No Destroyer, the most recent album by roots singer and journeyman artiste Burning Spear, received a nod in the Best Reggae Album category of the 66th Grammy Awards last week.

Released in August via Burning Spear Music Inc, the 12-track album took more than 10 years to be completed.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer‘s Splash, Burning Spear (real name Winston Rodney) shared his excitement about the nomination.

“It truly means a lot to be nominated, and I man is humbled and grateful,” said Burning Spear.

He added, “A lot of emotions went into this album No Destroyer. Jah works must be done no matter what. I man had to go way into myself as times and things changes.”

No Destroyer, which is produced by Burning Spear and his wife Sonia Rodney, was completed in 2022.

Among the tracks are Independent, Jamaica, Cure for Cancer, Obsession, Open the Gate, No Fool, and They Think.

The producers featured on the project include David Reichley (bass), Lawrence Lewis (keyboard), Linford “Lenny” Carby (guitar), Karl W Wright (drum), Greg Glassman (trumpet), Jerry Johnson (saxophone), and Jason Jackson (trombone).

No Destroyer has given Burning Spear his 13th nomination in the Best Reggae Album category. Among his previous nominations were for Resistance (1986), People of the World (1988), Live in Paris Zenith 88 (1990), Mek We Dweet (1991), The World Should Know (1994), Rasta Business (1996), Appointment with His Majesty (1998), Freeman (2004), Our Music (2006) and The Burning Spear Experience (2008).

Burning Spear has won the award twice — Calling Rastafari (2000) and again in 2009 for Jah is Real.

Asked how it felt to be nominated once again, and at this stage of his career, Burning Spear said: “Jah works must be done, and as long as the Most High rewards I man then so be it. I man feel good to be nominated again, because it shows that the Spear is still burning from 1969 until this time, with big love and maximum respect to I man fans all over and far over.”

According to Burning Spear, the message on No Destroyer is relatable and should resonate with fans.

“My fans can expect a message of upliftment. Take for instance the track Jamaica. This song touches me. I man love Jamaica, beautiful Jamaica, but there are so many changes. Jamaica has changed so much. Remember in the days we used to pass each other and say ‘Irie’ and ‘One love’. I man don’t hear that any more. Marcus Garvey… we need a subject in school. Negril I man spent a lot of times there. You may not know but I go every year. I man would like to see the youths and the elders show love and respect for each other. Cure for cancer… let’s shed some more light on this terrible disease that hurts so many families, including mine. My wife’s only son was taken out because of brain cancer,” shared Burning Spear.

He gave props to the other nominees in the Best Reggae Album category.

“Blessings to all the other nominees. We need to come together as one. I man have not performed in Jamaica for a long time now. As my brother, Bob Marley, once said: ‘One Love. Keep the Spear burning. No Destroyer’.”

The 66th Grammy Awards will take place on February 4 at the Crypto.com Arena in California.

Cali Roots Riddim by Collie Buddz, Colors of Royal by Julian Marley and Antaeus, Simma by Beenie Man, and Born for Greatness by Buju Banton are the other nominees in the Best Reggae Album category.