Reggae-Fusion Artist Ammoye Receives 2026 JUNO Award Nomination for Reggae Recording of the Year
Eight-time JUNO Award nominee Ammoye continues to raise the bar for reggae and fusion in Canada and beyond. The Jamaican-Canadian powerhouse is once again in the spotlight, earning a 2026 JUNO nomination for Reggae Recording of the Year for her electrifying collaboration with Samora on “More Reggae (Funk It Up).”
A bold and joyful blend of ska, reggae, and funk, the track bursts with vibrant horns, a deep, irresistible groove, and a call-and-response chorus built to unite a crowd. More than just a single, it’s a celebration of collaboration, love, and collective uplift — themes Ammoye has long carried at the heart of her artistry.
Recognized as one of Canada’s foremost reggae vocalists, Ammoye’s career spans eight JUNO nominations, a 2024 Reggae North Music Award win for Best Vocalist and Entertainer of the Year, and a 2023 JUNO nomination (plus Grammy consideration) for her sophomore album Water. She has shared stages with global icons including Michael Bublé, Sean Paul, Ziggy Marley, Chronixx, Arkells, Brandy, and Wyclef Jean, while bringing her vibrant performances to stages across North America, Europe, and beyond.
With international momentum, powerful live credentials, and a message rooted in unity, Ammoye steps into this JUNO season not just as a nominee — but as a leading voice shaping the future of reggae music.
First off, what have you been up to since we last spoke?
Since our last conversation, I’ve been quite busy! I’ve been working on my new album, The Shift, and accompanying it with a book titled Ammoye’s Book of Affirmation, set to release this fall. I’ve also been touring extensively, including travels across the U.S., South Africa, and Europe, which has enriched my music and spiritual growth. Alongside this, I’ve been expanding my fan base, now working with booking agents in both Canada and the U.S. and also in Quebec. I’m thrilled to share all these developments and to celebrate my eighth Juno Award nomination for More Reggae/Funk it Up. It’s been an exciting and transformative period!
Congratulations on your 2026 JUNO nomination! What does this recognition mean to you at this stage in your career?
Thank you so much for the congratulations! This eighth Juno nomination is a powerful affirmation of my resilience and growth in the reggae genre. It highlights the progress I’ve made in bringing more visibility to reggae, especially as a woman in a male-dominated industry. This recognition is not only a celebration of my journey but also a source of inspiration for others. It opens doors and brings greater awareness, which is truly exciting and meaningful at this stage of my career.
You’re now an eight-time JUNO nominee — how has your perspective on awards and validation evolved over the years?
As an eight-time Juno nominee, my perspective on awards has evolved to see them as gateways to growth and opportunity. Each nomination not only validates my journey but also opens more doors, allowing me to inspire others, especially in the reggae genre in Canada. Over time, these accolades have become not just about personal recognition but about paving the way for future artists. They help build credibility, foster growth, and create more opportunities for everyone in the industry. Ultimately, it’s about continued expansion and laying the groundwork for a vibrant future in reggae.
“More Reggae (Funk It Up)” is such a vibrant fusion of ska, reggae, and funk — how did the sonic direction come together?
The sonic direction of More Reggae Funk It Up came together quite naturally. After meeting Samora in 2020 and staying connected online, we finally had the chance to collaborate when I was in Hamburg for Reeperbahn Festival. After leaving Hamburg we travelled to Switzerland to create something special together. Her husband who is also her manager and producer, Rez, played me a track that immediately evoked nostalgic memories of classic reggae and ska, bringing joy and unity. Combining ska’s danceable energy, reggae’s thoughtful vibe, and funk’s playful spirit, we created a vibrant fusion that’s not only fun but also uplifting. It’s all about bringing joy and light-heartedness back into music, and that synergy made the process effortless and beautiful.
How did your collaboration with Samora first come about?
My collaboration with Samora began in 2020 when we were both scheduled to perform at Reggae Divas in Toronto. Unfortunately, due to the lockdown, she couldn’t travel, and we ended up doing the show virtually. Despite the distance, we stayed connected through social media, supporting each other and discussing future collaborations. In 2024, while I was in Hamburg for the Reeperbahn Festival, she invited me to Switzerland. We met in the studio, listened to tracks, and quickly wrote and recorded the song. It was released in June of last year, and now, we’re honored to have it nominated for a Juno Award this year.
What did you learn from each other creatively during the process?
From our collaboration, I learned that we share a deep creative synergy and a mutual goal of inspiring and uplifting our audience. We discovered that collaboration is about unity rather than competition, and it allowed us to channel joy, empowerment, and heart into our music. Both of us, though small in stature, bring powerful energy to everything we do. This partnership highlighted our shared passion for performance and for empowering others to find and share their own joy. Ultimately, it’s about creating music that not only entertains but also inspires and empowers others to follow their passions.
You’ve shared stages with artists across multiple genres — which collaborations or tour moments have shaped you most as a performer?
Having shared stages with artists across multiple genres—like Michael Bublé in jazz, Arkells in rock, Wyclef Jean in hip-hop, and Brandy in R&B—I’ve been deeply inspired by their performances. One defining moment was performing at the Exit Festival in Serbia, where my 5 a.m. set drew an enthusiastic crowd, teaching me to never underestimate the power of music and the dedication of fans. This experience reinforced the importance of always being prepared and connected with the audience. Additionally, watching artists like Arkells and Michael Bublé has influenced me to create engaging, heart-to-heart performances, incorporating elements like call-and-response. Ultimately, these collaborations have enriched my performances and taught me to always value the audience’s connection.
Looking back, what do you feel has been the most defining performance of your journey so far?
Looking back, one of the most defining performances was opening at the Lincoln Center in New York during my U.S. tour. The audience’s enthusiastic response and genuine encouragement were incredibly affirming. It was inspiring to see people so engaged, dancing and connecting with the music, even at a major venue like the Lincoln Center. This experience reinforced that music has the power to bring people together, to uplift and to heal. It also highlighted the importance of creating music that resonates deeply and brings joy and a sense of belonging. It’s a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.