Jamaican reggae sensation Lila Ike is poised for a groundbreaking moment at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards this Sunday, where she will not only compete as a first-time nominee but also grace the stage as a performer at the prestigious event’s opening ceremony. The Manchester-born artist announced her dual participation through social media on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in her rapidly ascending career.
Ike’s nomination in the Best Reggae Album category for her critically acclaimed debut project ‘Treasure Self Love’ places her among an elite group of Jamaican artists including Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Keznamdi, and Mortimer. Notably, she stands as the sole female contender in this year’s category, potentially following in the footsteps of Koffee, who remains the only woman to have ever won the Best Reggae Album trophy.
The album itself represents a collaborative masterpiece, featuring contributions from Grammy-winning R&B superstar H.E.R., renowned rapper Joey Badass, and her mentor Protoje—a Grammy-nominated reggae artist in his own right. This musical convergence has positioned ‘Treasure Self Love’ as both a commercial success and critical darling within the international music scene.
Reflecting on her journey, Ike shared an emotional tribute to her younger self: “I remember the little girl who loved singing and decided she wanted to be an artiste. Attending the GRAMMYs was a very big dream of hers. Now, not only do I get to walk the red carpet as a nominee, but I’m also honoured to be performing at the opening ceremony.”
The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony will be held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where music’s biggest stars will gather to celebrate artistic excellence across genres. Ike’s participation represents not just personal achievement but a significant moment for female representation within the reggae industry.