ENTITY · CONCEPT
Streaming playlist gatekeeping
Well supported
The role of editorial and algorithmic streaming playlists as the modern gatekeepers of exposure for reggae and dancehall, inheriting the discovery-and-access power once held by radio selectors. Debated as both a democratising route for unsigned artists and a new concentration of curatorial power.
At a glance
- Type
- concept
- Confidence
- Well supported
- Era
- Open era →
Connections
Debate & reception
How people argued about the music — praise, criticism and public debate. See all debate & reception →
debate
Playlists as the new gatekeepers: open door or new payola?
A neutral framing of two views on streaming playlists: some see editorial and algorithmic playlists as a meritocratic door for unsigned Jamaican artists to reach global ears; others argue they concentrate power with a few curators and echo older concerns about paid placement and radio gatekeeping. Sources: DancehallMag; Jamaica Gleaner; Billboard.
Stance: meritocratic discovery vs concentrated curatorial power