14. Spice, “Indicator”

It’s hard to deny that Spice has been the top female artist in dancehall the last few years, and 2016 saw her go into overdrive with a slew of singles, live shows around the world, and a stronger-than-ever presence on social media. Often times, she’s the sole female artist nominated for reggae and dancehall awards, going head to head with the likes of Alkaline and Popcaan, who she joined on stage during this year’s Red Bull Culture Clash in London. Riding high off the success of 2014’s “So Mi Like It,” Spice’s biggest single this year was “Indicator” — the Afrobeats-inspired Skelewu riddim was the perfect match for Spice’s playful flow and straight-up, instructional lyrics, with the bumper-filled official video racking up millions in views. — Sajae Elder