Richie Stephens New Single “Wet Sugar” Redefines the Iconic Diwali Riddim
Queens, NY (April 2026) – Few rhythms in dancehall history carry the cultural weight and global recognition of the Diwali riddim, originally produced by Steven ‘Lenky’ Marsden in 1998. From club anthems to crossover hits, the riddim has soundtracked an era, powering timeless records such as Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” and Wayne Wonder’s “No Letting Go,” while cementing its place as one of the most influential productions to ever emerge from the Caribbean.
Now, reggae icon Richie Stephens steps into that legacy with his upcoming single, “Wet Sugar,” set for release on April 24. Rather than simply revisiting the riddim, Stephens reinterprets it, infusing the familiar bounce of Diwali with his signature vocal and melodic finesse. The result is a track that feels both nostalgic and forward moving, connecting generations through sound. Speaking on the release, Stephens shares:
“The Diwali riddim is one of those timeless sounds that never really left; it just evolves with the people. For me, ‘Wet Sugar’ is about bringing my flavor to something that already means so much to the culture, while giving fans something new to connect with today.”
Respected in the Jamaican music fraternity, Richie Stephens has long been celebrated for his versatility, effortlessly moving between reggae, dancehall, and soul. With a career spanning decade, from chart-topping hits to his role as a bandleader and collaborator, he has consistently remained a steady force in Caribbean music, balancing tradition with innovation.
At a time when classic dancehall sounds are experiencing a global resurgence, “Wet Sugar” arrives as both a reminder and a reinvention, honoring the legacy of Diwali while pushing its energy into a new era. This represents a defining full-circle moment, steered by an artist with a profound respect for the roots and the vision to courageously revitalize them for a new generation.
“Wet Sugar” Now available on all major streaming platforms.
Press Release Credit: Theo KnightTomlinson
STREAM NOW: https://lnkfi.re/richie_stephens-wet-sugar
