First JUNO nomination for Samora – a significant milestone in her international career.
Bern / Canada – A major moment for Bern-based reggae and dancehall artist Samora: Together with Canadian singer Ammoye, she has been nominated for the 2026 JUNO Award with the song “More Reggae (Funk It Up)” in the category Reggae Recording of the Year | Enregistrement Reggae de l’Année. The JUNO Awards are considered Canada’s most prestigious music awards and the country’s equivalent of the Grammy Awards. For Samora, this nomination marks a very special milestone – it is her first-ever JUNO Award nomination.
“This nomination means an incredible amount to me. The JUNO Awards have great international recognition, and the fact that our song – which was created through a spontaneous yet very intense collaboration – is being acknowledged here truly touches me. It feels like a sign that I am on the right path,” says Samora.
Speaking about the creation of “More Reggae (Funk It Up)”, Samora adds: “This song is a love letter to reggae – to its roots, its energy, and its future. Working with Ammoye was deeply inspiring. This nomination shows how powerful genuine collaboration across borders can be.”
Ammoye reflecting
Ammoye also reflects on the nomination: “This song was born out of real connection – musically and personally. Working with Samora was something very special because we share the same love for reggae. That ‘More Reggae (Funk It Up)’ has been nominated for a JUNO Award feels like a confirmation that reggae is alive. It is always evolving and connecting people across countries and cultures.”
The song, written by Samora and Ammoye, was composed, recorded, and produced in Bern by Res Staudenmann, Ludovic Hoarau, and Michael Wyss. Worldwide distribution is handled by Hapilos.
Modern reggae with soul
Samora is an internationally active reggae and dancehall singer with Caribbean roots and currently lives in Bern, Switzerland. Her music blends modern reggae with soul and Afro influences and stands for empowerment, awareness, and positive energy. In 2023, Samora received the Caribbean Music Award for “Best New Artist Reggae.” In the following years, she was nominated again – in 2024 for the “Impact Award Reggae”, and in 2025 for both the “Impact Award Reggae” and “Female Reggae Artist of the Year”. The JUNO nomination now marks another important step on her international journey.
WWW: The 2026 JUNO Awards – The JUNO Awards
