Jamaica’s vibrant music scene is set to celebrate its living legends as the Ministry of Culture and Entertainment unveils its 2026 honorees. Veteran reggae icon Ken Boothe, renowned for timeless classics including ‘Everything I Own’ and ‘Crying Over You,’ has been selected for induction into the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame. The 77-year-old Denham Town native, whose career spans six decades across international stages, will receive this prestigious recognition during Reggae Month festivities next year.
Culture Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange made the formal announcement on Friday, revealing a comprehensive list of award recipients that underscores reggae’s enduring global influence. ‘I am proud to announce the 2026 awardees who represent the depth, diversity and enduring strength of reggae music,’ Minister Grange stated. ‘Through their talent and dedication, they have strengthened Jamaica’s cultural identity and contributed to the global reach of our music.’
The induction ceremony, scheduled for February 27, 2026, at the National Arena, will feature spectacular musical tributes led by Reggae Month Ambassador Etana. She will be joined by Richie Stephens, the sensational group LUST (featuring Lukie D, Singing Melody, Thriller U and Tony Curtis), and emerging star Chris Malachi in honoring Boothe’s monumental legacy.
Simultaneously, the government will present bassist Frankie Campbell, founding member of the iconic Fab 5 band, with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his substantial contributions to Jamaican music. Boothe himself had previously received national recognition in 2003 when he was awarded the Order of Distinction.
Fifteen additional artists will receive Reggae Gold awards, established in 2019 to commemorate reggae’s 50th anniversary and preserve the genre’s essence. This year’s distinguished recipients include guitarist Steve Golding, songwriter/producer Mikie Bennett, singer Desmond Young, music engineer Delroy ‘Fatta’ Pottinger, and vocalist Noel Phillips ‘Echo Minott.’ The list continues with Tristan Palmer (singer/producer), Colin ‘Bulby’ York (producer), The Wailing Souls (represented by George Bancroft ‘Buddy’ Haye), and deejays John McMorris ‘Little John,’ Anthony Alphanso Waldron ‘Lone Ranger,’ Delroy Thompson ‘Pinchers,’ Lester Randall Bullock ‘Dillinger,’ and Hugh James ‘Redman.’ Broadcast journalists Elaine Wint and Winston Barnes round out the honorees.
The celebration will also feature a special performance by ‘Reggae’s Messenger’ Luciano accompanied by the Reggae Symphony Orchestra under conductor Peter Ashbourne, with the Megaband ensemble led by Michael ‘Megabass’ Fletcher. Demonstrating reggae’s international reach, Chinese reggae band KAWA will perform, highlighting the genre’s universal appeal. ‘Though born in Jamaica, reggae belongs to the world and the world continues to embrace it,’ Minister Grange noted, emphasizing the music’s powerful messages of resilience, faith, and social consciousness.