Jamaican recording artist Naomi Cowan has revealed the profound intentionality behind her JUNO Award-nominated debut album ‘Welcome to Paradise,’ describing it as both a musical homecoming and a deeply personal journal set to music. The album represents a significant evolution from her previous releases, including the 2021 ‘StarGirl’ mixtape and her 2018 debut ‘Paradise Plum.’
Cowan characterizes ‘Welcome to Paradise’ as a sonic bridge connecting the classic reggae foundations of her upbringing with contemporary R&B and pop energies. Unlike the experimental nature of her previous work, this cohesive collection serves as what she describes as “a love letter from start to finish” inspired by the biblical concept that “the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13). The album consciously challenges modern society’s productivity-based worth measurement by emphasizing intrinsic value and self-discovery.
The artist received her first major nomination in the Reggae Recording of the Year category at Canada’s prestigious JUNO Awards, often considered the nation’s equivalent to the Grammys. She faces competition from notable acts including Jojo You Made That’s ‘Dagga Riddim Cypher,’ Samora and Ammoye’s ‘More Reggae/Funk it Up,’ Kirk Diamond’s ‘Deh Ya,’ and Exco Levi and Kheilstone’s ‘Ready For You.’
Released independently on October 10, 2025, through Cowan’s own 7th C Records label, ‘Welcome to Paradise’ benefits from distribution partnerships with Easy Star Records and Dreamspace in Canada. The artist admitted to having forgotten the submission for consideration and is now embracing the honor of her first major nomination.
Cowan’s upcoming performance schedule includes Protoje’s The Lost In Time Festival on March 1 at Hope Gardens in St. Andrew, where she will share the stage with Chronixx—notably significant as both artists released their albums on October 10. The festival’s first night (February 28) will feature Grammy-nominated acts Lila Iké and Mortimer alongside Tanya Stephens, Tessanne Chin, Yeza, Iotosh, and Joby Jay. Day two will additionally showcase Jesse Royal, D’Yani, Royal Blu, and David Slur.
The artist expressed anticipation for multiple victories in the coming months, emphasizing her desire to celebrate these achievements with her entire creative team. Cowan views this period as an opportunity to fully appreciate the rewards of collective labor and artistic dedication.