Yaksta Lobbies For Authenticity In ‘Roar’, Readies New Album

Recording artiste Yaksta says his latest single  Roar unapologetically calls for structure, traditionalism and authenticity in an era where many things are counterfeit.

“Being a coward gets you nowhere, but being unapologetic gets you respect, and people really have to respect themselves during these times….The reason why conscious music is getting crippled in the space is because it is not as relatable as (it was) once before. A lot of jargons and editing aren’t as impactful as they are meant to be. Yes, it can be palatable commercially, but sometimes when you look back without the engine or structure behind that commercial success, it doesn’t reach, but a voice that cries echoes even louder,” Yaksta said.

The track calls out the erosion of genuineness not only within the music industry, but across society at large, in how people think, what they consume, and how they choose to show up in the world. It is both a warning and a wake-up call, urging a return to consciousness, integrity, and self-awareness in an increasingly distracted and performative age.

Since the release of the topical tune, Yaksta noted positive receptions from listeners whom he said has been able to relate to the lyrics.

“I sense a relief (among listeners). A lot of people wanted to speak, but were afraid to because of the penalties that come with being brave in these times that we’re living in now. However, you have a thing named ‘fed-up’ and before the fed-up clusters, it is better (for us) to make a functional step that can lead people correctly. Most of us are living in discomfort, but, we’re hypocrites to our own realities because we want to always please. I’m not in this space to please all the time. I please my fans, but I also have to appease myself because I come first,” he said.

Hailing from the parish of St. Mary, Yaksta continues to solidify his place as one of reggae’s most intentional voices. Roar builds on a powerful catalogue that includes Emotions, Humans, Walk Inside My Shoes, and Pon di Island—records that have consistently reflected his commitment to introspection, cultural identity, and social commentary. His breakout hit Ambition marked a defining moment in his career, amassing over 20 million views on YouTube and earning recognition from Rolling Stone as one of the standout Jamaican songs. 

The artiste is readying his sophomore album for release in May. Titled The Microphone Saved Me, it is slated to have up to 15 tracks which the entertainer is certain will be the best body of work to ever emerge from Jamaica.

“I wanted it to be real, and right. To be honest, I’m doing this solely for me and my fans and fans-to-be. I want to put out something that really means much to Yaksta, now. I’m not working on any timing, but my own. It feels right. For once, I don’t really care about what anybody thinks; but I care about my art, culture, and morals, Yaksta reasoned.

The album is set to feature collaborations from Gideon and Matthew Malcolm.

Yaksta is encouraging his fans and emerging artistes to put themselves first, but to still extend selflessness.