The Reggae Rundown: Protoje’s Return, Ziggy’s Tribute, and the Post-Grammy Glow

February is officially heating up. Between the historic results of the 68th Grammy Awards and a flurry of heavy-hitter announcements, the reggae world is moving at a frantic pace. Whether you’re looking for conscious roots, island pop, or the latest industry drama, we’ve got you covered.

Upcoming Albums & Major Announcements
Protoje Announces ‘The Art of Acceptance’

Protoje has officially revealed that his seventh studio album, The Art of Acceptance, will arrive April 17, 2026. This marks a reunion with legendary producer Winta James and features a “dream list” of collaborators including Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley, Stephen Marley, Shenseea, and Masicka.

Ziggy Marley’s Soulful Tribute: ‘Brightside’

Ziggy Marley is honoring his father’s legacy with the announcement of Brightside, arriving digitally May 1 (and on vinyl for Record Store Day, April 18). The lead single, “Many Mourn For Bob,” was recorded at 432Hz—a frequency known for its healing and meditative properties.

New Singles & Fresh Drops
Cas Haley w/ Paul Izak – “Patience For The Process” (Single)

“Patience For The Process” strips things back to the essentials. Cas Haley and Paul Izak meet in a quiet, reflective space, blending folk and singer-songwriter traditions with subtle reggae inflections that feel lived-in rather than stylized. The track favors warmth and restraint, letting the message land through tone and phrasing instead of volume.

The single serves as the sole preview of Haley’s upcoming EP The Front Porch, due February 20 via Ineffable Records. Haley’s path to this moment has been anything but conventional. A runner-up on season two of America’s Got Talent, he later carved out a dedicated following through releases like Boots Rock Reggae Vol. 1, where he reimagined Americana and country songs through a reggae lens. Clips from that project went viral across Instagram and TikTok, pulling in millions of views and introducing his songwriting to a broader audience. He’s currently in the midst of a 30-plus-date tour with Dan Kelly of Fortunate Youth, carrying the song’s porch-side intimacy into real rooms.

Twin Fin – “Cecelia” (Single)

Twin Fin’s “Cecelia” feels like a crossroads moment. Blending alternative, pop, and country influences, the track leans away from strict genre boundaries and toward songwriting that prioritizes mood and melody. It’s an easy listen on the surface, but one that reveals more with repeat spins.

The song is the fifth and final single ahead of the band’s upcoming EP Songs I Never Wrote, due March 13 on Ineffable Records. The EP includes features from Claire Wright and Kanaka Fyah and follows a busy stretch that saw Twin Fin featured on Shwayze’s track “Floating” and touring with him across the US late last year. With another US tour launching this month and a slot at Reggae Rise Up Florida in April, “Cecelia” lands as both a conclusion to one chapter and a setup for what comes next.

The California Honeydrops – “Lovin’ Made Easy” (Single)

“Lovin’ Made Easy” finds The California Honeydrops easing back into the spotlight with characteristic warmth. Built on laid-back grooves and a romantic soulfulness, the track feels effortless without sounding slight, leaning into the band’s long-standing blend of neo-soul, retro soul, and blues.

It’s their first new release since Redwood Highway arrived in August 2025, an album that supported a headlining US tour later that fall. The new single sets the tone for a busy 2026, with the band gearing up for the Shine Delight Tour in March and a high-profile appearance at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Rather than chasing trends, “Lovin’ Made Easy” doubles down on what the Honeydrops do best: songs that feel communal, timeless, and lived-in.

Deeskys w/ Massive B – “Wine and Jiggle” (Single)

“Wine and Jiggle” pairs Brooklyn dancehall artist Deeskys with legendary New York production duo Massive B, delivering a club-ready track rooted in classic dancehall energy. The production leans heavy and rhythmic, built for sound systems and late-night rotation rather than subtlety.

Massive B’s legacy runs deep, from their decades-long presence on New York’s Hot 97 to their Fire Sundays platform, which has consistently pushed dancehall culture forward in the US. For Deeskys, the collaboration signals a clear step into that lineage, placing her voice inside a tradition that values movement, confidence, and direct connection with the crowd.

Around the Reggae World: Quick Hits
  • Lucas Jah has released the roots-heavy “Zion Song.”

  • Dactah Chando returns with “Origen,” a deep dive into Canary Island reggae vibes.

  • Blae Minott just dropped “Knack Shat,” keeping the Minott legacy alive and well in 2026.