Wesrok believes reggae aficionados should not be too worried about experts who claim that reggae is “on the decline” after a series of cancellations of popular music festivals in the USA and Europe.

“The state of reggae music on the world stage is fine,” Wesrok, whose real name is Percival Buddan, said.

“Reggae music has always played a major role within social and political movements, and even though its themes and messages have changed, the world still needs reggae. The genre still maintains a dedicated fan base worldwide and continues to influence many artistes across different genres,” the reggae singer added.

It was announced earlier this week that the Sierra Nevada World Music festival announced cancellation due to low pre-sold ticket sales for a June 21 start of a three-day event. This follows on the heels of the cancellation of ‘Reggae Lovefest’ in Miami, Florida, which was scheduled for June 22, 2024 with headliners Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Elephant Man, Capleton and others. In April of this year, the OverJam Festival in Slovenia, held over the last 11 years, announced its discontinuation.

“Trends in music are always evolving, and it is possible that reggae music’s popularity may ebb and flow over time. But reggae will rise again,” Wesrok said.

Through it all, Wesrok remains optimistic. That is why he is pressing ahead with his latest collaboration, True Love , featuring Big Mountain. The song is slated for a June 28 release via all major online platforms.

“This True Love collaboration with Big Mountain is incredible, music producer Don Hines made it possible. He presented my songs to the band and they liked it. The rest is history,” Wesrok said.

Big Mountain is an American band known for its remake of Peter Frampton’s Baby, I Love Your Way, which became a top 10 hit single in the US in early 1994, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100. Wesrok has high hopes that the message of True Love will touch an emotional chord with the masses.

“The song says it all. Love is the answer to a world that is lost and full of hate. Only Jah can save us. Love is taken for granted by all of us; there is nothing greater than Jah love,” he said.

A former member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Wesrok began recording four years ago. His initial songs, such as Poor Country Boy and Born As A Winner, reflected his strong American country music influences.

His EP, Look At Me Now, was released in April 2021. In 2022, Wesrok made his debut on Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay. He will be performing at this year’s Reggae Sumfest on Night 2 on July 20.