The eighth ReggaeXclusive Recognition Awards took place on October 11 at Juliet Banquet Hall in Toronto, Canada. It marked a return for the event which, due to COVID-19, was last held in 2020.

Sixty-four persons in entertainment, commerce and staff of the ReggaeXclusive Entertainment magazine were honoured by organisers. Guyana-born Donna Makeda and Jamaican Prince Everald are co-founders of the show which was first held in October 2013.

They also started ReggaeXclusive Entertainment, a quarterly magazine that has been around since 2022, covering the Canadian reggae scene.

“We have a team that comes together to choose the artistes that we think should be recognised for the work they have been doing. This year, we decided to introduce something new for the artistes, so we came up with one voting category for Entertainer of The Year, Male and Female,” Donna Makeda told Observer Online.

Empress Leh Leh was selected Entertainer of The Year (Female) while the male equivalent went to Natty Sean. Kae Music, Empress Minott, Shanty Sweets and Empress Divine completed the Top Five female acts.
Rounding out the Top Five male artistes were Desi Ranks, Planky Don, Skystar and I-Noah.

Tasha T won the Reggae Singjay/Deejay Spotlight Award for Jamaica It Nice, a song inspired by negative coverage Jamaica received from international media.

“I am feeling incredibly grateful for the honour of receiving this award. It gives me a boost of confidence and motivation that Jamaica It Nice will continue to resonate with people around the world,” said Tasha T, who was born in Toronto to Jamaican parents.

Veteran artiste/producer/show promoter, Colin “” Levy, was presented with the Reggae Singer and Promoter Award. Born in western Jamaica, he started his Kings Of Kings Production company 33 years ago in Montreal.

“My greatest contribution to reggae in Canada is that I opened doors of opportunities for many people. I brought reggae to Canada for conscious entertainment and upliftment. I have filled the gap of reggae lovers by bringing top-notch live entertainment for people who love and appreciate positive reggae music,” said Iley Dread.