Following a string of acclaimed singles that firmly established her presence in the reggae scene, Naomi Cowan unveils her long-awaited debut album Welcome To Paradise, a confident and compelling showcase of her artistry. With a collection of finely crafted tracks, the album highlights her growth as a songwriter and performer, blending lyrical depth with musical finesse.
Her vocal delivery is marked by crisp diction, expressive phrasing, and rich tonality, all infused with heartfelt sincerity. Cowan’s love for reggae is unmistakable, expressed by the surprising opener, Beautiful Ska. Yet she doesn’t confine herself to tradition as she stretches the genre’s boundaries by weaving in fresh influences and perspectives. In the next track, Woman Respect, Cowan shifts the narrative from lamenting male disrespect to uplifting the importance of women supporting one another. This refreshing and thought-provoking song broadens the conversation around gender and solidarity. Up next is the captivating track Version, a nice tribute to Sound System culture that incorporates a sample from Johnny Osbourne’s classic Rock It Tonight (Dubplates Playing In The Ghetto).
Cowan has spent years honing her craft, which enables her now to bring a mature, nuanced voice to her music. Rather than leaning into conventional romantic tropes, she explores relationships through a lens of courage, clarity, and wit as heard in the playful yet pointed hit single True Lies. Following Her Attitude (Interlude) is the irresistibly catchy Cherry On Top, a celebration of self-love and empowerment for women. Up To Di Time was penned during a deeply emotional chapter in Naomi’s life, while she was in London filming the Bob Marley movie. Born out of heartbreak, the track channels the rawness and honesty that often emerge when vulnerability is at its peak. The album concludes with the ballad Imagine, a remarkable display of emotional depth that transcends the boundaries of reggae.
Welcome To Paradise was executive-produced by UK-based Toddla T, with a talented band that includes Ladonnice Lewis and Latoya Newell-Irving on background vocals, Joshua Jones on bass, Djenne Greaves on keyboard, Mark-Anthony Reid on drums, and Nicolas Grosopf on guitar.