Reflecting on a Year of Creativity Growth and New Beginnings for Jahmi Roc

The past year has been a whirlwind of creativity, milestones, and fresh starts for Jahmi Roc. From reviving a podcast to submitting a major academic milestone, and performing at diverse events, the journey has been rich with experiences that shaped both artistic and personal growth. This reflection shares the highlights, challenges, and exciting projects that marked the year, offering insight into the creative process and what lies ahead.

Jahmi Roc posing for her photoshoot in anticipation of her first DZL Records release

Bringing Jahmi Roc's Jottings Back to Life

One of the most rewarding projects was the revival of the podcast Jahmi Roc's Jottings. After a period of pause, bringing the podcast back felt like reconnecting with a vital creative outlet. This season featured several guests, each bringing unique perspectives and stories that enriched the conversations. Making the podcast available on platforms like Castbox, Amazon Music, and YouTube expanded its reach, allowing more listeners to engage with the content.

The podcast became a space to explore ideas beyond music, touching on culture, creativity, and personal growth. This diversity in topics helped build a community of listeners who appreciate thoughtful dialogue. The process of recording, editing, and distributing episodes also sharpened technical skills and deepened understanding of audience engagement.

Academic Milestone: Dissertation Draft Submission

Balancing creative pursuits with academic goals was a significant part of the year. Submitting the first full draft of the dissertation marked a major achievement. This milestone required discipline and focus, demonstrating the ability to manage long-term projects alongside artistic commitments.

The dissertation itself reflects a deep dive into reggae 'herstory,' contributing original thought and research about how black women use reggae to combat racism, sexism, and classism. Completing this draft opened the door to revisions and further refinement, but reaching this stage was a clear sign of progress and dedication.

Performing Across Diverse Venues and Events

Live performances brought energy and connection throughout the year. Jahmi Roc took the stage at a variety of events, each offering a unique atmosphere and audience:

• LadyBea and Daddy Tracey's Friday Night Open Mic: A vibrant platform to test new material and engage with fellow artists.

• Leimert Park Jamaica Independence Day Concert: Celebrating culture and heritage with a lively crowd.

• Woodley Park Memorial Day Celebration: Honoring community and tradition through music.

• Pirate Studios Open Mic and Aux: Showcasing versatility and collaboration in a creative hub.

• Manda's Studio Voice Notes Open Mic LA: Experimenting with raw, intimate performances.

• Mother African Cuisine's Grand Opening: Supporting local business while sharing music with a new audience.

  
  

Each event contributed to growth as a performer, building confidence and expanding the fan base. The variety of venues also encouraged adaptability and creativity in setlists and presentation.

Collaborations and New Music with DZL Records

Partnering with DZL Records was a highlight that brought new opportunities for music production and release. Two singles dropped this year, showcasing Jahmi Roc’s evolving sound and artistic vision. Working on several unreleased songs also kept the creative momentum going, with plans to share more music in the near future.

Two tracks, Write Your Name and Liberation Night, gained traction by being placed on several playlists. This exposure helped reach new listeners and build recognition in the music community. The positive response to these songs fuels excitement for upcoming projects and collaborations.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With a year full of achievements behind, the focus now turns to what 2026 will bring. The foundation laid through podcasting, academic work, live performances, and music releases sets the stage for continued growth. Plans include:

• Expanding the podcast with fresh themes and guests

• Finalizing and defending the dissertation

• Releasing more singles

• Performing at new venues such as Club Lagos LA: check out the January 15th Jahmi Roc release party

• Exploring further collaborations within the music industry

  
  

The journey ahead promises new challenges and opportunities to push creative boundaries.