Discover new anthems to celebrate International Reggae Day 2026
International Reggae Day is often marked with the classics, so this year, why not make room for songs waiting to become your next favourites? These seven tracks by Jamaican women sit across roots reggae and reggae fusion. Some come from emerging voices, while others deserve a fresh listen years after release. Each offers something different, yet they share a common thread: hope. Strapped for time? Savour them slowly and play one per day for the next week.
Whether you’re carrying a heavy heart, greeting the day, or searching for music that helps you reconnect with yourself, these songs belong in your regular rotation.
1. “Returning to You”- Sita Ji
Part song, part mantra, “Returning to You” feels like a gentle conversation with the soul. Drawing from Indigenous traditions, Rastafari influences and healing practices, Sita Ji creates music that invites reflection rather than distraction. Her debut project release is both calming and memorable, reminding us that returning to ourselves is often the first step towards healing. The accompanying visuals, both for her recently released downtempo version and official music video, are equally beautiful.
2. “Find My Way”- Zaudi
Still a university student, Zaudi’s songwriting carries striking emotional depth. Her single “Find My Way” speaks to uncertainty, purpose and self-discovery with wisdom beyond her years. It’s conscious, contemporary music that feels grounded, relatable and refreshingly honest.
3. “Fighter” – Joby Jay
Joby Jay has been on a steady rise over the last few years, and everyone talks about “Proud” and “Big Girl Ting”, but “Fighter” deserves equal attention. While it may be one of her least-streamed releases, it ranks among her strongest tracks. Honest, determined and deeply empowering, it captures why she’s quickly becoming one of Jamaica’s most exciting reggae voices.
4. “Keep My Head Up” by Kelissa
Released more than a decade ago, this remains one of the most uplifting reggae songs in Kelissa’s catalogue. Eleven years on, its message of resilience still feels fresh. With the singer releasing a new album this week, now feels like the perfect moment to revisit the song that quietly reminded so many people to keep going. Honourable mention, if you need an incentive to check out her album, start with the “Way You Make Me Feel“.
5. “Jah Jah Come” by Marcia B
You’ve likely heard Marcia B’s work without knowing her name. Years of writing sessions and rich backing vocals for the likes of internationally acclaimed dub poet Yasus Afari have helped shaped an artist with a story worth hearing. “Jah Jah Come” offers a glimpse of that voice, reminding us that when life gets heavy, a close connection to the divine keeps us grounded and moving. Keep an eye on this space. There’s more to come.
6. “Behold The Sun” by Earth And The Fullness
Now on recording pause to recalibrate under her real name, Olivia Wilmot, the singer-songwriter behind Earth And The Fullness, has a rare gift for creating music that slows the pulse. “Behold The Sun” pairs her signature pristine vocals with thoughtful songwriting, reverent lyricism and invites listeners to notice something many take for granted—The sun rises again every day, even in uncertain times. That simple truth becomes an act of hope. WK tip: If you enjoy this one, “Hey Dreamer” and “Life Has Meaning” featuring Natural High Music deserve a place on your playlist, too.
7. “I Fight Back” by Lola Jaan
Lola Jaan is another little-known Jamaican artiste who has steadily put in the work for over a decade. We first got wind of her on Soundcloud in 2015, when her single “Known” was making waves and have since enjoyed her songs, which often blend traditional reggae and dancehall with Afro-pop and sultry R&B-tinged sounds. In this infectious track, her latest release, she celebrates her resilience. You’ll be dancing and chanting to it every day after the first listen.
One of reggae’s greatest strengths is its range and, much like the people who created it, its ability to evolve beautifully. Through reggae, joy has always sat beside resistance, suffering beside celebration. These artists and their music remind us that the genre continues to have a bright future. This International Reggae Day 2026, skip the algorithm for a moment and press play on something different. Your new favourite song might already be waiting.
Tami Tsansai