One of Jamaica’s most celebrated authentic reggae voices, Yaksta — legally known as Kemaul Martin, also nicknamed the “Bush Lawd” — is making a major return to the global music scene with his most refined and impactful creative project to date: his second full-length album, *The Microphone Saved Me*, set to drop worldwide on June 15.
Widely recognized for crafting raw, unfiltered, core reggae sound, Yaksta has carved out a reputation as a thought-provoking artist who uses culturally rooted music to push for collective awakening. His work is anchored in unshakable personal conviction and infused with spiritual purpose, a throughline that carries through his newest release.
Spanning 15 carefully curated tracks, *The Microphone Saved Me* dives into a rich tapestry of themes: radical social change, personal growth, heartfelt gratitude, and enduring love. A key throughline of the album is Yaksta’s embrace of the next chapter of cross-house unity within the Rastafari movement, a theme woven into multiple tracks across the project.
The album highlights the full range of Yaksta’s artistic talent, showcasing his versatile lyrical skill and unflinching approach to storytelling, while also revealing a lighter, more playful side that shifts seamlessly between sharp cultural commentary, spiritual reflection, and intimate personal anecdotes.
Two defiant lead singles anchor the project: *Roar* and *The Return*. These unapologetic, reflective tracks have already sparked intense conversation among reggae fans worldwide, reaffirming Yaksta’s standing as one of the genre’s leading contemporary voices. Other standout tracks include *Order*, a smooth, powerful call for Rastafari unity; *Thankful*, a collaboration with artist Dre Tegs; the upbeat, uplifting *It’s Okay*; and *Through It All*, which explores the resilience required to navigate life’s hardships. Additional tracks including *Jah Live*, *For Sale* (featuring Silk Boss), *Life* (featuring The Gideon), *Splinters in My Heart* (in partnership with Troyton Music), *Pick Up* (a collaborative track with stablemates Matthew Malcolm, Kayland Arnold, and Sonic Gold), and *Next to Me* guide listeners through a cohesive narrative journey touching on struggle, resilience, personal accountability, growth, romance, and signature reggae rhythm.
At its core, *The Microphone Saved Me* is a personal testimony of transformation and survival. It tells the story of an artist whose deep connection to music became a lifeline that allowed him to turn personal experience into bold, critical artistic expression.
In a statement discussing the album, Yaksta emphasized the deeply personal and intentional nature of the project. “This album represents a journey of divine consciousness as a man,” he explained. “Every song comes from a real place. This is more than music, it’s a call to remain conscious in a world full of distractions; to stand firm in truth when compromise is celebrated; and to remember that growth, accountability, and purpose are still revolutionary. That’s the mission, and that’s the message.”
Following its June 15 release, *The Microphone Saved Me* will be available for streaming across all major global digital music platforms, bringing Yaksta’s signature message and sound to audiences worldwide.