On Friday night, the air inside the National Arena carried jubilation as the Reggae Gold Awards unfolded not simply as a ceremony, but as a celebration of lives spent in dedication to the local music industry.

Under a canopy of lights, the architects of Jamaica’s most enduring soundtrack were summoned to the stage to be recognised for their outstanding work.

Among the evening’s honorees, legendary singer Ken Boothe was inducted in the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame, receiving his official citation from Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia “Babsy” Grange. Boothe, whose career spans more than six decades, continues to be a defining voice in reggae.

Other awardees included Elaine Wint, Winston Barnes, Desmond “Desi Roots” Young, Hugh “Redman” James, Mikie Bennett, Lone Ranger, Frankie Campbell, and Collin “Bulby” York, all recognised for their lasting contributions.

Reggae stalwart Tony Rebel and noted reggae scholar Herbie Miller also received honours, reflecting the evening’s balance of performance excellence and scholarly contribution.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer following his presentation, Tony Rebel could hardly contain his excitement as he thanked the ministry for recognising his years of dedication to industry and country alike.

Desi Roots shared similar thoughts as he reflected on his journey in the music business. He expressed that he’s happy to have been ‘given his flowers’ while he’s alive.

“I’m feeling good. I appreciate the attention shown by the awards committee and I’m grateful,” he said,

Still, the night was not just about accolades, it was a celebration of sound brought vividly to life on stage. Headline performer Luciano delivered a stirring set accompanied by the Reggae Symphony Orchestra and the Megahband, under the masterful conduction of Peter Ashbourne. Serving up classics such as Lord Give Me Strength, It’s Me Again Jah, Messenger, Sweep Over My Soul, and the high-energy Movement of Jah People.

A special collaboration electrified the arena when Garnet Silk Jr joined Luciano onstage in tribute to his father’s legacy. Together, they performed Place in Your Heart, a soulful duet that brought one of the night’s most memorable moments to life.

The evening also featured musical tributes from Etana, Richie Stephens, Romain Virgo, Marcia Griffiths, L.U.S.T, and Chris Malachi, each bringing their own flavour to the island’s celebrated soundtrack.

Adding an international dimension, the KAWA Reggae Band from China put in a performance infusing global reggae rhythms.

For a month, the island celebrated the genre that helped propel Jamaica to global prominence, but on Friday, the architects of that music, particularly the often-unseen custodians of sound, were honoured for mining reggae gold.

Richie Stephens. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Romain Virgo ushers in hall of fame inductee Ken Booth onstage. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

2026 Reggae Ambassador Etana (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

L.U.S.T. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Frankie Campbell accepts the Lifetime Achievement Award from Minister Olivia Grange. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Pinchers accepts his award from colleague artiste Nadine Sutherland. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Luciano (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Ken Boothe (centre) accompanied by his wife Dulan (right) receive the official citation from Minister Olivia Grange (second right) as Romain Virgo and Marcia Griffiths look on. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)