ORANJESTAD, Aruba — Arucamba Reggae Recognition continues growing after the Aruba-based singer-songwriter’s latest single, She, was selected for an international Reggae-Vibes playlist.
Paul Sterkenburg, the Dutch-born musician behind Arucamba, writes and produces his music independently from his Backyard Studio in Aruba.
His latest release appeared in position 10 on Reggae-Vibes’ Picks of the Week #180, according to local reporting. The placement represents Arucamba’s second consecutive selection by the reggae platform.
New Single Joins Reggae-Vibes Playlist
Reggae-Vibes published playlist number 180 on August 3, 2026.
The platform says its weekly playlists generally combine tracks released during the previous week with chart entries, songs from recently reviewed projects, older selections and other reggae releases chosen by its editorial team.
Spotify lists She as a 2026 single by Arucamba.
The placement gives the song an opportunity to reach listeners following roots reggae, dancehall and related styles through international digital platforms.
However, inclusion in the playlist should not be confused with an official music-chart ranking. The number indicates the track’s position in the curated playlist rather than verified sales, downloads or streaming performance.
Second Consecutive Selection for Arucamba
Arucamba’s socially critical single Not My System was previously selected for a Reggae-Vibes playlist, where it was listed in position 37.
Earlier reporting connected that selection with increasing international attention for the independent project.
The inclusion of She means two consecutive Arucamba releases have now received recognition through the platform.
For an independent musician working from Aruba without the support of a major record company, repeated playlist selections can help introduce the music to new listeners and radio presenters.
Music Produced Independently in Aruba
Sterkenburg writes, records and produces Arucamba’s material through Backyard Studio in Aruba.
The project combines roots-reggae influences with personal, social and emotional themes.
Arucamba has previously released songs including:
- I Wish You Were Here;
- Not My System;
- System Reload;
- Leave Me to Live;
- Tax on Love;
- She.
The artist’s official digital catalogue confirms several of those releases during 2026.
Producing the music independently allows Sterkenburg to maintain control over songwriting, recording and release decisions, but it also means promotion depends heavily on digital distribution, radio support, playlists and direct contact with listeners.
International Airplay Expands Audience
Arucamba’s music has also received airplay outside Aruba.
Previous reports said reggae presenters and radio stations in markets including Jamaica, Germany, Brazil, Colombia and East Africa had featured the project’s songs.
International reggae presenter Sandra Cohen-Schuster, known as Lady D, previously played several Arucamba tracks during one broadcast, providing additional exposure for the Aruba-based musician.
Complete audience figures and verified airplay totals were not released, so the exposure should be described as growing recognition rather than a confirmed international commercial breakthrough.
Sterkenburg Motivated to Continue
Sterkenburg said creating music from Aruba and seeing it received by international listeners gives him additional motivation.
He described his work as being made with a love for reggae and with messages he hopes will connect with people.
The latest recognition demonstrates how independent artists can use streaming platforms and specialist music publications to reach listeners far beyond the location where their recordings are produced.
Aruba Gains Visibility Through Independent Music
Aruba is best known internationally as a tourism destination, but local and island-based musicians also contribute to the country’s cultural visibility.
Digital distribution allows artists to release music worldwide without relocating to a major entertainment centre.
Playlist curators, specialist radio programmes and online music publications can help those artists connect with niche audiences interested in particular genres.
The latest Arucamba Reggae Recognition does not represent an official chart victory, but it marks another step in the musician’s effort to establish an international audience while continuing to write and produce his work independently from Aruba.
