Empress Minott’s Powerful Reggae Journey Through the Motherland

Reggae artist Empress Minott is currently on a powerful and transformative tour across Africa, touching hearts and lifting spirits in The Gambia and Senegal. More than just a musical journey, this tour has become a cultural homecoming—one filled with love, recognition, and deep personal revelation.

Her African run began in The Gambia at the Luv Africa Festival, held at Manjai Park, where Empress Minott delivered a standout performance just before reggae heavyweight Queen Ifrika took the stage.

After her performance, the buzz in the crowd was, she “mashed up the show,” and the reaction from the crowd confirmed it. The impact was immediate and lasting. Following the performance, she found herself being recognized on the streets, affectionately called “Mama Africa,” the title of her biggest song in the region.

“When I tell you these people love the song so much—even children all over are singing it,” she shared. The connection between artist, message, and audience was undeniable.

The momentum continued in Senegal at the renowned Reggae Abene Festival, where Empress Minott experienced something entirely new in her career. “In all my years of doing shows, I have never seen so many people rush backstage to meet and take pictures with me,” she said. The overwhelming response left a lasting impression, reinforcing the deep-rooted love for reggae music in both countries.

Between festivals, Empress Minott immersed herself in the local reggae scene, making appearances at various reggae clubs that further strengthened her bond with the people. One standout performance took place at REEMAH LIVE at a venue fittingly called “Motherland” in The Gambia. There, she shared the stage with respected Gambian reggae artist Revelation Fyah, whose sound and delivery she praised highly—so authentic, she said, one could easily mistake him for a Jamaican artist.

Another memorable stop was Ali Baba Gardens in Senegambia, a vibrant tourist area often compared to Negril, Jamaica. Once again, the reception was warm and enthusiastic. “Everywhere I go, they show me love,” she noted. “Most of them say, ‘Welcome home Sistah, Africa loves you.’”

Beyond the music, the tour has been deeply eye-opening and emotional for Empress Minott. Experiencing Africa firsthand challenged many of the narratives she had been taught in the West. “Yes, there are poor people,” she reflected, “but the majority is rich, and even those with little are happy, smiling, and kind.” She describes the love she has felt as unmatched, urging people of African descent in the West to visit the continent at least once. “I guarantee their lives will change for the better. Knowledge is key.”

Giving back has also been a vital part of this journey. Through her E M Foundation, Empress Minott has been supporting children in different villages across The Gambia. Partnering with her manager’s charity, the Sanyang One Love Project, which focuses on assisting children in less fortunate communities, she has been actively involved in charitable outreach alongside her tour.

Her presence has also made waves in African media. Empress Minott has participated in numerous radio interviews, two YouTube interviews, and a pre-recorded television appearance. One of the most impactful moments came during an interview on Capital FM, one of the largest radio stations in The Gambia. After hearing her music, the interviewer turned to her and said, “Thank you Empress. This is the type of music that was missing out of Jamaica for a very long time. You are bringing it forward, and we really appreciate that.” He went on to explain that audiences there prefer conscious, cultural reggae over derogatory content—something even the youth clearly understand and embrace.

Another standout interview took place on Choice FM with her show DJ, DJ Spytal, a selector deeply rooted in reggae culture. His knowledge and passion created a natural, vibrant exchange that further highlighted the authenticity of Empress Minott’s music and message.

As her African tour continues, one thing is clear: Empress Minott is not just performing in Africa—she is reconnecting, healing, and building bridges through real reggae music, culture, and love. For her, this is more than a tour. It is a return to the Motherland.