Taliban makes 100 best song for year 2023
The year 2023 has been good for breakout sensation Byron Messia.The Jamaican-born dancehall artiste (he moved to St Kitts and Nevis while still a toddler) made moves on several international charts with his hit single Talibans as well as his début album No Love.
On Thursday, Billboard magazine ranked Talibans #75 on its list of the 100 Best Songs of 2023. The only Jamaican charted.
In a previous interview with the Jamaica Observer, Byron Messia said he was surprised at the success of the song which has been certified gold in Canada and silver in the United Kingdom.
"I am very surprised by all of this. I was never expecting this to have such a global impact. But I am very grateful for that. Talibans was inspired by what I saw happening around me. The things I am aware of and the experiences of other persons," the artiste disclosed.
Talibans, produced by Ztekk/Simple Stupid Records, took off on social media and stirred the interest in major label Geffen, a subsidiary of Interscope, which signed the deejay to an album deal. His début album No Love rose to #3 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.
Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy got in on the action and is featured on the remix of Talibans (titled Talibans II) which peaked at #3 on the US Afrobeats Songs chart and #99 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Talibans was also successful on other Billboard charts, peaking at #8 on Rap Airplay, #53 on Canadian Hot 100, #13 on Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, #19 on Rhythmic Top 40, and #16 on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay.
Outside of North America, Talibans fared well on charts in Nigeria (#18 on Nigeria Hot 100), #75 Irish Singles chart, #12 on the UK Singles chart, #21 on Germany's Urban/Hip-Hop chart, #20 on UK Hip-Hop/R&B chart, and #39 in New Zealand.
Other songs making the Billboard 100 Best Songs of 2023 list include I'm Not Here to Make Friends by Sam Smith (#62), Karma by Taylor Swift and Ice Spice (#54), Fast Car, Luke Combs' faithful cover of Tracey Chapman's 1988 hit (#47), Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo (#30), Oh My Mama by Victoria Monet (#24), Snooze by SZA (#22), Water by Tyla (#18), Paint the Town Red by Doja Cat (#5), and Flowers by Miley Cyrus (#4).
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Legendary selector Pink Panther honored by Irish & Chin
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Selector Edward "Pink Panther" Johnson (left) and World Bash co-conceptualiser Garfield "Chin" Bourne .
Legendary selector Pink Panther was crowned at Irish and Chin's 'World Bash' in New York during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend for the legacy he has curated over the past several decades.
Billed as a victory for sound system culture by thousands of fans, emotions ran high at the musically charged event.
Pink Panther — who is referred to as the nine-time World Clash General — was celebrated for his endless contributions to sound system, sound clash, reggae and dancehall music and culture over his storied career.
There wasn't a dry eye in Amazura, as the influential Pink Panther was praised by fellow members of the sound system fraternity and legions of fans.An emotional Pink Panther expressed gratitude while reflecting on dedicating 38 wonderful years of his life to sound business. The famed selector, who has been facing health challenges, declared boldly, "I am not going to die," before 'bussing the crowd' in true Pink Panther style.He charged into a bevy of hard-hitting anthems, which had the crowd bursting at the seams in excitement.
"My intent is to honour all who have given their lives to sound system culture," Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin said.
He added: "As the premier promoter in this space, I hold a unique and powerful position, which allows me to properly celebrate artists, selectors, [and] sounds. Sound systems are the least celebrated, despite their enormous impact. Sounds are the backbone of reggae and dancehall music and culture."
The historic World Bash was a sensational musical climax to Mighty Crown's sound journey. The line-up also featured a who's who of sounds, including Soul Supreme, Bass Odyssey, Killamanjaro, David Rodigan, Dynamq, Tony Matterhorn, Pink Panther, LP International, Bodyguard, Metromedia, and Mighty Crown.
Pink Panther's work with Irish and Chin began more than 25 years ago, including a performance at their very first sound clash. The popular selector ultimately adapted the moniker nine-time World Clash General from his countless victories in the landmark clashes.
Born Edward Johnson, the General Pink Panther grew up in the Seaview Gardens and Grant's Pen communities in the Corporate Area, with a strong sound system upbringing.
He rose to fame on Black Kat from Christiana, Manchester.