At DZL Records, we always say that we are more than just a label, we are a movement. We are a collective of thinkers, creators, and visionaries who want to push the boundaries of what music can do for the world. Today, we have a very special reason to celebrate that vision. It’s not every day that one of our own becomes a "Doctor," but that is exactly what has happened.
We are incredibly proud to announce that Racquel Simone Bernard, known to the world as the powerhouse artist Jahmi Roc, has officially completed her PhD at UCLA. From this moment forward, please put some respect on the name: it’s Dr. Racquel Simone Bernard.
This isn't just an academic achievement; it’s a monumental win for the culture, for reggae music, and for the "freedom singing" movement that Jahmi Roc has championed throughout her career. As a Kingston-born, LA-based scholar-poet, she has bridged the gap between the grit of the studio and the rigors of high-level academia, proving that you can be a master of the stage and a master of the books simultaneously.
Dr. Racquel Simone Bernard (Jahmi Roc) captured in a high-contrast, black and white film noir style, showcasing the elegance and depth of a scholar-poet.
The Scholar-Poet: A Journey of Mind and Music
The journey to a PhD is never easy, but doing it while maintaining a thriving career in the music industry is a feat of legendary proportions. Jahmi Roc has always been a "scholar-poet": someone who uses their voice not just to entertain, but to educate and liberate. Her connection to UCLA as a musicology scholar has allowed her to dissect the very rhythms that pulse through our speakers every day at the DZL Records Studio.
Her dissertation, titled 'Empress Epistemologies: Caribbean Musicology and the Vocal Artistry of Black Women in Reggae,' is a groundbreaking work. For those who aren't familiar with the academic jargon, "epistemology" is the study of knowledge: how we know what we know. By focusing on "Empress Epistemologies," Dr. Bernard is shining a light on the unique ways that Black women in reggae create, preserve, and transmit knowledge through their vocal artistry.
This research is vital. For too long, the contributions of women in the reggae space have been sidelined or viewed through a narrow lens. Dr. Bernard is changing that narrative, placing the "Empress" at the center of the musicological map. She’s documenting the freedom songs, the resistance, and the spiritual depth that define the genre.
From Kingston to Los Angeles
Born in the vibrant heart of Kingston, Jamaica, Jahmi Roc carries the island's pulse in her DNA. You can hear it in her phrasing, feel it in her lyrics, and see it in the way she carries herself. But her move to Los Angeles added a new layer to her artistry. Being LA-based has allowed her to tap into a global perspective, blending the roots-heavy sounds of her home with the experimental, high-energy vibes of the West Coast.
This duality is what makes her a true "freedom singer." She isn't confined by borders or genres. She is a global citizen who uses the reggae genre as a vehicle for truth. At DZL Records, we’ve watched her grow from a talented vocalist into a formidable intellectual force. It’s been a journey of constant evolution, and seeing her don the doctoral robes is a moment of pure inspiration for everyone on the team, including our Technical Director, Dale Virgo (Dizzle).
A Win for the Culture
Why does a PhD in musicology matter to a record label? Because music is more than just a catalog of songs; it’s a record of our history. When an artist like Jahmi Roc takes the time to study the mechanics of our culture at the highest level, it elevates the entire industry. It brings a level of legitimacy and intellectual rigor to reggae that is often overlooked by mainstream institutions.
This achievement is a win for every young girl in Kingston who dreams of being more than what the world expects of her. It’s a win for every independent artist who thinks they have to choose between their education and their passion. Dr. Bernard is living proof that you can have both. She is a scholar in the morning and a lioness on the mic at night.
Her work on "freedom singing" is particularly relevant in today's world. As we deal with global challenges, the role of the artist as a truth-teller becomes even more critical. Dr. Bernard’s research reminds us that reggae was born out of a need for liberation, and her music continues that legacy.
The Next Chapter: 'Safe & Sound'
While we are all busy celebrating her academic milestone, Dr. Bernard hasn't missed a beat in the studio. We are thrilled to share that her brand-new single, "Safe & Sound," featuring Mr. Suprize, is out now on DZL Records and has been available since April 24, 2026.
Jahmi Roc and Mr. Suprize on set, representing the creative unity behind their new single Safe & Sound.
"Safe & Sound" is the perfect follow-up to this major life event. It’s a track that encapsulates the feeling of finding your footing, knowing your worth, and standing tall in your truth. Working with Mr. Suprize has added a dynamic energy to the track that listeners can tap into right now. It’s a beautiful blend of melodic grace and lyrical punch: exactly what you’d expect from a scholar-poet.
This release is a testament to her work ethic. Even while finishing her dissertation and navigating the final hurdles of her PhD, she was in the booth, making sure the music stayed top-tier. And she’s not slowing down either, with "Empress Love" also released today, May 8, 2026, giving fans even more great music to tap into right now. You can find all her latest updates on our Releases page.
Continuing the Legacy
At DZL Records, we are committed to supporting our artists in all their forms. Whether it’s Naomi Cowan or Delando Colley, we believe in the power of the individual to change the game. Dr. Racquel Simone Bernard is doing exactly that.
She joins a prestigious list of artists who have used their platform to further the cause of Caribbean culture. By documenting the vocal artistry of Black women, she is ensuring that future generations of "Empresses" have a blueprint to follow. Her academic work will likely become a staple in musicology departments around the world, but her music will remain the heartbeat of the people.
Join the Celebration
We want the whole DZL family to join us in congratulating Dr. Bernard. Head over to our Contact page or hit us up on social media to send her some love. This is a massive moment for her, her family, and everyone who believes in the power of education and the arts.
"Safe & Sound" is already out and has been soundtracking the spring since April 24, 2026. You can find it on all major streaming platforms, and we’ll have more behind-the-scenes content coming your way on the DZL Blog.
Even as she celebrates her PhD, Jahmi Roc continues to push musical boundaries and represent the strength of artist development at DZL Records.
Congratulations again, Dr. Racquel Simone Bernard. You’ve shown us that the sky isn't the limit: it’s just the view from the top. We are honored to have you in the DZL Records family, and we can't wait to see how your "Empress Epistemologies" continue to shape the world of music.
The doctor is officially in.
Suggested Categories: Artist Spotlight, Music Production, Reggae, Industry News.