Askala Selassie, the Warrior Empress of reggae, returns with a powerful new single, ‘Welcome to Africa’, releasing on April 25, 2025.
This stirring anthem is more than just a song, it’s a heartfelt tribute to the motherland, wrapped in rhythm, soul, and sunshine.
Born in South London but rooted in the sounds of the Caribbean and Africa, Askala’s journey has been shaped by the legends she’s shared stages with.
From touring the world with The Wailers at just 21 to performing alongside icons like Rita Marley, Beres Hammond, and Chronixx, her regal voice and commanding presence have carved her place in reggae’s modern landscape.
Her debut album ‘Warrior Empress’ earned critical acclaim and a Grammy nod, and her recent European tour solidified her status as a force to be reckoned with.
‘Welcome to Africa’ was born out of a transformative tour to Cape Town, where the spirit of the land wrapped her in an embrace she describes as ‘coming home’.
The melody came to her while flying over Table Mountain, and the lyrics flowed effortlessly, inspired by vibrant markets, warm smiles, and the brilliance of the African sun.
Co-produced with reggae legend Jazzwad Paul Yebuah and mixed by long-time Wailers engineer Christian Cowlin, Askala took creative control, layering electric guitar, basslines, and rich vocals to bring the track to life.
Sung with pure emotion, the chorus highlights the term ‘Azania’, the ancient, indigenous name for South Africa grounding the song in authenticity and reverence.
With ‘Welcome to Africa’, Askala Selassie not only honors the continent that continues to inspire her, but also marks a new chapter in her artistic evolution, one that’s deeply rooted, boldly self-produced, and spiritually resonant.
