Grammy Winner Kabaka Pyramid Celebrates 15 Years of ‘Rebel Music’

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August 21, 2026

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A milestone release reconnects the Grammy Award-winning reggae artist with the movement that introduced his lyricism, message and Jamaican sound system roots to the world

Grammy Winner Kabaka Pyramid — **Kabaka Pyramid** | Joey Clay Studio

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Grammy Award-winning reggae artist Kabaka Pyramid will release Rebel Music – The Lyrics Tape on Aug. 28, a 10-track anniversary project honoring the 15-year legacy of his breakthrough Rebel Music EP. The release brings one of reggae’s most dynamic contemporary lyricists back to the roots of the Rebel Music movement. At the same time, it spotlights the message, musicianship and cultural force that continue to define his global rise.

More than a retrospective, Rebel Music – The Lyrics Tape reframes a defining chapter in Kabaka’s career for a new moment. Built on the foundation that first positioned him among Jamaica’s most compelling emerging voices, the project captures an artist who has carried reggae’s message to international stages. Yet, he does this without losing the lyrical sharpness, cultural grounding or hybrid reggae-hip-hop edge that made his early work stand out.

The project’s advance tracks — “Rotation,” “From Weh Day” and “We Dem Wah” — serve as a high-impact preview of that evolution, moving across reggae, dancehall and hip-hop while staying anchored in Jamaican sound system culture.

Rub-A-Dub Anthem

“Rotation” is a vibrant Rub-A-Dub anthem celebrating reggae culture and the communal energy of a reggae session. Driven by a heavy bassline and Kabaka’s signature lyrical delivery, the song is also a call to DJs, selectors and sound systems around the world. It urges them to keep reggae in rotation and recognize the music’s enduring ability to heal, uplift and unite.

“There is so much going on in the world, and I really believe if we played more reggae, we would be better off,” Kabaka Pyramid said.

“Reggae has a healing nature. The music has always been able to uplift people, bring people together and give us something positive to hold on to. ‘Rotation’ is really about keeping that energy and the music circulating.”

On “From Weh Day,” Kabaka turns his attention to reggae’s legacy and its future. Produced by Fatbabs and co-produced by Kabaka Pyramid, the drum-driven, bass-heavy track incorporates hip-hop-inspired rhythms with Kabaka’s distinctive lyrical approach.

The song challenges DJs, selectors, veteran artists and the wider music community to invest in reggae’s next generation. At the same time, it calls for greater balance between reggae and dancehall within Jamaica’s musical landscape. Both a rallying cry and a celebration of reggae’s enduring spirit, “From Weh Day” speaks to unity, cultural responsibility and the importance of ensuring the music continues to move forward.

Tribute to 1990s Dancehall

Kabaka shifts gears on “We Dem Wah,” a tribute to the golden era of 1990s dancehall and hip-hop. Drawing inspiration from influential Jamaican artists including Super Cat and Ninjaman, the track channels the attitude and energy of the era. It does this through a contemporary lens.

Built around a reimagining of one of dancehall’s most recognizable basslines, “We Dem Wah” produced by Jazzwad, blends classic Jamaican sound system energy with Kabaka’s commanding delivery and lyrical dexterity. The record celebrates the confidence, culture and competitive spirit that have long been part of dancehall. Moreover, it reveals a more playful side of Kabaka’s artistry while paying homage to the musical foundations that helped shape him.

Together, the three singles position Rebel Music – The Lyrics Tape as both a celebration and a statement. It is a project rooted in the ideals that shaped Kabaka Pyramid’s rise, yet alive with the urgency, confidence and creative range of where his music stands today.

The 15-year milestone represents a significant full-circle moment for Kabaka. His breakthrough Rebel Music EP helped establish an early connection with listeners. These listeners were drawn to his ability to move naturally between reggae and hip-hop. He paired intricate lyricism with socially conscious messages and an unmistakably Jamaican perspective.

That foundation would ultimately help propel Kabaka from Jamaica’s emerging reggae movement to international stages. Eventually, it would lead to Grammy recognition with The Kalling.

Now, Rebel Music – The Lyrics Tape speaks directly to both longtime supporters and a new generation discovering Kabaka’s music. Across 10 tracks, the project blends cultural commentary, reflection, reggae consciousness, dancehall energy and lyrical competition. As a result, it turns a 15-year anniversary into a forward-looking moment for one of reggae’s most respected modern voices. The full project arrives Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.