3 weeks ago
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As dancehall continues to evolve and expand across cultures and continents, a new wave of artists is shaping the genre’s future. At WMV, we spotlight the voices redefining sound, culture, and influence — and for 2026, our WMV NEXT Artists To Watch are Ayetian and Skippa.
Both artists closed out 2025 with undeniable momentum, translating virality, streaming dominance, and live performance impact into real cultural footprint. Their rise signals where the genre is heading next.
Ayetian — The Breakout Star With Global Appeal
In 2025, Ayetian emerged as one of dancehall’s most exciting new voices, instantly recognizable for his distinct tone, signature dance style, and bold image. His energy felt refreshing — the kind of star quality that doesn’t need introduction, because the presence speaks first.
His breakout single “Tip” ignited further when the remix landed major co-signs from Shenseea and Skillibeng, firmly situating him alongside some of dancehall’s biggest contemporary names. That momentum continued when “Balance” received a remix with soca icon Machel Montano, opening doors into Trinidad’s vibrant fete and soca scene and expanding his Caribbean reach.
Ayetian also delivered the Trini Pack EP, paired with standout performances in Canada and New York, signalling the early stages of a global touring run. His catalog continues to resonate online — including his viral TikTok single “Guh Dung,” produced by Countree Hype, which inspired a major dance trend led by women across the platform.
There have also been whispers — and heavy rotation — surrounding a remix featuring Ne-Yo, further positioning Ayetian on an international trajectory.
More than numbers, it’s his superstar presence that captures audiences. The look. The movement. The sound. It all connects. Ayetian isn’t just participating in dancehall — he’s reshaping its new-gen identity.
Skippa — Chart Dominance, Street Energy, and Streaming Power
Where Ayetian’s rise felt like a cultural spark, Skippa’s ascent in 2025 was a tidal wave.
His breakout anthem “WYFL” didn’t just perform well — it dominated the Caribbean, hitting:
- #1 on the YouTube Jamaica Weekly Chart
- #1 on Apple Music Jamaica
- And topping charts in territories including Antigua & Barbuda and the Cayman Islands
The record also trended in 15 countries across the Caribbean and racked up over 3 million YouTube views in just three weeks, cementing his regional stronghold.
But Skippa wasn’t a one-song story. Throughout 2025 he consistently flooded the charts with heat, often holding multiple Top 10 placements at once. At one point, three singles — “10 Past 2,” “Evil,” and “Go” — were all sitting in the Top 10 on YouTube Jamaica. Meanwhile, eight of his singles appeared in the Apple Music Jamaica Top 25 in September — five inside the Top 10.
Other standout releases included “JR GONG” (which debuted at #1 in June), “HBC,” “No Budget,” and “Vacant,” each further solidifying his presence.
Streaming reflected that momentum — Skippa ranked as the #3 most-streamed dancehall artist in Jamaica on Spotify, behind only Chronic Law and Vybz Kartel. That’s not just success. That’s arrival.
His live presence grew as well, with headlining slots at major events, including SOAK’D 2025 at UWI Mona, one of Kingston’s biggest stage experiences.
Skippa enters 2026 battle-tested, chart-certified, and culturally undeniable.
English (US) ·