Yaksta announces 12-month Roar Tour

Reggae-dancehall artiste Yaksta is gearing up for what he says will be the biggest milestone of his career — the Roar Tour, a year-long international trek designed to introduce his music to new audiences while building on the momentum of his latest project.

The tour was officially announced during The Yakocustics – The Microphone Saved Me Album Jam Session on Friday at D’Luxe Restaurant and Lounge on Caledonia Avenue in St Andrew. It is expected to span 12 months, with stops across South America, England and later North America.

“To be honest, the zones that I’m going to perform in now are really new zones for myself,” Yaksta said. “But, one thing I can tell you about the Roar Tour — it is more fierce. It’s more truth-driven.”

Backed by the Skallawags Band, the artiste said audiences can expect a mix of fan favourites and some of the more personal tracks from his catalogue.

Yaksta recently released his highly anticipated album The Microphone Saved Me, a deeply personal project that reflects his journey, growth and evolving artistry.

Although much of the coming year will be spent overseas, Yaksta said local supporters will not be left out. Through his newly launched Yakocustics concert series, he intends to maintain a strong presence on the island.

“Tonight is the jumpstart gig,” he said. “Next month, we’re planning one in Montego Bay, and going forward, each month we try to incorporate one in each parish.”

Friday’s event served as both the launch of the acoustic concert series and the official celebration of The Microphone Saved Me, drawing a packed audience eager to experience the project in a more intimate setting.

Speaking with THE STAR, Yaksta admitted he has been overwhelmed by the public’s response to the album.

“The reaction, to be honest, is good. It is more than what we expect,” he shared.

He acknowledged that some of the album’s lyrical content has generated debate but said that that is part of Jamaica’s musical culture.

“Some a dem cuss bout the Jesus line and some a dem talk bout certain things in other songs. But, nonetheless, that is Jamaica. That’s our culture,” he said. “From me drop this album, a lot of things have changed — career-wise, support-wise, even industry-wise.”

Rather than filling the project with well-known collaborators, Yaksta deliberately used the album to shine a spotlight on lesser-known talent.

“This one is more personal,” he said. “It’s more of unknowns, more like unknown artistes, because I’m pushing up my own thing now.”

Among the featured collaborations is Life, which includes rising artiste The Gideon.

The entertainer also disclosed that fans can expect even more music, revealing that a deluxe edition of the album is already in development.

“The deluxe will have 19 songs on it, so four more,” he revealed. “There are three versions of this album, so more surprises to come.”