Wayne Wonder’s Iconic Hit “No Letting Go” Certified Platinum in the UK
Wayne Wonder’s timeless 2002 hit “No Letting Go” has reached a significant milestone in the United Kingdom, officially certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) as of October 18, 2024. The certification celebrates the track surpassing 600,000 units in sales and streaming in the UK, a testament to its lasting impact more than two decades after its release. This achievement follows the song’s Gold certification in 2020 when it surpassed 400,000 units.
Produced by Steven “Lenky” Marsden on the now-legendary Diwali riddim, “No Letting Go” holds a special place in both Dancehall and global music history. The song showcases Wonder’s pioneering spirit, as he was one of the first to recognize the potential of the Diwali riddim—a beat initially overlooked by many of his peers. The track’s smooth, melodic blend of reggae and R&B, along with its heartfelt lyrics, made it an instant hit.
In an interview with DancehallMag in 2022, Wayne Wonder revealed the personal inspiration behind the song. “The song was just coming from a personal life experience,” Wonder said. “It was about a special person in my life, and when I wrote the lyrics, I just switched into that mode.” He recalled working with Lenky on the track in New York, aiming to incorporate a strong chord progression and bridge. Upon hearing the finished product, both Wonder and Lenky knew they had created something extraordinary.
The story of “No Letting Go” is deeply tied to Wonder’s relationship with his then-girlfriend and now wife, Jackie. She challenged the artist to write a song specifically about her, rather than the typical themes of nightlife and fleeting romances. Rising to the occasion, Wonder retreated to his basement in Queens, New York, where the lyrics flowed naturally. The opening lines—“Got somebody, she is a beauty, very special, really and truly…” were inspired by real experiences and emotions, making the track even more authentic and relatable.
Upon its release, “No Letting Go” took the global charts by storm. In the UK, it peaked at No. 3 on the Singles Chart and stayed there for eight weeks. In the U.S., it spent an impressive 31 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 11. The song also achieved Top 40 status in multiple countries, including Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and Germany.
“No Letting Go” was the lead single from Wonder’s 11th studio album, No Holding Back (2003), released under VP Records. The album earned Wayne Wonder his first and only Grammy Award nomination for Best Reggae Album in 2004 and included other notable tracks such as “Bounce Along,” “Friend Like Me,” “Glad You Came My Way,” and “Perfect Proposal.”
In addition to its Platinum status in the UK, “No Letting Go” was certified Gold in the United States in 2022, further cementing its legacy as one of the most enduring reggae songs of the 2000s. This achievement is a testament to the song’s enduring appeal and Wayne Wonder’s contributions to reggae and Dancehall music.
