分类： entertainment

The 68th Grammy Awards have unveiled their nominations, with Jamaican artists dominating the Best Reggae Album category. Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Lila Ike, Keznamdi, and Mortimer have all earned nods for their exceptional contributions to the genre. Jesse Royal’s ‘No Place Like Home’ marks his second Grammy nomination, while Vybz Kartel’s ‘Heart & Soul’ also secures his second recognition. Mortimer and Lila Ike are celebrating their first-ever Grammy nominations, with Mortimer’s ‘From Within’ and Lila Ike’s ‘Treasure Self Love’ project gaining widespread acclaim. Keznamdi’s ‘Blood & Fyah’ rounds out the impressive list of nominees. Interestingly, four of the five nominated albums were accurately predicted in a recent edition of the Jamaica Observer. The prestigious awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

In September 1988, Hurricane Gilbert, a Category Three storm, wreaked havoc on Jamaica, leaving hundreds of thousands, including IRIE AC, grappling with its aftermath. Reflecting on the devastation, IRIE AC recounted, “Gilbert was the most catastrophic hurricane I’ve experienced. The flooding, the roofs torn off like planes—it’s unforgettable, even decades later.” Now residing in the United States, he expressed deep empathy for those affected by the recent Hurricane Melissa, emphasizing the resilience of Jamaicans. “We can rebuild as long as there’s life,” he affirmed. IRIE AC has also been actively raising awareness through his platforms and is willing to support recovery efforts through benefit concerts. Currently, he is promoting two new singles: a rendition of John Legend’s ‘This Time’ and a cover of 38 Special’s ‘Second Chance,’ both produced by King Mars Production. Describing his music as a fusion of reggae, pop, and R&B, IRIE AC is determined to carve a niche in the international music scene. His journey to music was delayed by a 20-year stint in the US Marines, where he served as a master sergeant. Despite the challenges, he never abandoned his passion, writing songs and performing at military events. After retiring in 2016, he launched his recording career, releasing five albums and numerous singles. Confident in his trajectory, IRIE AC believes his breakthrough on the global stage is imminent.

The recent announcement of dancehall artists Vybz Kartel and Shenseea being shortlisted for the 2025 Reggae Grammy Award has reignited a long-standing debate within the music industry. Critics argue that Jamaica’s globally influential music scene deserves distinct Grammy categories for reggae and dancehall, rather than grouping them together. This sentiment has gained traction internationally, with Billboard magazine advocating for the separation of these genres in future Grammy Awards. The 2025 nominations brought surprises, including Vybz Kartel’s unexpected nod, and the 2026 shortlist is anticipated to be equally unpredictable. Billboard highlighted that dancehall artists like Valiant, Skillibeng, Ding Dong, and 450 have submitted their works, with Valiant and Skillibeng being strong contenders. Valiant’s album ‘Prove Them Wrong’ and Skillibeng’s ‘International’ are particularly noteworthy, with the latter backed by RCA Records. Despite Vybz Kartel’s recent release from prison, his submission ‘Heart & Soul’ is considered for its merit, given his global influence. On the reggae front, Lila Ike, Mojo Morgan, and Keznamdi are potential nominees, alongside King Jammy and Niney the Observer. Additionally, an AI-assisted album by Adrian Donsome Hanson, ‘Dem Can’t Stop My Joy (Rastafari Forever)’, is generating buzz for its innovative use of technology. The ongoing debate underscores the need for the Recording Academy to recognize the distinctiveness of reggae and dancehall, a change that many believe is long overdue.