Yaksta roars against fake culture

Recording artiste Yaksta is stirring conversation with Roar, a single that calls for authenticity in what he describes as an increasingly artificial landscape. The track cuts through a culture of performance with a message rooted in honesty and self-respect.

Its raw and reflective tone has resonated with listeners, particularly in its critique of image-driven behaviour.

"Being a coward gets you nowhere, but being unapologetic gets you respect," Yaksta said. "People have to respect themselves, especially in these times."

According to the Ambition hitmaker, the issue isn't that conscious music doesn't work any more, it's that it hasn't been hitting the way it should. He said too much of it is caught up in jargon, heavy edits and trying to be commercially palatable, but without real substance behind it, it doesn't last.

"A voice that cries truth echoes louder," he reasoned, making it clear he is not here for surface-level messaging.

Yaksta said that based on the feedback he has received, 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.

A native of St Mary, Yaksta has been steadily building a catalogue that hits both emotionally and culturally, with tracks such as Ambition, Humans, Walk Inside My Shoes, and Pon Di Island earning him a place as one of reggae's most intentional voices.

His mega hit, Ambition, has racked up over 20 million views on YouTube. The reggae artiste is getting ready to drop his sophomore album, The Microphone Saved Me, which he said will continue to reflect his commitment to authenticity and purpose-driven music.

"I want it to be real and right. I'm doing this for me, my fans, and the ones yet to find the music," Yaksta said.

"For once, I'm not focused on what people think. I'm focused on the art, the culture, and my morals," he added.

Set for release May 18, the project is expected to feature up to 15 tracks, with appearances from Gideon and Matthew Malcolm.