Kat Harlton
Lead Photo: Damain Singh
Ammoye has been nominated for the 2026 JUNO Awards for Reggae Recording of the Year for her collaboration with Samora on “More Reggae (Funk It Up).”
A 8X Juno Award nominee at the forefront of the genre domestically and making waves internationally. Ammoye is easily cast as one of Canada’s best Reggae and fusion vocalists, and considered by many music tastemakers as Canadian Reggae’s “Next Big Thing”.
Ammoye delivers uplifting messages of love, unity, and social justice. Her sophomore album, “Water” (2021), earned her a 2023 JUNO Award nomination for “Reggae Recording Of The Year” as well as Grammy Award consideration.
In 2026, Ammoye plans to release The Shift. A natural follow-up and continuation of the sound she established on Water, The Shift will focus on themes of realignment and harmony during the transformational phases of our lives. Alongside the album, Ammoye also plans to unveil her first book, *Ammoye’s Book of Affirmations*, as a companion piece to inspire personal growth and self-discovery.
Ammoye consistently dazzles crowds across Canada & beyond and just recently wrapped her 1st USA tour, she left every stage electrified & fans raving.These bookings, along with showcases in North America and beyond, hint towards the next phase in Ammoye’s career evolution.
I had the opportunity to chat with Ammoye about her 2026 Juno Award Nomination, finding inspiration, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your latest track “More Reggae (Funk It Up)”?
Ammoye: “More Reggae/Funk it Up” is all about uplifting and transforming energy. The inspiration behind it is to elevate listeners from low vibrations to a higher frequency, bringing joy, unity, and harmony. It’s about reconnecting to our true selves and celebrating life with positivity and a sense of community. The song is a call to embrace the joy and the inner child within us, reminding us that reggae is not just music, but a universal language of love and healing.
Kat: What do you hope fans take from the single?
Ammoye: With “More Reggae/Funk it Up,” I hope listeners are inspired to embrace unity, love, and authenticity. The song is a call to shift energy, bringing joy and positivity into everyday life. It’s about reminding us of our interconnectedness and encouraging us to approach each moment with compassion and purpose. Ultimately, I want the track to uplift and activate people, encouraging them to bring more joy and authenticity into their lives, even amidst challenges.
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process?
Ammoye: The most challenging part of my creative process is finding the right balance between acknowledging life’s struggles and infusing my music with light and positivity. I strive to express heartfelt truths in a way that resonates and empowers, without being preachy. It can be tough to maintain that balance, especially when facing challenges, but my goal is always to shine a light and offer hope, even in the face of adversity.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
Ammoye: A major career highlight for me has been the global reach of my music and the heartfelt connections I’ve made with fans worldwide. Headlining at the Lincoln Center, becoming an Academy Award voting member, and travelling to the Motherland—South Africa—twice, visiting Cape Town and Johannesburg, has been a dream come true. These experiences have taught me to appreciate diverse cultures and the universal desire for joy and authenticity. I’ve also embraced the importance of collaboration, allowing everyone to shine and celebrate our collective creativity. These milestones and lessons have reinforced my commitment to following my heart and sharing meaningful music that unites and inspires.
Kat: What’s next for you?
Ammoye: Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue shining my light through my music and collaborations. I’m currently working on my new album, ‘The Shift,’ and its companion, ‘The Book of Affirmations,’ which will be my first published book, both the album and book will be released together. I’m also thrilled about performing at Tallinn Music Week in Tallinn, Estonia, in April, and then embarking on an all-female European Summer tour with Samora and other talented female artists. Of course, I’m eagerly anticipating the Juno Awards and hoping for a win, but regardless, I feel like a winner. This journey is all about growth, connection, and bringing joy and inspiration to my fans worldwide.
Connect:
Instagram: @ammoyesmusic
Twitter: @AmmoyesMusic
Facebook: /AmmoyesMusic
Website: https://www.ammoye.com