Caribbean Music Chart Watch: Dancehall, Reggae & Soca — October 29, 2026

By Dante Jackson, Entertainment Editor | Caribbean EMagazine

October's final week has delivered one of the most competitive periods of the year for Caribbean music. In dancehall, Masicka and Kraff Gad have claimed Jamaica's traditional No. 1 position with “Honor Roll,” ending Shaneil Muir's two-week reign.

The digital picture tells a different story. Malie Donn continues his run on Apple Music Jamaica, where “Vancleef Pt 2” remains No. 1 and the newly released “Van Cleef Pt 3” has entered at No. 2.

In reggae, Masicka and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley have strengthened their position with “1 Psalm,” which remains at the summit of Jamaica's Reggae Top 25 for a second consecutive week. Meanwhile, soca artists are revealing a more diverse musical direction ahead of Carnival 2027, combining contemporary groovy soca with traditional calypso influences.

For Caribbean EMagazine, these developments demonstrate why an independent chart cannot rely on streaming numbers alone. Digital consumption matters, as do radio play, sound-system rotation, nightclub exposure, DJ support, longevity and cultural relevance.

Dancehall Watch: Masicka and Kraff Gad Take No. 1

Masicka and Kraff Gad's “Honor Roll” climbed from No. 3 to No. 1 on Jamaica's Dancehall Top 25 for the October 23–29 tracking period. The recording has spent nine weeks on the chart and earned its first week at No. 1.

The achievement is significant for a song that finished September at No. 3 on CEM's official dancehall chart after previously occupying No. 1 in August. Rather than fading as newer releases arrived, “Honor Roll” continued attracting traditional rotation.

On October 29, “Honor Roll” occupied No. 7 on Apple Music Jamaica. Although down from No. 5 the previous day, its combination of digital consumption and traditional rotation makes it one of October's strongest overall performers and a serious contender for CEM's monthly No. 1.

Shaneil Muir Slips to No. 2 After Two Weeks at the Summit

Shaneil Muir's “Man Fi Be Man” has surrendered the traditional dancehall No. 1 position after two consecutive weeks at the summit. The recording now occupies No. 2 after 12 weeks on the chart.

Maintaining a Top 2 position after three months of chart activity demonstrates considerable staying power. The song was absent from CEM's September Top 10, making its October performance a substantial breakthrough and a strong candidate for Highest New Entry.

However, “Man Fi Be Man” faces difficult competition from Skippa's “Money Walk,” which has demonstrated stronger digital consumption. The final decision depends on how CEM weighs sustained traditional rotation against digital performance.

Malie Donn Dominates Apple Music With Three “Van Cleef” Hits

On October 29, Malie Donn's newly released “Van Cleef Pt 3” debuted at No. 2 on Apple Music Jamaica. The original “Van Cleef” occupied No. 3, while “Vancleef Pt 2” retained No. 1. Malie Donn therefore held all three leading positions with installments of the same musical series.

“Van Cleef Pt 3” was released October 27. Within days it had entered Jamaica's digital Top 2. The original “Van Cleef” also remains active on the traditional Dancehall Top 25 at No. 8 after 13 weeks.

“Vancleef Pt 2” climbed from No. 22 to No. 19 on the traditional chart, suggesting that its appeal is extending beyond streaming. This combination of sustained digital dominance, new-release momentum and developing rotation makes Malie Donn a leading contender for CEM's Dancehall Artist of the Month.

CEM should distinguish between an artist's overall catalogue success and the performance of individual recordings. “Van Cleef Pt 3” has made an exceptional debut, but its short October tracking period should not automatically displace songs that performed strongly throughout the month. It is already an important November contender.

Skippa's “Money Walk” Remains a Strong Breakout Contender

Skippa's collaboration with DJ Mac and CrashDummy, “Money Walk,” occupied No. 4 on Apple Music Jamaica on October 29. Although down from No. 3 the previous day, the recording remains firmly established among Jamaica's most-consumed songs.

“Money Walk” was No. 2 during the previous week's CEM assessment. Its continued Top 5 presence strengthens its claim to a high position on October's chart. Skippa's “Glocks and Chips” was No. 8 on October 29, “Go” No. 9 and “Detox” No. 10.

Having four recordings inside Jamaica's digital Top 10 demonstrates substantial audience demand. “Money Walk” remains a leading Highest New Entry candidate, while “Glocks and Chips” and “Detox” deserve recognition for sustained impact.

“LockSmith” Emerges as a Late-October Digital Breakout

DJ Mac, Merkz and CrashDummy's “LockSmith” climbed 16 positions to No. 12 on Apple Music Jamaica on October 29 after occupying No. 28 the previous day. This sudden digital acceleration makes it an important One to Watch.

A one-day surge does not automatically establish a sustained hit. “LockSmith” needs to maintain its position and demonstrate additional audience engagement before earning a high monthly ranking.

Dancehall's Climbers and Fallers

Squash and Masicka's “16” slipped from No. 2 to No. 3 after 14 weeks. Future Fambo's “Red Light Pepper Light” remained No. 4, while Aidonia's “Like How Yuh Feel” held No. 5. Feloni19's “How Often” climbed from No. 8 to No. 6.

Chronic Law's “Fi the Streets,” CEM's September No. 2, advanced from No. 17 to No. 14. Valiant's “Time Capsule” improved from No. 20 to No. 17. Both continue attracting traditional support.

Squash's “Psychic,” CEM's September No. 5, fell from No. 14 to No. 20. Merkz and Feloni19's “Rich MF” dropped from No. 15 to No. 22. Their earlier achievements matter, but October's ranking should give appropriate weight to stronger current momentum.

Reggae Watch: Masicka and Damian Marley Retain No. 1

Masicka and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley's “1 Psalm” retained No. 1 on Jamaica's Reggae Top 25 for a second consecutive week and has spent nine weeks on the chart.

On October 29, “1 Psalm” occupied No. 13 on Apple Music Jamaica, down from No. 9 the previous day. Its strong traditional rotation nevertheless provides evidence of sustained popularity. The collaboration finished September at No. 7 on CEM's official reggae chart and is now a leading candidate for Biggest Climber and No. 1.

With “Honor Roll” reaching No. 1 on Jamaica's dancehall rotation chart and “1 Psalm” retaining the reggae summit, Masicka is demonstrating meaningful success across two closely connected musical markets.

“Give Thanks” Continues Its Remarkable Run

Future Fambo and Sheenwrks' “Give Thanks” retained No. 2 on Jamaica's Reggae Top 25 after 15 weeks, including two earlier weeks at No. 1. It finished September at No. 3 on CEM's official reggae chart and continues to demonstrate sustained rotation.

Although “1 Psalm” currently has stronger upward momentum, “Give Thanks” has one of October's most convincing longevity profiles. Both deserve serious consideration for the upper positions of CEM's October reggae ranking.

Singer Dee and Richie Spice Climb Into the Top 3

Singer Dee and Richie Spice's “Treat Mama Good” climbed from No. 4 to No. 3 on Jamaica's Reggae Top 25 after ten weeks. CEM had identified the recording as an October One to Watch in its September reggae assessment; its latest rise strengthens the case for Highest New Entry.

Richie Stephens' “Wet Sugar” slipped from No. 3 to No. 4 after previously reaching No. 1. Christopher Martin and Agent Sasco's “Easy” remained No. 5 after 14 weeks. Both continue to provide strong competition for the upper positions.

Ginjah's “Wata” Faces a Significant Decline

Ginjah entered October as CEM's reigning reggae No. 1 with “Wata,” but the recording has fallen from No. 10 to No. 16 on Jamaica's Reggae Top 25. It has spent 17 weeks on the chart and previously held No. 1 for two weeks.

Those achievements remain important, but current rotation increasingly favors “1 Psalm,” “Give Thanks,” “Treat Mama Good” and “Wet Sugar.” “Wata” should be reassessed rather than automatically retaining its September ranking.

Reggae's Longevity Leaders and Emerging Contenders

Stephen Marley's “Hills of St. Ann” has spent 24 weeks on the traditional reggae chart but slipped to No. 17. Buju Banton's “Butterflies” has accumulated 25 weeks and now occupies No. 21. Vernal Sage's “Good Over Evil” remains active after 26 weeks, slipping to No. 24.

Romain Virgo's “Lay My Head” climbed from No. 9 to No. 7, Morgan Heritage's “Come Feel the Love” advanced from No. 16 to No. 13, and Koffee's “Ova So” improved from No. 17 to No. 15.

A new collaboration by 450 and Damian Marley, “Good Morning,” entered Jamaica's reggae chart at No. 23. It deserves monitoring as a potential November contender if rotation develops further.

Soca Watch: Coutain and Tano Revisit Mighty Sparrow's Legacy

Coutain and Tano's October 20 collaboration “Old Soul” draws inspiration from Mighty Sparrow's classic calypso recording “Jean and Dinah,” connecting contemporary soca production with Trinidad and Tobago's musical heritage.

The release is especially meaningful following Sparrow's death in September. “Old Soul” appeared in the October 24 Remix DJ Pool selections, providing evidence of DJ distribution but not proof of widespread radio or nightclub rotation.

The song deserves recognition as one of October's most culturally interesting soca releases. Its eventual chart position should depend on additional evidence of sustained audience demand.

Tony Prescott Returns With “Sweetness”

Veteran soca performer Tony Prescott has returned to the Carnival conversation with “Sweetness,” produced by MadLypso. Released in September, the melodic groovy soca recording received renewed editorial attention October 26.

Its appearance in DJ selections provides early evidence of industry exposure. For CEM, “Sweetness” is a longevity-oriented release rather than a new October debut; further rotation evidence would strengthen its case.

Blaka Dan and College Boy Jesse Enter the Carnival 2027 Competition

Grenadian soca artist Blaka Dan joined Trinidad and Tobago performer College Boy Jesse for “My Time Now,” released October 19 and produced and arranged by Damion “Pappy Boi” La Pompe.

The recording appeared in an October 21 Remix DJ Pool selection. Distribution to DJs is not equivalent to verified airplay, so “My Time Now” remains a promising One to Watch rather than a confirmed chart climber.

Nailah Blackman and New Soca Releases Gain DJ Visibility

Nailah Blackman's “Watch Me Work” appeared in the October 21 Remix DJ Pool selection, including DJ-friendly edits. Other selections included “Soca Baptist” by Viking Ding Dong, “Wine & Roses” by Christo and Kimi, and “Luv On The Road” by Nessa Preppy.

The October 24 distribution list also featured “Old Soul” by Coutain and Tano, “Ms Benda” by Kevin Lyttle and Motto, and “Groupchat Famous” by Teddyson John. These releases demonstrate the breadth of the Carnival 2027 market, but distribution alone cannot establish measurable popularity.

Can Patrice Roberts Retain Soca's No. 1?

Patrice Roberts and MadLypso's “Trouble” climbed from No. 6 in August to No. 1 on CEM's September soca chart. Tano and Coutain's “Suga Dumplin” finished September at No. 2.

On the October 29 Apple Music Trinidad and Tobago chart snapshot, “Suga Dumplin” appeared at No. 65, indicating continued digital consumption without establishing renewed upward momentum.

Without comparable streaming totals and comprehensive radio or nightclub rotation data, declaring a new soca No. 1 would be premature. CEM should recognize September's established performers while monitoring emerging Carnival 2027 releases for sustained momentum.

CEM October Chart Watch: Leading Contenders

Dancehall rotation leader: “Honor Roll” — Masicka and Kraff Gad (No. 1 Jamaica Dancehall Top 25). Digital leader: “Vancleef Pt 2” — Malie Donn (No. 1 Apple Music Jamaica, October 29). New-release debut: “Van Cleef Pt 3” — Malie Donn (No. 2 Apple Music Jamaica). Sustained breakout: “Money Walk” — DJ Mac, Skippa and CrashDummy (No. 4 Apple Music Jamaica). Traditional standout: “Man Fi Be Man” — Shaneil Muir (No. 2). Digital climber: “LockSmith” — DJ Mac, Merkz and CrashDummy (up 16 to No. 12). Potential faller: “Psychic” — Squash (down to No. 20).

Reggae leader: “1 Psalm” — Masicka and Damian Marley (second consecutive week at No. 1). Sustained challenger: “Give Thanks” — Future Fambo and Sheenwrks (No. 2 after 15 weeks). Emerging contender: “Treat Mama Good” — Singer Dee and Richie Spice (up to No. 3). Potential faller: “Wata” — Ginjah (down to No. 16). New-entry watch: “Good Morning” — 450 and Damian Marley (debut No. 23).

Soca cultural standout: “Old Soul” — Coutain and Tano (October 20 release; DJ distribution). New-release watch: “My Time Now” — Blaka Dan and College Boy Jesse (October 19 release; DJ distribution). Emerging contender: “Watch Me Work” — Nailah Blackman (DJ selection). Established benchmark: “Trouble” — Patrice Roberts and MadLypso (CEM September No. 1).

What Happens Next?

October's final chart decisions require careful consideration. In dancehall, Malie Donn has demonstrated extraordinary digital dominance, while Masicka and Kraff Gad's “Honor Roll” now possesses the strongest traditional rotation achievement. Skippa's “Money Walk” has maintained impressive digital performance throughout the month.

In reggae, “1 Psalm” has established itself as the strongest No. 1 candidate, combining two consecutive weeks at the top of Jamaica's traditional chart with continued digital consumption. Future Fambo and Sheenwrks remain formidable challengers, while Singer Dee and Richie Spice are emerging as serious new-entry contenders.

Soca's competition is still developing. New Carnival 2027 releases are reaching DJs, but stronger evidence is necessary before CEM can confidently identify October's biggest climbers and breakout hits.

As Caribbean EMagazine prepares its official October Top 10 rankings, the guiding principle remains unchanged: recognize the music making the strongest overall impact—not simply the newest releases, the biggest artists or the songs dominating one platform.

Editorial note: CEM Caribbean Music Chart Watch is an independent weekly assessment. Findings reflect published chart dates and available industry evidence through October 29, 2026. Weekly observations do not constitute official changes to CEM's monthly rankings. Comparable current YouTube Jamaica totals and comprehensive Trinidad and Tobago radio, nightclub and sound-system rankings were not independently verified.