As the excitement builds for the upcoming Grammy Awards, the spotlight shines brightly on the Best Reggae Album category, where a diverse line-up of nominees showcases the genre’s vibrant evolution. Anticipation is mounting as the February 1 announcement date inches closer. The voting process has officially been completed, and now the sector waits.

Among this year’s contenders are fresh voices making their Grammy début and a dancehall act celebrating an inspiring resurgence. The blend of nominees not only generates fierce competition but also reflects the resilience and creativity inherent in reggae music.

Join us as we explore the strengths of these nominees and how their unique contributions may earn them the glory associated with the coveted golden gramophone.

Vybz Kartel: The resilient king of dancehall

Officially crowned the King of Dancehall, Vybz Kartel returns to the Grammy spotlight with his latest nomination for Best Reggae Album. This marks his second nod, an impressive feat given his physical absence from the local and international music realm for 13 years. His fresh entry into the music scene has sparked significant interest and excitement, especially as he has not only made a comeback but has dominated the industry in the past year.

Since his release from prison Kartel has enjoyed a phenomenal resurgence, marked by back-to-back sold-out shows at prestigious venues like Barclays Centre in New York, along with record-breaking crowds at Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay in July 2025. During that landmark performance, he was celebrated as the reigning King of Dancehall, a title that encapsulates both his legacy and influence within the genre.

Industry experts highlight that his nominated project, Heart & Soul, not only reflects his artistic evolution but also cements his place as a leading voice in dancehall for a new generation. Analysts view Vybz Kartel as a top-tier contender, citing his “undeniable cultural impact” over the past year. The compelling narrative of his comeback, coupled with the staggering statistic of over 400,000 concert tickets sold, positions him in a favourable light among Grammy voters. His visibility and ability to connect with fans on such a massive scale could play a crucial role in influencing the final decision. He is the only hard-core dancehall artiste nominated in a category typically dominated by traditional reggae acts. This distinction further emphasises the impact of his nomination.

If he walks away with the Grammy win it would not only be a significant personal achievement but would also solidify his status as the greatest of all time (GOAT) within the dancehall genre. A victory would send a powerful message about the crossover appeal of dancehall music, proving that it can hold its own on prestigious platforms usually reserved for reggae.

Vybz Kartel on the Freedom Street stage New Year’s Eve 2024.

Lila Ike: The rising star of reggae

Lila Ike has emerged as a powerful new voice in reggae, known for her soulful vocals and her innate ability to blend traditional reggae with influences from R&B and neo-soul. Her music delves into themes of self-love, resilience, and social awareness while maintaining a solid reggae foundation.

Her début album, Treasure Self Love, has garnered critical acclaim and led to her first-ever Grammy nomination — an impressive feat that speaks to her star power and immense talent.

A ‘country girl’ from Christiana, Manchester, the young singer relocated to Kingston with big dreams. Lila Ike’s journey in music is a testament to her remarkable talent and determination. Since making her début in 2017 she has quickly risen to prominence, gaining widespread international recognition in 2019 with her single Where I’m Coming From. This powerful anthem chronicled her journey while expressing gratitude for the experiences that shaped her. Her début EP, The ExPerience, received critical acclaim from renowned publications like Rolling Stone and Vogue, solidifying her reputation as an emerging force in the reggae scene. The accolades and recognition she has garnered in such a short time underscore her potential.

As she steps into the Grammy limelight for the first time with her album Treasure Self Love, the significance of her nomination becomes even more profound. A win in this category would not only affirm her artistic contributions but would make her only the second woman in history to claim the Grammy for Best Reggae Album, following Koffee’s groundbreaking achievement in 2021. It’s worth noting that both Lila Ike and Koffee have received significant support from fellow reggae artiste Protoje, who boasts multiple Grammy nominations himself. This mentorship and endorsement from an established artiste will no doubt boost Lila’s candidacy, highlighting the collaborative spirit within the reggae community.

Lila Ike.

Mortimer: Reggae’s ‘dark horse’

As the Grammy presentations approach, Mortimer emerges as an intriguing dark horse in the 2026 race for Best Reggae Album. While Vybz Kartel and Lila Ike are often labelled as the front-runners, Mortimer’s nomination for his début album, From Within, adds an exciting layer to the competition.

Industry experts regard him as a compelling contender, representing the underground success of reggae music. Mortimer’s music encapsulates a raw authenticity, rooted in personal experiences and social commentary. A win for Mortimer would serve as a grand introduction to a broader audience, solidifying his place in the reggae landscape and heralding a new chapter in his career.

While his musical profile may not yet match that of his more established peers, Mortimer’s artistry and connection with fans have garnered a dedicated following. What Mortimer may lack in mainstream popularity he more than compensates for with unwavering support from core reggae enthusiasts. This loyal fan base could prove to be a defining factor among Grammy voters, especially considering that the Best Reggae Album category has a history of favouring traditional reggae acts.

The Grammy Awards have long been a platform for launching relatively unknown artistes into international stardom, transforming their careers overnight. Could this be Mortimer’s moment? A win for From Within would not only elevate his status but would also mark a significant moment for underground reggae, signalling that authenticity and artistry can prevail in a competitive landscape.

Mortimer (Photo: Oh Zeen Entertainment)

Keznamdi: The cutting edge contender

This year’s nominations feature first-time nominees, signifying an expansion and evolution within reggae music. For Keznamdi, this is his first Grammy nomination. Despite carrying the weight of being seen as an underground artiste, he has made notable strides — his album debuted at #1 on the US iTunes Reggae Albums Chart, with multiple singles achieving top 10 status.

Keznamdi has emerged as a high-level contender for the 2026 Best Reggae Album with his project
BLXXD & FYAH, which industry experts and Grammy-winning producers have heralded as one of the most “cutting edge” entries in this year’s category. By uniquely merging traditional roots reggae with innovative modern production, Keznamdi is carving out a distinct sound that resonates with both long-time reggae fans and new listeners alike.

Prominent Grammy-winning producer Alexx Antaeus, a 20-year Academy voter, has publicly named Keznamdi as a front-runner to win, proclaiming that BLXXD & FYAH is the “best reggae album released this year”. Antaeus praises the album for its commitment to fresh ideas rather than falling into the trap of recycling old sounds. Such versatility indicates a potential reach that extends well beyond traditional genre circles. If he takes home the Grammy it would be a monumental achievement that underscores not only his artistic vision but also the genre’s capacity to evolve while staying true to its roots. A win would position Keznamdi as a trailblazer in reggae, perhaps inspiring a new wave of artistes to explore innovative sounds and storytelling techniques within the genre.

Deep roots-reggae artiste Keznamdi secured a nod, completing the list of nominees, for his work Blood and Fyah. (Photo: IG/@keznamdi)

Jesse Royal: The consistent torch-bearer

Jesse Royal, a mainstay in reggae music, has earned his second Grammy nomination, solidifying his reputation as a consistent torch-bearer for the genre. With his album No Place Like Home, Jesse Royal once again demonstrates his remarkable ability to connect with global audiences. As a prominent figure in the “reggae revival” movement, his nomination serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to quality.

Experts have hailed No Place Like Home as his “most intentional project” to date, showcasing his artistic growth and deepening lyrical insight. The album stands out for its soulful storytelling and modern roots energy, appealing to both long-time reggae enthusiasts and new listeners alike. It features collaborations with high-profile artistes such as Romain Virgo, Kabaka Pyramid, and Yohan Marley, further elevating the project and highlighting the collaborative spirit within the reggae community, something the singer has long prided himself on.

The entertainer’s nomination for No Place Like Home is not just a recognition of this particular project, but a celebration of his entire body of work, which has consistently resonated with fans globally. Should he take home the Grammy, it would reinforce his status as one of reggae’s leading voices and further elevate the genre within the global music scene.

Jesse Royal