Naomi Cowan On JUNO Win: “I Feel So Proud to Be a Woman in Reggae Music”

Jamaican reggae singer earns milestone JUNO victory as her debut secures top reggae honour, sharing, “it reminds me to stay in my lane and remain true to my authenticity as an artist, because that’s clearly the way to go”

Naomi Cowan Secures JUNO Victory (Photo: Vito Amati)

Reggae singer Naomi Cowan’s 12-track debut album Welcome to Paradise has won the 2026 JUNO Award for Reggae Recording of the Year. The award was presented to Cowan on Saturday at the 50th staging of the ceremony.

“Man, I feel so proud to be a woman in reggae music. This award has been around since 1985, the Reggae Recording of the Year category, and I am the 10th woman out of the 40 times this award has been handed out to receive it. That is incredible," Cowan told Kaboom Magazine.

She continued, "More than anything, it reminds me to stay in my lane and remain true to my authenticity as an artist, because that’s clearly the way to go. There were times in my career when I struggled, wondering if there was space for me, if my brand would fit, and if audiences would appreciate how I do my thing. But I’ve continued to stay true to who I believe I am, and it’s proving to be the right thing to do.”

In accepting the award, Cowan thanked a number of individuals, including British producer Toddla T, who produced the album, her parents Tommy Cowan and Carlene Davis, as well as her management team.

This marks the 10th time a female has won the Reggae Recording of the Year category, which was formerly known as Best Reggae/Calypso Recording and Best Reggae Recording.