Naomi Cowan’s ‘Welcome to Paradise’ takes guests on soulful journey
Published:Friday | October 10, 2025 | 12:08 AMOâbrian Wynter/ Gleaner Writer
Inside the legendary Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston, a select group of friends, media representatives, and industry insiders gathered on Wednesday afternoon for the official listening party of reggae singer Naomi Cowan’s debut album, Welcome to Paradise, set for release today.
Hosted by reggae artiste and close friend Joby Jay, the evening featured laughter, warmth, and music that reflected Cowan’s spirit. Backed by a live band, Cowan’s performance was raw and intimate as she sang a mix of signature hits like Peace Of Mind, alongside unreleased tracks from the album.
One of the night’s most memorable moments came when fellow reggae artiste Jaz Elise joined Cowan onstage for an impromptu duet. The two delivered a spontaneous medley of reggae favourites that had the audience rocking, swaying, and singing along.
Following her performance, The Gleaner spoke with Cowan, who shared the inspiration and intention behind her new album.
Though the daughter of Jamaican gospel legend Carlene Davis, Naomi has forged her own path while bridging the sacred and the soulful. Welcome to Paradise, according to her, reflects that balance, rooted in reggae’s foundation, but infused with modern energy.
“I describe myself as a reggae artiste, for sure,” she said confidently. “Gospel was never something I felt drawn to even though that’s my foundation. Because of how I was raised, my faith naturally flows through everything I do – the teachings, the morals, the values. But I’ve always wanted to reach as many people as possible through my music.”
When Cowan sat with her producer, she said she wanted the album to feel like what Paradise Plum would sound like if it grew up. “We brought back all those foundational reggae elements – the horns, the basslines, the grooves – and fused them with modern drums and textures. It’s reggae evolving, but it’s still true to the core,” she explained, referencing her breakout single.
Though the album doesn’t rely heavily on collaborations, the features it includes are significant. “Can I tell you something funny about me? I don’t really fuss about features. I have a few, but not a lot,” she said. Reggae icon Johnny Osbourne and lyrical innovator Runkus make appearances, while a deluxe version will add UK rapper Cristale, known for her hit Bong Bing.
When asked about her favourite track from the 12-song collection, she didn’t hesitate.
“It’s Version, hands down,” she responded. “It’s everybody’s favourite. I love to sing it; I love how it sounds musically and vocally. Writing it was so much fun in terms of being able to play around with the concept of procreation, of building a family, all that kind of stuff from a female perspective. So it was one of the most fun writing sessions I had. That’s why it’s a great song for me. I think it’s going to open up a lot of pathways for many people and I’m sure we’re going to increase the birth rate in Jamaica,” she added laughing playfully.
But beyond the musicality and the lyrics, Welcome to Paradise carries a message of empowerment and self-love.
“I want listeners to feel loved within themselves,” she shared, adding, “I would love for them to just walk away and feel a little bit more confident, to feel a little bit more open hearted, a little bit more excited about who they are. I think we walk around trying to be who we think we’re supposed to be. So that’s why this album is so vulnerable.”
As Naomi looks ahead, her journey continues to gain momentum. She is set to perform at S.O.B.’s (Sounds of Brazil) in New York on November 23, with more performances in Jamaica to be announced soon.