In an era where mainstream success is often juxtaposed with undeniable popularity, Keznamdi’s Grammy win over the weekend served as a sharp reminder that when it comes to international awards, the message in the music is just as important as the metric.

In a category stacked with the global notoriety of Vybz Kartel, the rising stardom of Lila Iké, and the established prestige of Jesse Royal, Keznamdi was — by most mainstream metrics — the least likely name to be called.

However, as he walked away with the coveted golden gramophone, the conversation has shifted from “who is he?” to the unveiling of a global superstar.

While local chatter questioned how an “underground” artiste could bypass the genre’s heavyweights, Keznamdi says his victory serves as a testament to the power of the quiet grind.

Embracing the scepticism with a poised humility, the entertainer told the Jamaica Observer’s
Splash that, while some may be unfamiliar with his catalogue, years of discipline poured into his craft will not be diminished.

“When all the noise clears, it really comes back down to di works one put in. Most people not willing to put in the work when no one is looking, but that’s where greatness begins — in small, quiet rooms,” he said.

“What people need to understand is that these people who are voting are real human beings who take their votes very seriously, because they are very passionate about quality music. So it still come back to di works at the end of the day. The world big ennu, so there is always an unturned stone. This is not fast food, so I never expected it to be an overnight success, even though some may feel differently with the release of Blxxd and Fyah. We a grass roots artiste and we never took the quick route. We have a very small team doing very impactful things out there in the world,” he continued.

With that said, Keznamdi sought to heap praises on his fellow nominees, especially the artistes who have been grinding independently, without any major label support or heavy public relations machinery.

He expressed that, having worked relentlessly on his craft over the decades before the attention that has now come with the Grammy win, the magnitude of the moment is not lost on him, and pledged to continue making the kind of music that will continue reverberating through speakers globally.

“Separate aside from Vybz Kartel’s major infrastructure that he spent building these past three decades, all the other nominees were backed by massive independent structures and massive distributors who have way more resources and machines. I’ve been around all of them, so I’m very familiar with how their machines work,” he explained. “For me, as I said earlier, I have a very small micro team that’s been learning how to build our own infrastructure, because a lot of these distros and labels have no more value in this day and age. I hope my journey can inspire other up-and-coming artistes to realise that you don’t need no big label or manager; all you need is a team that is efficient and believes in you.”

Still patting his colleagues on the shoulder, Keznamdi said it was an honour to be listed among the talented crop of entertainers short-listed for the Best Reggae Album Grammy.

“It’s an honour to be a part of all of this greatness, and I only wish more greatness to all of them and their teams. It’s not easy what they’re doing. This was a very special line-up for the culture and is definitely a turning point,” he said. “Lila Ike started the Grammys, and it was truly inspiring seeing her on that stage because she work hard. This is Jesse’s second nomination, that’s a statement in itself to the serious works weh him put in. And Mortimer just a humble youth weh never force nothing and blessings nuh stop reach him way. I went to his vinyl signing two days before the Grammys, and the testimonies of what his music means to people just show me how powerful this grass roots movement reach now.”

“Last but surely not least, a di teacha [Vybz Kartel]! What he has been doing in the global space is very inspiring, and he and his team always supported behind the scenes with any resources they can share. Dem man deh inspire wi fi think big and believe in a wi self,” Keznamdi continued. “The highest act a human can do is to inspire someone, and I felt we did that Sunday. It’s an honour to represent wi culture and country at that level,” he shared.

To the sceptics that may remain, Keznamdi’s stance is clear: Every legend was once a stranger. He remains resolute in his calling and says he is looking forward to doing even greater things.

“By the time this article is released, a new single will be released called Bread and Butta, so hopefully that will show you what kind of time we’re on,” he said. “Since the win, life has changed drastically. But, again, the mission doesn’t change, it’s just amplified. We have some big announcements on the horizon!”

LOS ANGELES, California — Keznamdi (left) accepts the Best Reggae Album award for Blxxd & Fyah onstage during the 68th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at Peacock Theater on February 1, 2026. With him are producer Danny Barros (centre) and Alex Antaeus. (Photo: AFP)