YaniSs Odua opens a new chapter with ‘D’où je viens’

For almost thirty years, YaniSs Odua has been one of the driving forces behind French-speaking reggae. The Martinican artist has built his career on independence, positive messages and a strong belief in passing reggae’s values on to the next generation. His popularity is reflected in the numbers, with Rouge Jaune Vert reaching 25 million streams and Chalawa clocking up another 19 million. More importantly, he’s become a voice that brings different generations of reggae fans together.

His musical journey began with Yon Pa Yon in 2002 and has taken him through albums such as ‘Moment Idéal’, ‘Nouvelle Donne’ and Stay High (2022). While reggae has always provided the foundation, YaniSs has never been afraid to explore other sounds, bringing hip-hop, urban influences and international flavours into his music. His collaborations with Jamaican veteran Clive Hunt and the younger production duo Elevation (Kahifa and Kevin Kay) reflect that willingness to keep moving forward.

Now comes D’où je viens – Part.1, a new project that sees YaniSs joining forces once again with Clive Hunt for the arrangements, some recorded in Jamaica. Elevation takes care of production, while FNX and Volodia bring fresh input to the writing. It’s a new combination of established experience and younger talent, giving the singer room to explore new territory without losing sight of his roots.

The EP touches on several personal and wider themes. In On My Way, YaniSs reflects on the road that brought him here. The title track looks at his roots and heritage, while Rien ne m’arrête is an ode to resilience. Come With Me deals with vulnerability and mental health, and Warriors brings a strong message of unity and collective energy. Elsewhere, love, hard work, environmental concerns, conflict and loss are all featured in his writing.

Rather than releasing one complete album, YaniSs has divided D’où je viens’ into two parts. The first arrived in October 2026, with Part 2 set for January 29, 2027. A CD and vinyl edition, featuring bonus tracks, will accompany the second release.

There’s also a new chapter taking shape on stage. YaniSs is preparing a fresh live show with a new band and a different musical direction. FNX now plays an integral part in the line-up, while a new tour gets underway in autumn 2026, with performances across France and Europe continuing throughout 2027.

With D’où je viens – Part.1, YaniSs offers a more personal and reflective look at his life and career. These five central songs reveal what shaped him, where he stands today and what continues to push him forward. Nearly three decades after setting out, he’s still moving, still exploring and still spreading the positive energy that has defined his music.