Add these hopeful reggae tracks to your playlist
WK recently shared seven uplifting songs by Jamaican women for International Reggae Day 2026, celebrating the powerful voices carrying messages of hope, resilience and love through reggae music. We continue the series with seven songs from Jamaican male artistes who remind us of the strength, faith and determination woven into our musical heritage. Add these tracks to your playlist and revisit the messages Jamaica continues to share with the world.
Chris Malachi – “Brighter Days” Interlude
“Eternal Father, Father, bless our land. I pray you guide us with your mighty hand, I pray you keep us and protect us, and lead us into brighter days…”
Chris Malachi opens “Brighter Days” Interlude with lines taken from Jamaica’s national anthem, transforming a familiar prayer into a deeply emotional reflection on hope and protection.
Released shortly before Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica in 2025, the song arrived at a moment when many Jamaicans were searching for comfort. Its stripped-down production, haunting vocals and raw emotion allowed the message to travel widely, becoming a source of encouragement for many in the storm’s aftermath.
Sometimes, less truly carries more.
Runkus – “Energy”
“One thing they can’t take away from I (Oh, the energy)”
Released in 2019, Runkus’ “Energy” continues to feel relevant years later. The song reminds listeners to protect their individuality, spirit and inner power despite the many forces attempting to drain it.
After revisiting this track, listeners can also explore his recently released album, Supernova, which continues his tradition of thoughtful lyricism and conscious creativity.
Haile Celestial – “Govern I Path”
“The youths dem mind, Babylon been a control. Di youths dem born inna sin and a juss suh di sinner man roll”
Known for his clever lyricism, reflections on love and spiritual explorations rooted in Rastafari, Haile Celestial continues an artistic journey that began under the name 5 Star and later 5 Star Celestial. “Govern I Path” offers a different kind of encouragement.
Through the song, he reflects on moving through life with divine guidance and reminds listeners to remain grounded in faith and purpose. In a world filled with uncertainty, messages of direction and spiritual reflection remain important.
Mortimer – “Not A Day Goes By”
“What if I tell you not a day goes by, that I don’t cry”
Mortimer’s “Not A Day Goes By” stands out for its emotional honesty and vulnerability. The song challenges the idea that Jamaican men must hide their struggles and reminds listeners that men experience pain, sadness and mental health challenges too.
Add this one to your regular rotation as a reminder to check on the men in your life, offer support and create space for honest conversations.
Dexta Malawi – “Woke Up This Morning”
“Woke up this morning, and I am glad. Me glad, me glad, me glad”
With its simple but powerful refrain, Dexta Malawi’s “Woke Up This Morning” celebrates gratitude and presence.
The song encourages listeners to appreciate the everyday moments often overlooked and recognise the gift of another day as it follows the singer on a journey through his community engaging in activities like swimming and having a glass of lemonade. It makes the perfect addition to a morning playlist and a gentle reminder to pause and acknowledge life’s blessings.
Qyor – “Evening Comes”
“And when the evening comes you can rest your weary soul, when the evening comes you can go home”
Formerly known as Chevaun, Qyor delivers a soulful performance on “Evening Comes”, a reflective song about love, partnership and finding comfort through difficult seasons. His voice carries the emotional weight of the song’s message, offering reassurance that rest and refuge exist after life’s challenges.
Pronounced “choir”, Qyor is also known for his previous work as the voice behind the chorus of Ding Dong’s summer anthem “Holiday”.
Jahmiel – “You Can Do It Too”
“What if me did give up and tell meself seh me cyaan bodda? Wouldn’t find a chart topper. Pocket wouldn’t green, grasshopper. Couldn’t help my daddy, nor mama”
Released over a decade ago, Jahmiel’s “You Can Do It Too” remains a powerful reminder that perseverance creates possibility.
The artiste reflects on moments when he felt stressed, desperate and discouraged, while recognising that continuing forward helped him reach milestones he once imagined.
Its message still resonates today: as long as there is life, there is hope.
Keep the music playing
These seven songs represent different expressions of Jamaican male artistry, from faith and resilience to vulnerability and gratitude. Together, they remind us why reggae continues to connect across generations and borders. As International Reggae Day 2026 approaches, add these tracks to your playlist and celebrate the Jamaican voices using music to encourage, heal and inspire. Jump to our YouTube playlist below to enjoy all the songs in the series.
Tami Tsansai