Yaksta gets real on ‘Roar’

Recording artiste, Yaksta, says that his latest single, Roar, calls for structure and authenticity in an era where many things are counterfeit.

“Yaksta is cutting straight through the noise,” a press release said, noting that the single is “raw, reflective, and unapologetically honest,” calling out a generation that’s often more focused on image rather than identity.

Yaksta declared that “being a coward gets you nowhere, but being unapologetic gets you respect. People have to respect themselves, especially in these times”.

The track takes aim at the music industry and it also questions how people are showing up in real life. The reggae artiste, who is also known as the Bush Lawd, stated that the issue isn’t that conscious music doesn’t work anymore, it’s that it hasn’t been hitting the way it should.

“A voice that cries truth echoes louder,” he added.

Since the drop, fans have been connecting deeply with Roar, with many saying the song is putting words to things they’ve been feeling but couldn’t say out loud.

“I sense a relief. A lot of people want to speak but feel like they can’t. Most of us are living in discomfort, hypocrites to our own realities. There are consequences for being brave now but there’s also a point where people get fed up. Before we reach that point, we have to take steps that guide people in the right direction,” Yaksta said.

The St. Mary native has been steadily building a catalogue that hits both emotionally and culturally, with tracks like Ambition, Humans, Walk Inside My Shoes, and Pon Di Island, cementing his place as one of reggae’s most intentional voices. Ambition alone racked up over 20 million views on YouTube and even caught the attention of Rolling Stone.

Now, Yaksta is getting ready to drop his sophomore album, The Microphone Saved Me.

“I want it to be real and right. I’m doing this for me, my fans, and the ones yet to find the music. For once I’m not focused on what people think. I’m focused on the art, the culture, and my morals,” he said.

Set for release May 18, the project is expected to feature up to 15 tracks.