Female dancehall: some of the greatest hits you must hear!

Female Dancehall’s fiercest anthems are more than just tunes; they are a sonic reclamation of space in a genre that has historically shouted over women. From the conscious roots of the 80s to the explicit, high-octane energy of today’s "shellings," female artists have redefined dancehall with unmatched lyrical wit, unapologetic sexuality, and sheer musicality. Here is a review of the essential tracks and artists that have shaped the landscape of female dancehall, from the pioneers to the modern-day queens.

Lets review the classic, the modern, and the newcomers gyals of the genre!

The All-Time Classics (Pioneers & Trailblazers)

1. Sister Nancy – "Bam Bam" (1982) You cannot discuss dancehall without Nancy. It’s not just a song; it is a foundational pillar of modern music. With a minimalist riddim and that signature, effortless flow, she established herself as the first true queen of the mic. Verdict: Timeless. An anthem of independence.

2. Lady Saw – "Heads High" / "Sycamore Tree" (1990s) Lady Saw (now Marion Hall) didn't just compete with men; she ran laps around them. She was the first female to win a Grammy in the genre and paved the way with her unapologetic, raunchy, and brash persona. Verdict: Lyrical genius, unapologetically raw.

3. Patra – "Worker Man" (1993) Patra brought a polished, international sex appeal to the genre that paved the way for crossover success. Her "Queen of the Pack" persona was iconic, blending raw dancehall energy with a slick, commanding vocal. Verdict: 90s dancehall queen energy.

4. Tanya Stephens – "Yuh Nuh Ready Fi Dis Yet" (1996) Stephens redefined the "bedroom bully" narrative. This track is a masterclass in wit, demanding sexual satisfaction while turning the tables on men who talk too much. Verdict: A feminist masterpiece in dancehall.

The Modern Queens (Mid-2000s – 2010s)

5. Spice – "So Mi Like It" (2014) Reigning Queen of Dancehall, Spice, took the torch from Saw and set it on fire. "So Mi Like It" is a high-octane, explicit masterpiece. Its 70M+ views show her dominance in both song and visual branding. Verdict: The definition of "hardcore" dancehall.

6. Ishawna – "Equal Rights" (2018) Ishawna broke the internet and the airwaves with this track, demanding sexual parity with a frankness that challenged the patriarchy in the industry. It’s a controversial, career-defining track. Verdict: Bold, necessary, and provocative.

The New Wave (2018 – Present)

7. Koffee – "Toast" (2018) Koffee didn't just enter the scene; she revolutionized it. With positive, uplifting vibes, "Toast" became a global anthem, bringing a fresh, infectious energy to the genre. Verdict: The evolution of dancehall—positive, catchy, and international.

8. Shenseea – "Blessed" (feat. Tyga) (2019) Shenseea is leading the charge in the new generation, blending dancehall with pop and R&B elements. Her flow is effortless, and her ability to dominate on both high-energy riddims and pop-infused tracks is unmatched. Verdict: The modern-day crossover queen. 9. Jada Kingdom – "Best You Ever Had" (B.Y.E.H.) (2019) Jada brings a slower, more soulful, and sultry vibe to the scene. Her ability to blend R&B vocal textures with dancehall riddims is unique. Verdict: Sultry, confident, and smooth.