Jamaica to Japan: Naomi Cowan, Jesse Royal in the spotlight

When reggae singers Naomi Cowan and Jesse Royal touched down in Japan in the summer, they carried more than music, they brought the very heartbeat of Jamaican culture to Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai.

Their vibrant performances at the National Day Concert held on August 6 were key highlights among a symphony of cultural exchanges, from poetry to dance workshops, that filled the Jamaica pavilion. These events united visitors under the island’s enduring theme, ‘Out of Many, One People – Let’s Link Up’. The National Day celebration is among the most prominent occasions in any nation’s programme of activities during the six-month-long expo which opened in April of this year.

For Naomi, this trip was not only her début in Japan, but a chance to show reggae-lovers why she has become one of the standout voices of Jamaica’s new wave. The warmth of the audiences perfectly matched the feel-good energy of her latest single, Cherry On Top. Effortlessly blending reggae soul with playful pop hues, the track is as sweet and uplifting as its name, and Naomi’s engaging presence at the pavilion, interacting with fans, including children, only amplified the charm she brought to the stage. See highlights below:

Jesse Royal’s presence brought depth and gravity, and just weeks after his Japan performances, he released his third studio album, No Place Like Home, on August 29. The album boasts collaborations from Kabaka Pyramid, Romain Virgo, Melanie Fiona and Yohan Marley. Songs like Blessing and the title track, No Place Like Home, pulse with gratitude and cultural pride.

Jesse’s ability to create music that feels good and simultaneously carries an important message is elevated on this project. More than just a collection of songs, No Place Like Home is a reminder that wherever life takes you, the essence of home is what grounds and sustains you.