The 10 Caribbean Artists to Watch in 2025: Umpa and Shemmy J as Headliners

Shemmy J and Umpa and , two St. Lucian artists
among the “10 Caribbean Artists to Watch in 2025.” This recognition highlights the global resonance of their music and consolidates their position as leaders in the Caribbean music scene.

Umpa's success

Umpa has been hailed by the American music blog for his remarkable streaming success and outstanding performances. “Last year, Umpa collected over 2.63 million global streams on Spotify, an impressive number for an emerging artist from a niche genre without a studio album of his own,” noted the publication.

Tracks like 2019’s “One Drop” and 2021’s “Plat” continue to resonate with fans, serving as crowd favorites during his performances at Miami Carnival’s “No Borders” event in October 2024. As the 2025 Carnival season approaches, expectations are high for Umpa to deliver new road anthems. With a track record of creating music that captures the energy and vibrancy of the Caribbean, he’s ready to leave an even bigger mark on the world stage.

Shemmy J's success

The inclusion of Shemmy J in this list comes as no surprise, given his exceptional year in 2024. Billboard highlighted his nomination for Best New Soca Artist at the Caribbean Music Awards 2024, placing him alongside heavyweights like Yung Bredda.

“Adored for his amalgamation of soca, Afrobeats, bouyon and other traditional Caribbean music styles, Shemmy J has been creating hits since 2018,” observed the blog. One of the milestones in the career of Shemmy J was the release of her debut album in 2024, Dutty Papi. Cet album a mis en valeur son artistry multifacette et a présenté “Ms Grippy,” un titre devenu l’un de ses hits signature. Notamment, l’album a également inclus une collaboration avec Umpa sur le titre “Top,” solidifiant leur statut en tant que deux des artistes les plus influents de St-Lucie.

The release of the energetic single “Shemmy J“titled “Liar,” his first after Dutty PapiWith its dynamic fusion of musical genres and heartfelt lyrics, it continues to captivate audiences both regionally and internationally. With his dynamic fusion of musical genres and heartfelt lyrics, he continues to captivate audiences both regionally and internationally.

Overall impact

The inclusion of Umpa and Shemmy J in Billboard’s prestigious list is a testament to the growing worldwide appreciation of St. Lucian music. These two artists, each with their own unique styles and stories, not only elevate soca and Dennery Segment music, but also represent the vibrant culture and talent of St. Lucia on the world stage.

As they prepare to release new music and embark on another year of performances, the world will no doubt be listening.

The Caribbean music scene

The Caribbean is a region rich in musical talent, and Umpa and Shemmy J are shining examples. Their music reflects the cultural diversity and creativity that characterize the region. Genres such as soca, bouyon and Afrobeats are not only popular locally, but are also gaining in popularity worldwide.

The influence of Shemmy J's music

Shemmy J is known for its unique blend of musical styles. His ability to fuse soca, Afrobeats and bouyon has created a distinct sound that attracts listeners from all regions. His album Dutty Papi was a critical and commercial success, showcasing his artistic versatility.

Outlook for 2025

With 2025 just around the corner, expectations are high for Umpa and Shemmy J. Avec de nouveaux projets en préparation et des performances à venir, ces artistes sont prêts à continuer à faire vibrer la scène musicale caribéenne. Leur inclusion dans la liste de Billboard n’est pas seulement un honneur personnel mais également un témoignage de la reconnaissance croissante de la musique caribéenne à l’échelle mondiale.

St Lucia's musical culture

St Lucia is an island with a rich musical culture. Music is an integral part of daily life, celebrations and traditions. Umpa and Shemmy J represent this culture with pride, bringing the sounds and rhythms of their native island to the international stage.

The inclusion of Umpa and Shemmy J Billboard’s list of 10 Caribbean artists to watch in 2025 is a landmark moment for Caribbean music. These artists, with their unique talents and stories, will continue to captivate audiences and represent St. Lucia’s vibrant culture on the world stage. As they prepare for new musical adventures, the world will certainly be listening.

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