Even though he migrated to Canada over three decades ago, reggae artiste Tony Anthony has always had a desire to see music from Jamaica being rewarded for its impact on the world stage.

Last Sunday, the artiste, who is originally from Grove Farm in St Catherine, staged the first in what is to become an annual affair, the Reggae North Music Awards.

The Reggae North Music Awards was held at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, Ontario. Nineteen awards were presented to individuals whose music has impacted the reggae and dancehall spaces in Canada.

“The idea behind the Reggae North Music Awards is to create a platform that recognises and celebrates the exceptional talent within reggae and dancehall focusing on Canadian artistes, who are contributing significantly and making an impact outside of Jamaica. We aim to bring attention to artistes in Canada, who are working hard to push the boundaries of reggae and dancehall, outside the traditional strongholds. This platform recognises that great music can emerge from anywhere, and it seeks to honour those who are keeping reggae and dancehall alive and thriving this side of the world,” Tony Anthony shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

“By highlighting the work of artistes in Canada, we hope the awards will help to expand the global footprint of reggae and dancehall music and help to gain wider recognition in places where the genre may still be growing or evolving.”

He said the response to the inaugural staging has been positive.

“The appreciation shown by patrons at the venue and on social media is all we need to know that the 2025 award show will be a bigger and better celebration. The turnout was great, we had people from different cultures in attendance. There were young and older patrons, who were formally dressed for the occasion, a very good look. Most of the businesses, who sponsored the event were impressed with our first staging and have committed to being a part of the celebration next year,” he added.

Reggae artiste Exco Levi, Phenique and Tonya P were multiple winners at the Reggae North Music Awards. Each took home two awards.

Exco Levi received the award for Top Trap/Fusion Dancehall Song of the Year (Male) for the song Change Your Mind featuring Charly Black as well as the Top Entertainer of the Year.

Top Dancehall Song of the Year (Female) went to Phenique for the song
Cyah Siddung and Female DJ of the Year.

Tonya P on the other hand, walked away with the Top Reggae Song of the Year (Female) for Free and Songwriter of the Year.

“Overall, we are extremely happy with how the night turned out, we started on time and the show ended fifteen minutes before the scheduled time. There’s always room for improvement and we will be proceeding and adjusting where it is necessary to ensure a smoother flow next year. We also learned some logistical lessons that will help us improve for future events, but all in all, I wouldn’t change much — it was a great night,” Tony Anthony said.

Singer Ammoye, Kirk Diamond, Jah Cutta, Mel C, Tugstar, Rayzalution (all female reggae band), Isax Injah, Phenique, Tiffanie Malvo and Steele performed at the event.

Reggae artiste Steele was overjoyed at winning the award for Top Reggae Song of the Year (Male) for his cover of You Know You Wanna Be.

“I am totally overjoyed about the win. It was very satisfying to see the reaction from the fans in the audience when my name was called and now even more so with the abundance of congratulations that I’ve been receiving on social media. This award signifies to me that I’m truly appreciated, and that people are seriously tuned in to my music. Dealing with matters of the heart is still a vital topic in these times,” Steele told the Jamaica Observer.

Steele’s other nominations were Top Entertainer of the Year (Male) and Male Vocalist of the Year.

Other winners in the Reggae North Music Awards are:

Producer of the Year

Jermaine Finn

Video of the Year

High Grade Spot – Neto Yute & Daddy Mori

Top Album/EP of the Year

Heart of Love Compilation – Jahni Records

Group of the Year – The Human Rights

Dancehall Song of the Year (MALE) – We Scorching by J Stvrr

Trap/Fusion Dancehall Song of the Year (FEMALE) – Like Me by Indiyah Rye

Male DJ of the Year – Eyesus

Female Vocalist of the Year – Ammoye

Male Vocalist of the Year – Kirk Diamond