Byron Messia’s ‘Talibans’ C... | Hapilos

Dancehall artist Byron Messia has earned a Gold certification in Canada for his hit song, Talibans.

The certification, marking the sales and streaming equivalent of 40,000 units sold in the country, was announced by Music Canada on Wednesday (September 20).

Released on January 20 under Ztekk Records and Simple Stupid Records/Geffen/Interscope, Talibans appeared on Messia’s No Love album, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart.

Talibans II, a remix of the song released July 21 through On A Spaceship/Bad Habit/Atlantic Records with Burna Boy, reached No. 53 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart. The remix later appeared a bonus track on Burna Boy’s I Told Them… album, released on August 24.

In a recent interview with The Shade Room, Messia expressed surprise at the global reception of the song he had envisioned as a street record, given its edgy title and raw lyrics.

“You know, I wasn’t expecting the feedback and the love from around the world that the song’s getting…” he said. “I thought it would’ve been a street record because, you know, we’re talking — I’m crazy on it, you know, it’s “Talibans.” It’s a title. I never expected it to blow up globally, like how it did.”

In the United States, the remix also entered the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 99 and climbed its way to No. 3 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart.

In the UK, the original track peaked at No. 12 on the Singles Chart. It also received a silver certification in the country this past August, celebrating sales and streaming figures that surpassed 200,000 units.

“It’s a wonderful feeling,” Messia continued.

“You know, it’s surreal to me still up to this day. It’s only been seven months, too, and the record has shown a lot of love. I’m grateful, and I’m here just to make more great music. Shout out to all the artists who have tapped in and showed my record love.”