5 Worldwide Popular Artists from the Caribbean
15 December, 2023If you had to name one musical artist from the Caribbean, you probably couldn’t do it. But the truth is, the Caribbean islands have produced some of the biggest pop stars of all time. In fact, you probably listen to a few of them regularly on Spotify. And you definitely know the words to some of their songs by heart.
Who are these megastars from the Caribbean? Find the 5 most popular below.
1. Bob Marley
Bob Marley is one of the biggest musical stars of all time. He’s achieved legend status along with the likes of Elvis, Hendrix, and Lennon.
Marley was born in Jamaica, and he helped spread the popularity of reggae across the globe. Not only that, but Marley was also a pioneer within the genre, changing the face of reggae forever.
His biggest hits include “Could You Be Loved” and “I Shot the Sheriff.”
While Bob Marley isn’t around to experience today’s uber-popular reggaeton, it certainly would not exist without his influence.
Marley was a major believer in peace and love, and he was very political. He encouraged workers and oppressed people to stand up for themselves with songs like “Get Up Stand Up,” which is still used as a rallying cry today.
He was so influential that an assassination attempt was made on his life! He survived the attack, but Marley was not long for this world. He died of cancer at age 36.
Luckily, his music lives on. Even today, over 40 years after his death, Bob Marley is the #1 most popular reggae artist in the world, and his songs are streamed over 12 million times per month. You can stream free music by Bob Marley on any music streaming service.
2. Rihanna
Rihanna’s musical legacy is almost as impressive as Bob Marley’s, and she’s still going strong. Rihanna was born in Barbados and spent her childhood there. She later moved to the US where she impressed Jay-Z enough to earn herself a contract with Def Jam Recordings.
It wasn’t long before she became a superstar. Rihanna has won her share of Grammys, and she’s even in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the most US number-one singles in a year by a female artist.
In 2019, she was the richest female musician in the world, and she still wears that crown. She’s estimated to be worth $1.7 billion!
Some of Rihanna’s most famous tracks include “Umbrella,” “SOS” and “Diamonds.”
3. Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj is one of the most talented and entertaining rappers on the scene. She’s known for her colorful wigs and outfits and the many voices she uses in her rhymes.
Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty in Trinidad and Tobago. She moved to New York with her mother at age 5, where she started honing her acting and musical skills.
After being discovered by Lil Wayne, she broke out onto the rap scene in a big way when she stole the show on Kanye West’s track “Monster” from his iconic album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.
Since then, Minaj has released many albums. Her best-known tracks include “Pills n Potions,” “BedRock” and “Super Bass.” Like Rihanna, Nicki Minaj also earned herself a spot in the Guinness Book. She set a record for the most Billboard Hot 100 entries by a solo female artist.
4. Wyclef Jean
Wyclef Jean hasn’t been on the Billboard charts for a while. He took his career in a different direction when he attempted to run for president of his native Haiti. He was disqualified from the race, but his musical legacy lives on.
Jean was one of the founders of the Fugees, a hip-hop threesome including superstar Lauryn Hill. Since then, he’s been featured in songs by Destiny’s Child and Shakira, and he’s enjoyed a moderately successful solo career.
Some of his biggest hits include “Gone Till November” and “Two Wrongs.”
5. Gloria Estefan
Younger listeners may not be familiar with Gloria Estefan, but it doesn’t change the fact that she was one of the most popular musicians of the 80s and 90s. Born in Cuba, Estefan’s family fled to the US during the Cuban Revolution. She joined the band Miami Sound Machine in the 70s, and she was soon racking up hits and Grammys.
Some of her biggest hits include “Conga,” “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” and “Don’t Wanna Lose You.”
It’s hard to explain to younger listeners just how influential Gloria Estefan was. She’s sold over 100 million records and won 8 Grammys. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and even awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Her influence on pop music in North and South America can still be felt today.
Small Islands, Massive Musical Influence
The Caribbean Islands may be small, but it’s hard to deny their influence on music over the past century. From Bob Marley to Gloria Estefan to Rihanna, Caribbean musicians are not just globally popular—they have been instrumental in defining their genres. If you haven’t listened to a Caribbean artist lately, you’re missing out!
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