Reggae Band Mesh Marina Targets Global Stage, Debut Album Set for April Release

New Kingston-based reggae band scores 3 million views with “Joke Dem a Joke” as female-led collective reshapes the modern reggae narrative

Reggae band Mesh Marina

There’s a new reggae outfit on the scene, and they go by the name Mesh Marina. Fronted by 20-year-old Waterhouse-based singer Shennell, the band features a tight-knit lineup of musicians including Curley (keyboard), Jeremy (bass), Xavier (guitar), Shawn (drums), Pierre (keyboard) and Kierra (harmonies).

Award-winning, chart-topping producer and DJ Mario C, known for helping to elevate several artistes over the years, has now thrown his full support behind Mesh Marina, signaling strong belief in the group’s potential. “Mesh Marina delivers modern commercial reggae that blends authentic Jamaican roots with pop, hip-hop and afrobeats influences, creating radio-friendly songs designed for both global streaming and powerful live band performances,” said Mario C.

Mario C explained how he got involved with the band. “It was never my intention to unretire from the music industry but after attending a few events early last year and noticed not a single Reggae song was played in prime time, meaning when the party was in full swing, I decided this cannot continue. I may have produced and contributed to dancehall but as a Jamaican citizen I am a fan of Reggae and respect the genre equally. I could not stay home and allow disrespect to continue so I made a plan to create a label focused strictly on reggae and use my years of experience to play a role in the reggae revival,” Mario C reasoned.

Mesh Marina represents a new generation of Jamaican music built for both local culture and global audiences. Formed in May 2025, the band blends classic reggae rhythms with modern synth textures, global production trends, and contemporary reggae vocal flows, creating a sound that is both rooted and forward-facing.

Mesh Marina blends soulful vocal tradition with modern songwriting, capturing the emotions and realities of today’s youth while delivering polished, contemporary reggae at a time when the genre seeks stronger youth connection.

Influenced by icons like Whitney Houston, Bob Marley, and Marcia Griffiths, lead singer Shennell brings a natural, heartfelt storytelling style that resonates deeply with modern listeners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDNEBEG-cz08s&v=NEBEG-cz08s

Their debut single, “Joke Dem a Joke,” racked up more than 3 million organic views within its first month. Since then, the band has built a fully organic digital footprint, surpassing 100,000 Instagram followers, growing a strong TikTok presence, and pulling in hundreds of thousands of YouTube views. The track has also earned support from IRIE FM and coverage across several music blogs and media outlets.

With a female-led band format still rare within reggae, Mesh Marina also represents a shift in the genre’s visual and cultural narrative. Their long-term goal is to be recognized among the great reggae bands to emerge from Kingston while helping define the future of modern global reggae. Mesh Marina is working on its debut album which is set for release in April.