By The Booth Radio Live Editorial Team
There are artists who make music, and then there are artists who create movements.
During an unforgettable edition of Midnight Reggae Vibes on The Booth Radio Live, internationally acclaimed Jamaica-born, Canada-based Roots Reggae artist Empress Minott reminded listeners why authentic reggae continues to resonate across generations and continents. Hosted by TrapGAD, with co-hosts Fela TuffSoul (Tuff Buzz Entertainment) and Ash Cash, the exclusive interview evolved into far more than a conversation about music—it became a deeply personal masterclass on resilience, integrity, spirituality, womanhood, entrepreneurship, and the enduring power of conscious reggae.
Broadcast to listeners across Ghana, Jamaica, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Africa, and the Caribbean, the interview offered a rare glimpse into the woman behind the awards, revealing an artist whose greatest success cannot be measured by trophies or chart positions alone, but by the countless lives she continues to inspire.
A Daughter of Portland, Guided by Purpose
Long before international recognition, award ceremonies, and global tours, there was a young girl growing up in the lush hills of Portland, Jamaica, where rivers flowed as naturally as the melodies she would one day sing.
When asked about her happiest childhood memories, Empress Minott didn't mention stages or recording studios. Instead, she spoke passionately about the rivers of Portland—places where she discovered peace, clarity, and a spiritual connection that continues to influence both her life and her music today.
That same connection to nature still shapes who she is.
Outside of music, she dedicates herself to holistic wellness, creating herbal skincare products, nutritious "Nice Cream," natural juices, and healthy foods designed to uplift her community physically as well as spiritually.
It is a philosophy that mirrors her music: healing begins from within.
LISTEN TO: Stumbling Blocks By Empress Minott
When Integrity Became Her Greatest Investment
Perhaps the evening's most compelling revelation came as Empress Minott reflected on the beginning of her recording career.
Like many independent artists, she encountered individuals who viewed opportunity through exploitation rather than talent. Faced with compromising situations, she made a life-changing decision—to walk away.
Instead of surrendering her values, she chose independence.
That decision led directly to the creation of her debut album, Natural Healer, a project she built herself after refusing to allow anyone else to dictate her future.
For aspiring female artists listening around the world, her advice carried extraordinary weight:
"Use your talent—not your body."
It was a statement born not from theory but from personal experience, reinforcing that integrity remains one of an artist's greatest strengths.
Finding Her True Voice Through Reggae
Before audiences knew her as Empress Minott, she performed R&B music under the name Dream.
Yet something never felt complete.
Everything changed during a visit home to Jamaica in 2007.
Given a rhythm by her cousin George Prophet, she began writing what would become "Stumbling Blocks."
The songwriting process was so emotional that, by her own admission, her notebook was soaked with tears before she had finished writing. The song reflected every hardship she had endured and every obstacle she had overcome.
She expected nothing more than to tell her own story.
Instead, the world embraced it.
"Stumbling Blocks" climbed Canadian charts, reached international audiences, and gained additional exposure through the television series Da Kink In My Hair. More importantly, it confirmed that conscious reggae—not commercial trends—was where her heart truly belonged.
WATCH: Empress Minott Live at Rasta Fest 2025
Building a Legacy Beyond a Legendary Name
Being connected to reggae royalty comes with both privilege and responsibility.
As the cousin of reggae icon Sugar Minott and Albert Minott of the legendary Jolly Boys, Empress Minott proudly carries one of Jamaica's most respected musical surnames.
Yet during the interview she emphasized that, while she deeply honours those who paved the way before her, her mission has always been to earn respect through her own work rather than family association.
She continues to perform Sugar Minott classics during live shows—not to rely on his legacy, but to ensure his music continues inspiring new generations.
It is respect without dependency.
Her own catalogue now speaks for itself.
Africa: A Homecoming of the Spirit
Few moments during the interview carried more emotion than Empress Minott's reflections on her first African tour.
Having visited The Gambia and Senegal, she admitted arriving with preconceived ideas shaped by misconceptions. What she experienced instead completely transformed her worldview.
She described Africa as peaceful, joyful, generous, and spiritually uplifting.
Most touching of all was her description of stepping off the plane and feeling as though her ancestors had wrapped their arms around her.
It was, in her words, a homecoming unlike anything she had ever experienced.
Her heartfelt praise for Africa resonated deeply with listeners throughout Ghana and across the continent, reaffirming reggae's enduring cultural bridge between Africa and the Caribbean.
WATCH: Empress Minott Perform "Mama Africa" (2 Times Riddim) in Senegal 🇸🇳
More Than a Recording Artist
Throughout the interview, listeners discovered that Empress Minott is far more than an internationally touring musician.
She is also an author.
Her first publication, Empress Minott's Inspirational Quotes, grew from motivational reflections she originally shared weekly on Canadian radio.
Even more exciting was the announcement of her forthcoming book, FEMS—an acronym representing:
Financial
Emotional
Mental
Physical
Spiritual
Inspired while sitting beside a river during one of life's most difficult seasons, the concept encourages readers to strengthen all five pillars in order to achieve genuine balance and fulfilment.
It is a continuation of the same philosophy that defines both her music and her life: healing is holistic.
The Strength of a Woman
One of the interview's most impactful segments came when co-host Ash Cash steered the discussion toward women in reggae and female empowerment.
Empress Minott spoke openly about the challenges of raising her daughter as a single mother while pursuing a demanding music career. She acknowledged the sacrifices, the emotional weight of leaving her child to perform, and the determination required to keep moving forward.
Her advice to women everywhere was equally powerful.
Know your worth.
Believe in yourself.
Never allow anyone else to define your value.
Drawing inspiration from Marcus Garvey's teachings on self-confidence, she reminded women that confidence is not optional—it is essential for success.
WATCH: Empress Minott - Mama Africa (Official Music Video)
Humility at the Height of Success
Despite earning numerous international honours—including recognition as Best Promising Reggae Artist, Top Female Reggae Artist, Cultural Artist of the Year, and the prestigious International Women Achievers Award—Empress Minott remains remarkably grounded.
Rather than focusing on accolades, she expressed gratitude that her work continues to touch lives.
Material success, she explained, has never been more important than people.
That humility is perhaps the greatest reason audiences continue connecting so deeply with her music.
A Vision for Unity
As the interview approached its conclusion, TrapGAD asked one final question:
"What message would you like to leave with listeners across Ghana, Africa, Jamaica, Canada, and the rest of the world?"
Her answer perfectly captured everything she represents.
She called for unity.
For understanding.
For humanity to move beyond division and remember that every nation now faces shared challenges requiring shared solutions.
It was not simply a closing statement.
It was a mission.
LISTEN TO: Change By Empress Minott
A Landmark Conversation for The Booth Radio Live
As reggae continues evolving on the global stage, platforms that preserve authentic conversations have become increasingly important.
Through Midnight Reggae Vibes, The Booth Radio Live continues creating meaningful dialogue between legendary artists, emerging talent, and reggae audiences throughout Africa and the worldwide diaspora.
This exclusive interview with Empress Minott was not driven by headlines or sensationalism.
Instead, it celebrated authenticity.
It explored purpose over popularity.
Character over celebrity.
Healing over hype.
For nearly two hours, listeners witnessed a woman who has refused to compromise her values, remained loyal to her roots, honoured her heritage, embraced Africa as family, empowered women, inspired independent artists, and continued using reggae as a vehicle for education, healing, and hope.
In an industry often distracted by trends, Empress Minott offered something far more valuable:
Truth.
And in doing so, she reminded the world why conscious reggae music remains one of humanity's most powerful voices.
About The Booth Radio Live
The Booth Radio Live is Ghana's premier destination for authentic reggae, dancehall, Afro-Caribbean culture, exclusive artist interviews, music discovery, and global conversations that connect Africa with the Caribbean and the wider diaspora.
Midnight Reggae Vibes is hosted by TrapGAD and co-hosted by Fela TuffSoul (Tuff Buzz Entertainment) and Ash Cash, bringing listeners exclusive conversations with some of reggae's most influential voices from around the world.
Proudly Sponsored By
Rasta Bread Man Company • Forever Boomin Inc. • Tuff Buzz Entertainment • Natty Yard Bashment • Team 4K Shooterz • Yardie Session
"From the Roots, We Survive." – The Booth Radio Live
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