagram.com/p/Bhm22ECn_Ea/

Twitter: @DownDiRoadJa
Instagram: @DownDiRoadJa
Website: Downdiroad.com
Youtube: https://goo.gl/iA96qD

Bloggers

While there are many channels in which you can experience new content coming out of Jamaica, Blogs are a good way to discover not only new stuff from established acts, but from upcoming and underground acts. Here a few to get your fix from.

1. Lucy & Vagabond

In need of a Soca fix? Let Lucy & Vagabond handle that for you! From Carnival previews and event information, to highlights and costume showcases, L&V are sure to have the latest info on all things Soca just for you! Fete with them now!

Twitter: @LucyandVagabond
Instagram: @LucyandVagabond
Website: Coming Soon

2. 13th Street Promotions

https://twitter.com/swadedavillain/status/977909847613157376

“Another avenue for your Entertainment” is the tagline for this Jamaican Blog.

Featuring music from upcoming and established artists, interviews, exclusives, and teaching you a few things through throwback posts, this Blog brings some original content to your screens every time. Get familiar!

Instagram: @13thStreetPromo
Website: 13thStreetPromotions.com
Apple News: https://t.co/RiTufNvKpQ

3. 876 Lover

https://twitter.com/swadedavillain/status/936600352731947009

Lifestyle Blogger Rashida Grant showcases her life as a Jamaican girl with her “876 Lover” Blog. Featuring new music, event and music reviews, fashion tips, poetry, and much more, you can’t go wrong when browsing through her website.

Let Shida be one of your guides!

Twitter: @Rebel_Shida
Instagram: @Rebel_Shida
Website: 876Lover.com

Events

Jamaica’s music culture is best enjoyed in the streets, you can’t just listen to the music and know the Artists online.

Live events are made for intimate music sessions with your favourite Artists, making new connections, hearing the music in a whole different light, and of course that exclusive performance.

Below are a few events that you should add to your list when you make that trip to Jamaica.

1. New Wave

For years Jamaica has had spaces made for Creatives established and upcoming to express themselves.

Sadly, some of those spaces are either closed, or mainly catered to more established names. Starting in 2016, the “New Wave” event series provided a platform for everyone to be educated and entertained.

The brainchild of Reggae Artist Protoje and Creative Director Jason Panton, the event has provided numerous seasons of Monday night fun dedicated to music, fashion, comedy, and visual arts.

Be a part of the “New Wave” and discover something new!

Twitter: @TheNewWaveJA
Instagram: @NewWaveJA
Location: The Cove (3 Winchester Road)

2. Bae Vibes

Bring the girls, it’s time to party at “Bae Vibes”! A seasonal event series in Kingston, it’s a lituation where DJs will have you moving to every selection! Presented by DJ Stamma, you can find everything from Afrobeats nights, to special live performances, to toasting with jello shots, to finding yourself a new “Bae”.

Ladies can enjoy “Free before 12” or “2 for 1” after, but the event is for everyone! Pure fun, great music, and “Bae Vibes”!

Twitter: @BaeVibesJA
Instagram: @BaeVibesJA
Location: 1b Mannings Hill Rd., Kingston

3. Pan Di Plaza

Not everyone wants a club experience when coming to Jamaica, it’s all about the streets. With that said, let “Pan Di Plaza” be one of those street events you attend.

A production of popular DJ Collective Chromatic, patrons enjoy hours of some of the best music bring spun by Chromatic, and various guest DJs. Since 2015, the event has been a sold out one with room to grow everytime.

From the parking lot to the school campus, the event has even made appearances overseas.

Open to everyone, find yourself at the next staging!

Instagram: @PanDiPlaza
Location: TBD