While most of his friends were into roots-reggae or dancehall, Wesrok listened to American country singers such as Kenny Rogers and Charley Pride. Five years ago, he launched his music career and has since released catchy country-reggae songs like ‘Ride Cowboy Ride’.
That track, released last June, has been named in a provisional list for Best Country Solo Performance at the 2026 Grammy Awards. Approximately 132 artists are up for consideration including major stars, Dolly Parton, Jason Aldean and Brad Paisley.
‘Ride Cowboy Ride’ was recorded at the acclaimed Beaird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, the mecca of country music. While he is a long shot to make the final cut, which will be announced on November 7, Wesrok already feels like a winner.
“For me, it’s a big deal, because country music is huge. For someone from the Caribbean, Jamaica to be exact to be recognized, is a win for me already,” he said.
Like Charley Pride, one of his heroes, Wesrok is a trailblazer. As a black man, Pride broke into the white-dominated country market in the 1960s after years of playing baseball in the Negro Leagues.
Wesrok, who is of East Indian heritage, started his music career after many years in the Jamaican police force. In addition to releasing easy-listening country-reggae songs like ‘Poor Country Boy’ and ‘Born as A Winner’, he has collaborated with dancehall acts such as Busy Signal and performed at Reggae Sumfest.
The 68th Grammy Awards are scheduled for February 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.