Hope Vocals’ Kumina Medley climbs charts in Jamaica and four overseas markets

Maroon Fusion reggae singer Hope Vocals is pushing to join Jamaica’s next wave of standout talent. Her breakthrough track, Kumina Medley (Walk In Deh), has registered on charts in five countries abroad and keeps drawing listeners through Stephen “Di Genius” McGregor’s well-regarded Hill & Gully Riddim, widening her audience and visibility.

She recently entered Jamaica’s Pree Di Show Top 20 at No. 15 and moved up to No. 12 on The Voice of the Caribbean Florida Reggae & Dancehall Top 20. The release has also appeared on the Dasvibes Reggae Songs listings for Portugal, Japan and Canada — opening at No. 7 in Portugal and lasting seven days on the Japanese chart — a sign of widening reach beyond the island.

“It’s honestly been an incredible journey,” Hope said. “I never imagined that something so deeply connected to my culture would resonate with so many people around the world. I’m grateful for every person who has supported the song.”

Her ascent took off after a social media clip honouring Jamaica’s Maroon traditions went viral at home and among the diaspora. Mixing reggae with abeng calls and Kromanti drumming, that first video passed one million views online and sparked more than 1,000 fan-made reels. The buzz led McGregor to bring her into the studio to cut Kumina Medley (Walk In Deh) for the high-profile Hill & Gully Riddim.

The official clip has since cleared 170,000 views on YouTube, and the song keeps getting play from radio DJs and sound-system selectors in Jamaica and overseas.

“The response from day one was unbelievable,” she said. “Seeing people from different countries embracing Maroon culture and connecting with the music has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”

She is one of just two women on the riddim project, sharing that distinction with Shaneil Muir. Hope links the track’s run to renewed interest in genuine Jamaican cultural expression.

“I’ve always believed that being authentic is my greatest strength,” she said. “My music reflects who I am, where I come from and what I stand for. It’s encouraging to see that audiences are embracing that authenticity.”

Born Lomorra Dillon and rooted in the Moore Town Maroon community of Portland, she has also drawn warm words from veteran broadcaster and culture champion Fae Ellington, who contacted her after seeing the viral clip. “You go girl! From I saw your first post with you playing drum and blowing the abeng, you touched my spirit,” Ellington wrote.

“I have the utmost respect for Auntie Fae,” Hope said. “She has done so much to preserve our country’s culture over the years. It feels amazing knowing that she is proud of my contribution.”

Her manager and publicist, Ralston Barrett of The Reggae PR Agency, says she is opening a distinct path. “Hope is proving that authentic Jamaican culture has global appeal. She’s creating her own lane and is one of reggae’s brightest rising stars.”

As attention builds, Hope thanked supporters in Jamaica and overseas. “I want to sincerely thank everyone in Jamaica and across the world who has supported me from the beginning,” she said. “Every stream, every share, every chart position and every word of encouragement means so much to me. Your support inspires me to keep representing my culture with pride, and I promise there’s much more to come.”

With overseas interest still rising, the Maroon Fusion artiste is readying her next releases, Warrior and God’s Timing, via Symphony B Records, aiming to extend what looks like a defining year.