Just when the dust has cleared off all best of 2015 lists it’s time for yet another list. This time putting focus on what’s about to come in 2016. And it certainly looks promising. 

For the list below we scanned social media like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to find information on reggae albums to be put out in 2016. We also reached out to artists, labels, management and PR firms to learn more about 2016.

Below are over 80 releases; mostly albums – reissues and new recordings – from artists and groups from all over the world. The majority of the releases are to be found in the not yet scheduled section. Several artists – like Chronixx, Kabaka Pyramid, Jah9, Sizzla, Major Lazer, Alborosie and Brinsley Forde – have announced release plans, but with no set date or album title.

Read the list and add your favorites to the calendar. Enjoy!

Artist – title (label)

JANUARY

Fantan Mojah – Soul Rasta (Young Veterans)
Fourth album from this instantly recognizable singer and singjay. First single off the album – the Capleton and Turbulence combination Kingston Town – was released on January 1 and the album was put out on January 8.

Black Roots – Son of Man (Soulbeats)
Drops on January 22 and is described as classic Black Roots.

Various – Studio One Showcase (Soul Jazz)
Brings together a selection of classic tracks from Horace Andy, Freddie McGregor, Johnny Osbourne, Lone Ranger, Sugar Minott, The Heptones, Wailing Souls and other reggae artists. All cuts recorded at Studio One in the 1970s. Drops on January 23.

Count Ossie & The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari – Tales of Mozambique (Soul Jazz)
Rare and ground-breaking album originally released in 1975 and now reissued in an expanded format with the inclusion of two rare single-only tracks, full sleeve notes, exclusive photographs and an interview. Drops on January 29.

Bosse Skoglund & Zilverzurf – Mantra Sessions (Playground)
Swedish duo exploring Indian mantras set to a reggae, dub and jazz backdrop. Slated for release on January 29.

Various artists – Boat to Progress (VP Records)
Glen Brown is responsible for productions on this compilation, which collects a number of vocal cuts from singers such as Gregory Isaacs, Little Roy and Johnny Clarke. Originally put out in 1989 on Greensleeves and now set for release on January 29.

Various artists – Check the Winner (VP Records)
Reissue of this compilation with Glen Brown productions. Collects instrumentals from the man himself along with cuts from Tommy McCook, Bobby Aitken and Bobby Ellis. Originally released in 1989 on Greensleeves and now slated for release on January 29.

Various artists – Dubble Attack (VP Records)
Reissue of this deejay compilation with Glen Brown productions. Originally put out in 1989 on Greensleeves and now up for release on January 29.

FEBRUARY

Léah Rosier – Only Irie Vibes (Dibyz Music)
Debut album from the Dutch singer. Drops on February 5.

Lady Saw – Reggae Legends Box Set (VP Records)
Collects a number of strong albums from this pioneering dancehall deejay. Slated for release on February 5.

Luciano – Reggae Legends Box Set (VP Records)
Collects a number of strong albums from one of the most productive modern roots singers. Set for release on February 5.

Taj Weekes & Adowa – Love Herb & Reggae (Jatta)
After being delayed several times St. Lucian singer Taj Weekes and his band Adowa will drop their fifth album Love Herb & Reggae. The set is slated for release on February 12 and the title is a reference and an answer to the decades old mantra “sex, drugs and rock & roll”.

Horace Andy – In the Light Deluxe & In the Light Dub (VP Records)
Deluxe reissue of this hard-to-find original which was actually reissued in 1995 by Blood & Fire Records. Both sets – the vocal and the dub – drop on February 19.

Various artists – Original Rockers Deluxe (VP Records)
Deluxe reissue of this classic compilation which collects a number of lethal and ethereal cuts. Slated for release on February 19.

Skin, Flesh & Bones – Dub in Blood (Pressure Sounds)
Rare dub album produced by the great Phil Pratt and originally released on his Sunshot label in the mid-70s. Expected on February 19.

DJ Vadim – Dubcatcher II – Wicked Ma Yout (Soulbeats)
Follow up the insanely bouncy Dubcatcher album. Drops on February 19.

David Isaacs – Jah Love I (Pressure Sounds)
10” produced by Phil Pratt. Expected in February.

Daddy Mory – Travail D'Artiste

Daddy Mory is a legendary French reggae artist and started his career as part of successful duo Raggasonic. This is a solo album produced by the acclaimed Frenchie of Maximum Sound. Expected in mid-February.

Natty & The Rebel Ship – Release the Fear

Second album from this UK roots singer. First single off the album was Gaia, which came with a dub mix provided by Prince Fatty. Slated for release on February 29.

Assassin aka Agent Sasco – Theory of Reggaetivity (Germaica)

After several successful cross-over collaborations – Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar and Raekwon – this gruff-voiced dancehall deejay drops his first reggae album.

Warrior King – The Rootz Warrior
Warrior King’s fifth album – and his first in five years – and according to the singer it’s his first time working with producers from outside Jamaica. Included is lead single Ain’t Giving Up and a number of collaborations, for example with Beres Hammond and Richie Spice.

MARCH

Various – The Bristol Roots Explosion (Bristol Archive Records)
Nine tracks of classic UK roots reggae including two previously unreleased tracks. Drops on March 4.

Wyman Low & The Ravers – Trippin’ (Khanti)
Reggae band from France. Drops on March 4.

Unified Highway – Unified Highway
U.S. reggae band Rebelution’s front man Eric Rachmany has teamed up with DJ/producer Amp Live for the project Unified Highway.  The duo released the first single Stand Proud – which features Shana Halligan, Keznamdi and New Kingston’s Tahir Panton on vocals – off their debut album last year. The album is expected on March 4.

Perfect Giddimani – Reggae Farm Work (Irie Ites)
New album from the highly productive Perfect. Initially slated for release in 2014, but delayed and will now be out on Irie Ites Records on March 4.

Mighty Mystic – The Art of Balance (Roots Musician Records)
Jamaican-born and U.S.-bred singer drops his third album on March 11, a set following Concrete World which included the superb Cali Green.

Rising Tide – TBA (Soulbeats)

New project from members from U.S. reggae giants Groundation. First single Is It Right was released in December. Drops on March 18.

Max Romeo & Daniel Boyle – TBA
Expected to be in the same vein as Daniel Boyle’s Lee Perry collaboration Back on the Controls. Slated for release sometime in March.

Hornsman Coyote & Soulcraft – Safe Planet (Ammonite Records & PDV)
Second album from this Serbian collective fronted by veteran trombone player Hornsman Coyote. First single off the album was Glorious and it will be followed by Plastic Smiling Face. Expected sometime in March.

Black Slate – Peaceful Demonstration
Legendary reunited reggae band from the UK. First single off this album – Should I Stay or Should I Go – was released last year. Slated for release in March 31.

Big Red – TBA
French singer and deejay Big Red – one half of acclaimed duo Raggasonic – drops an album.

APRIL

Yellam – The Musical Train (Irie Ites)
A taste of this album was presented on the eclectic EP Get on Board, released in 2015. Produced by France’s Irie Ites crew and expected on April 1.

Ackboo – Invincible (Khanti)
Heavy dub and electro business from France. Slated for release on April 1.

Takana Zion – Good Life (Soulbeats)
One of the best African reggae artists with a number of solid efforts on the market. His fifth album drops April 29.

Various artists – Compendulum at the Controls (Sugar Shack)
Remix album on Sugar Shack Records.

Various artists – Rolling with Bunny Lee and Friends [working title] (Pressure Sounds)
Album collection Bunny Lee productions from 1971-1974. Expected in late April.

MAY

Various artists – Midlands Roots Explosion Volume Two (Reggae Archive Records)
Follow up to the successful first volume that was released in 2015.

JUNE

I Kong – TBA (Fruits Records)
Second album from the legendary I Kong on Fruits Records. Includes guest performances from Raging Fyah and Ken Boothe among a few others. Mixed by the acclaimed Roberto Sánchez and expected sometime in June.

Professor Crew – One Dance
New project from Groundation’s front man Harrison Stafford, aka Professor. Musicians involved include Leroy “Horsemouth” Wallace on drums, Errol “Flabba” Holt on bass, Dalton Browne on guitar and Obeah Denton on keyboards. The album was recorded at Harry J Studio in Kingston. Expected in May.

NOT YET SCHEDULED

Alborosie – Freedom & Fire (VP Records)
Two singles off this new album have already been put out – Poser and Rocky Road – and they are classic Puppa Albo.

Akae Beka – TBA (I Grade Records)
New musical project from Midnite’s lead singer and front man Vaughn Benjamin. First album was released in November last year and this is one of two albums scheduled for release in 2016.

Akae Beka – TBA (Zion High Productions)
Another set from Vaughn Benjamin’s – lead singer and front man in Midnite – new musical project that is scheduled for release in 2016. This one via U.S. production trio Zion I Kings.

Bitty McLean – TBA (Tabou 1/Taxi)
Not yet titled new album that will follows up on his beautiful EP Heart, Mind & Soul. Expected in first half of 2016.

Brinsley Forde – TBA (Tabou 1/Taxi)
Not yet titled album from the former Aswad lead vocalist produced by Sly & Robbie and Guillaume Bougard and mixed by Paul “Groucho” Smykle. Expected in first half of 2016.

Bugle – TBA (Germaica)
New EP from the deep-voiced and increasingly conscious Bugle. Slated for release during the first quarter of 2016.

Christopher Martin – TBA (VP Records)
Probably one of the greatest singer of the new Jamaican generation. His EP from last year – Steppin Razor – included several major cuts, including the boastful I’m a Big Deal.

Chronixx – TBA
Debut album from this much celebrated singer. Expected around June or July and will be followed by a worldwide tour.

Daddy Rings – In the Streets
Veteran Jamaican deejay that has been living in Germany for many years. The first single off the album is the dubstep-ish Gentleman collaboration In the Streets.

Da’ville – TBA (Germaica)
Sweet-voiced and romantic reggae singer responsible for the mighty My Grade. Expected in the second quarter of 2016.

Danakil – TBA (Baco Records)
Popular French band that has announced a new album slated for release in the third or fourth quarter of 2016.

Denham Smith – TBD (Irievibrations)
His second EP, and his first for Austria’s Irievibrations Records, is expected in the second quarter of 2016.

Derajah – The First Book
New album from Jamaican singer Derajah, who got his big break working with acclaimed guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith and his Inna De Yard project. First single off the album – The Time is Now – won United Reggae’s production competition.

Ernest Ranglin – Boss Reggae (Dub Store Records)
Instrumental late 60s early reggae business produced by Richard Khouri and arranged by Ken Lazarus. Reissue slated for release during the first quarter of 2016.

Gappy Ranks – Guide Me
Fourth album from this in-demand UK singer and singjay.

The Gladiators – Back to Roots (Patate)
Wicked album originally released in 1982 and reissued in 2000 by Tabou 1. Now the reissue will be made available again thanks to France’s Patate Records. Expected in the first half of 2016.

Gregory Isaacs – Warning (Dub Store Records)
Produced by the late and great King Tubby and backed by The Firehouse Crew. Originally released in 1990 and now set for release in in the first quarter of 2016.

Hempress Sativa – UnconqueRebel (Conquering Lion)
Debut album from Hempress Sativa and the first single off the album Rock It in a Dance – inspired by Papa Michigan & General Smiley’s Studio One classic Nice Up the Dance – bodes very well.

Hollie Cook – TBD
Third and much anticipated album from one of UK’s finest.

J Boog – Wash House Ting
Soulful singer J Boog’s third album is titled after his own studio and label and is expected to drop during the first quarter of 2016.

Jah9 – TBA (Steam Chalice Records)
Second album from Jah9 and the follow-up to her much celebrated debut album New Name. Includes multiple producers and is expected in the second quarter of 2016 with a first single to be released in early February.

Jahcoustix – Seriously Positive (Irievibrations)
Follow-up to his Frequency and its acoustic counterpart Acoustic Frequency. Expected in the second quarter of 2016.

John Brown’s Body - TBA (Easy Star Records)
New album from this popular U.S. reggae band is expected in the second quarter of 2016.

Junior Natural – TBA (Tabou 1/Taxi)
Swedish singer that made his stage debut at the tender of 12 at Uppsala Reggae Festival. This was about nine years ago and now he has worked with the legendary Sly & Robbie in tandem with Guillaume Bougard. Expected in the third quarter of 2016.

Kabaka Pyramid – TBA
After two solid long-playing EPs – Lead the Way and Rebel Music – along with several successful singles, including the recent Well Done for Damian Marley, Kabaka Pyramid is finally set to drop his debut album. The set is said to be produced alongside Damian Marley and will drop this year.

Kunley (of Ward 21) – Dangerous Meditations (Germaica)
EP from Ward 21’s Kunley Ward, aka Kunley 21, who voiced a number of riddims last year. Expected in the second quarter of 2016.

Lutan Fyah – TBA (I Grade Records)
New album from one of Jamaica’s most prolific and popular singjays. Produced by Zion I Kings and scheduled for release last year, but was delayed.

Major Lazer – Music is the Weapon
After their Peace is the Mission album from last year, which featured the international hit Lean On, the Major Lazer trio is set to drop their fourth studio album in the third quarter of 2016. 

Meta & The Cornerstones – Hira
Third album from Meta & The Cornerstones. The set was recorded in the UK and is produced by Meta Dia and engineered by acclaimed producer and mixing wizard Shane C. Brown. It features 13 songs and is a celebration of different cultures, influences and religions. 

Nattali Rize – TBA (Baco Records)
Blue King Brown’s rebellious singer follows up on her and Notis’ solid EP New Era Frequency from last year. Expect productions from Notis and Winta James. 

Raging Fyah – Everlasting (VP Records)
This successful Jamaican band signed to VP last year and almost immediately dropped the catchy Kabaka Pyramid combination Dance with Me.

Raphael – Roots Survival [working title] (Irievibrations)
Raphael’s second album for Irievibrations and follow-up to his rootsy Mind vs. Heart. Expected in the third quarter of 2016.

Romain Virgo – TBA (VP Records)
Romain Virgo’s EP Lifted was released in 2015 and it certainly promised well for his much-anticipated third album.

Shezekiel – Catch the Boat
Pauline Catlin from UK pioneering lovers rock trio Black Sugar is now performing solo and is expected to drop her debut album.

Sizzla – 876 
Originally slated for release in 2015, but was never put out. The title refers to the local telephone area code of Jamaica.

Sly & Robbie meet Bitty McLean and Bunny Rugs (Tabou 1/Taxi)
On Record Store Day – April 16 – Music on Vinyl will put out a 10” with two Bitty McLean cuts and one Bunny Rugs track along with a dub produced by Guillaume Bougard and Sly & Robbie.

Sly & Robbie with DJ Winston – TBA (Tabou 1/Taxi)
More dubs from Sly & Robbie’s protégé Dartanyan Winston, aka DJ Winston, who worked on the excellent Dubmaster Voyage album released in 2014.

Sly & Robbie meet Robbie Lynn – TBA (Tabou 1/Taxi)
Not yet titled album where Sly & Robbie meet key maestro Robbie Lynn for a jazz and funk session. Expected in late 2016.

Various – Clean Heart riddim (Lustre Kings)
Fifth installment of Zion I Kings’ one riddim series and follows the acclaimed Lion of Judah riddim.

Various – Dub in Style (Lustre Kings)
Zion I Kings meets legendary Roots Radics drummer at Tuff Gong studio in Kingston, Jamaica.

Various artists – Dub Station [working title] (Irievibrations)
Dub mixes of a variety of artists and cuts from Austria’s premier reggae label Irievibrations. Expected in the third quarter of 2016.

Various artists – First Class Rock Steady 7” Box Set (VP Records)
Smooth and slick business up for release on vinyl.

Various artists – Havana Meets Kingston
A musical project spearheaded by Australia’s Mista Savona where he has brought together musicians and singers from Jamaica and Cuba in a studio for the first time ever. Featured musicians and artists include several members from Buena Vista Social Club, Sly & Robbie, Ernest Ranglin, Leroy Sibbles, Cornel Campbell, Micah Shemaiah, Randy Valentine, Sizzla, Big Youth and Lutan Fyah. Expected in the first quarter of 2016.

Various – Marketplace riddim (Zion I Kings)
Sixth installment of Zion I Kings’ one riddim series.

Various artists – Tribute to Dennis Brown (VP Records)
A tribute to the Crown Prince of Reggae, a singer that left us much too soon.

Various artists – TBA (Tabou 1/Taxi)
Guillaume Bougard has produced something sounding very tasty – a boogie funk and old school rap album where Sly & Robbie and Robbie Lynn team up with artists from New York and Memphis. Mixed by veteran mixing wizard John Morales and expected in the first half of 2016.

Viceroys – TBA (Iroko)
New album from this legendary Jamaican harmony group. Expected in the second quarter of 2016.

Volodia – TBA (Baco Records)
French hip-hop influenced reggae artist that is expected to drop a set in late 2016.

Ward 21 – TBA (Germaica)
Hardcore dancehall crew follow-up on their solid album Still Disturbed from 2014. Expected in the third quarter of 2016.

Willie Lindo – Far and Distant (Dub Store Records)
Smooth lovers rock from this seasoned session guitarist. Originally released in 1974 and now up for release in the first quarter of 2016.

Zos – TBA (Irievibrations)
Debut EP from Irievibrations’ songwriter who has until now only recorded two songs. German speaking roots reggae expected in the second quarter of 2016.