Music Distributors Report Decline in Reggae and Dancehall Releases: Is Vybz Kartel to Blame?

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Three prominent Reggae and Dancehall music distributors within the Caribbean diaspora have reported a significant decline in the number of new releases for August. Speaking anonymously with Prism Marketing Consultants, these distributors—two based in the U.S. and one in Europe—shared their concerns about the noticeable dip in new music from these genres, which they believe could have broader implications for the industry.

The European distributor noted an average monthly release of approximately 1,300 songs within Jamaican genres over the past six months, but in August, they observed a staggering 41% drop in submissions. In comparison, the U.S.-based distributors reported less severe declines of 26% and 15%, respectively, during the same period. The dramatic reduction has sparked discussions about the underlying causes, with many pointing to seasonal trends and economic factors. However, the release of Vybz Kartel and Shawn Storm is also being considered as a potential catalyst.