Jesse Royal Opens Harry J Live Couch Series Season 6 with Grammy-Nominated Energy

Two-time Grammy nominee Jesse Royal opens the new season of the platform, filmed at the legendary studio, alongside performances from rising reggae voice Chris Malachai, genre-fluid Irish artist Maverick Sabre, emerging female talents Janeel and Janae, and conscious lyricist Irie Souljah

Jesse Royal kicks off Harry J Live Couch Series season 6

One of Jamaica’s most revered live-performance platforms, the Harry J Live Couch Series returns for Season 6, running from January 25 to April 5, 2026, continuing its role as both a cultural archive and a launchpad for the island’s ever-evolving sound. Filmed inside the legendary Harry J Recording Studio, the series remains committed to capturing reggae and Jamaican music in its most intimate, stripped-back form.

The season opens with a powerful appearance from two-time Grammy-nominated artiste Jesse Royal, whose acclaimed album No Place Like Home earned a second Grammy nomination in November 2025 for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards (2026) in the Best Reggae Album category. His 17-minute performance anchors a thoughtfully curated lineup, delivering impassioned renditions of “Likkle Light,” “No Place Like Home,” “Home,” and “Modern Day Judas.”

Season 6 continues with a well-rounded lineup reflecting where reggae is now and where it’s headed featuring rising talent Chris Malachai, genre-fluid Irish artist Maverick Sabre, emerging female voices Janeel and Janae, and conscious lyricist Irie Souljah. Together, they highlight the series’ ongoing dialogue between tradition, experimentation, and forward movement.

Created and produced by Tara Johnson, the Harry J Live Couch Series has become a benchmark for authenticity, prioritising atmosphere, creative freedom, and genuine connection. “Season 6 is about holding space for artists to perform honestly,” said Johnson. “When that energy is captured, it travels beyond the studio, beyond borders, connecting Jamaica, the diaspora, and global audiences. That is the essence of reggae’s longevity. That is why I created this platform; they help preserve culture while supporting the next generation.”

Reflecting on his second Grammy nomination; Jesse Royal shared: “I’m feeling blessed and deeply grateful. A lot of these songs came together in living rooms and spaces like this. I wasn’t only recording lyrics; I was capturing energy. To see that energy resonate with people and be acknowledged by the Grammys is truly humbling.”

Aligned with Reggae Month, Season 6 expands beyond the stage with added cultural impact. New “Couch Moments” short-form clips will feature never-before-seen highlights, while an upcoming collaboration with a high school in Western Jamaica will support its music programme through donated equipment following damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025 - reinforcing the series’ commitment to nurturing future talent.

Jesse Royal shares lens with Tara Johnson, Managing Director of Harry J Recording Studio

Musically, the Harry J Collective elevated the season’s performances, delivering a rich, dynamic reggae sound throughout. Episodes will drop bi-weekly on the Harry J Studio YouTube channel, accompanied by teasers and behind-the-scenes content across social platforms, giving global audiences an intimate front-row experience.

Since its creation in 2020, the Harry J Live Couch Series started as a tribute to Bob Andy when he transitioned. As a friend of the late Harry Johnson, founder of Harry J Studio, the series provided therapy for music lovers during the COVID-19 pandemic who were unable to experience live shows physically. Over the five year period it has set itself apart by offering live music performances to audiences globally through a virtual space where artistes can deliver authentic performances that feel personal and resonate deeply.