In early December when she performed on the Welcome To Jamrock Cruise, it capped a comeback year for Naomi Cowan. The singer hopes it sets the pace for an even more fruitful 2024.

The Welcome To Jamrock cruise, staged by the Marley family, ran December 4-9. It embarked from Miami, Falmouth, and Ocho Rios. It was Cowan’s debut performance on the popular show which featured Capleton, Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Wayne Wonder, Max Romeo, Kabaka Pyramid, Spragga Benz, and Third World.

The singer told the Jamaica Observer that there were no jitters.

“There were no nerves performing on the cruise, because I walk into every show knowing that I am meant to be there, because of the unique gift God gave me. I set an intention to have fun and share the joy of music with people. However, I was feeling very seasick that day and performed with motion sickness… I don’t think anyone could tell!” she said.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a hold on Cowan’s recording and live show activity for an extended period. This year, she returned to Europe, performing at major gigs such as Superjam in Germany and Notting Hill Carnival in the United Kingdom. She also collaborated on We Run The Area, a song with actor Idris Elba and British deejay Toddla T.

February sees the release of Bob Marley: One Love, the highly-anticipated Paramount Pictures biopic on the reggae legend. Cowan plays Marcia Griffiths, who was a member of The I-Three, his harmony group.

None of those, however, compares to ending 2023 in a better place than the previous year.

“My biggest accomplishment this year is finishing in a place where my mind is at peace. There’s nothing more valuable than peace of mind. I am grateful,” said Cowan.