2027 Grammy Awards: Record 119 Reggae Albums Enter Race as Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Chronixx and More Compete

The race for the 2027 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album is shaping up to be fiercely competitive, with a reported record 119 albums submitted for consideration at the 69th Annual Grammy Awards. From Vybz Kartel and Buju Banton to Chronixx, Protoje and Ziggy Marley, the field reflects the breadth of reggae and dancehall.

According to music industry publication World Music Views, the reported 119 entries represent an increase of approximately 63 percent over the 73 albums entered for the 2026 awards. First-round voting runs October 12–22, 2026, and official nominations are scheduled for November 16. The reported total has not been independently confirmed by the Recording Academy.

Dancehall Heavyweights Enter a Crowded Grammy Race

Vybz Kartel's God & Time is among the projects reported in contention. Following nominations for Party With Me and Heart & Soul in the preceding Grammy cycles, another nomination would further underline his remarkable resurgence and influence on contemporary dancehall.

Buju Banton is represented by Too Too Bad, while Masicka's Forever Reign brings a newer generation of dancehall prominence into the conversation. Beenie Man's Eminence, Shaggy's Lottery, Alkaline's NPT and Squash's F.A.M.E (Faith Always Move Everything) also appear among the reported projects.

Together, these releases illustrate the competition between long-established performers and newer artists seeking their first Grammy breakthrough.

Chronixx, Protoje and Roots Reggae Contenders

Chronixx's Exile and Protoje's The Art of Acceptance bring contemporary roots reggae into the spotlight. Their approaches demonstrate the genre's ability to combine traditional influences with new production and songwriting perspectives.

Other reported contenders include Kabaka Pyramid's Rebel Music / The Lyric Tape, Runkus's Supernova, Ziggy Marley's Brightside, Burning Spear's Call on Me (Live), Capleton's Heights of Fire, Queen Ifrica's Breath of Life and Ky-Mani Marley's Love & Energy.

Why 119 Submissions Matter

If confirmed, the substantial rise in entries would signal greater participation by performers, producers, labels and independent musicians in the Grammy process. The field also underscores the international reach of Jamaican music and the diversity of sounds competing within the Best Reggae Album category.

That diversity is both a strength and a source of debate. Roots reggae, contemporary reggae, dancehall and fusion projects share a single award category despite differences in their musical identities, audiences and histories.

Does Dancehall Deserve Its Own Grammy Category?

The presence of major dancehall performers is likely to revive calls for a dedicated Best Dancehall Album category. Supporters argue that dancehall's distinct sound and global cultural impact warrant independent recognition. Others emphasize the historical ties between reggae and dancehall and the value of a shared category.

A separate award could create more opportunities for recognition, but it would also raise questions about genre definitions and eligibility. The growing competition makes that discussion especially timely.

More Entries Do Not Mean More Nominations

An album submitted for Grammy consideration is not an official nominee. Entries must meet the Recording Academy's eligibility rules, and voting members determine which recordings reach the nominations stage. A crowded field means many acclaimed projects will inevitably miss out.

For independent Caribbean artists, recognition can be especially challenging without the promotional resources of larger labels. Beyond awards, sustainable careers also depend on touring opportunities, fair royalties, music publishing and long-term investment in Caribbean creative industries.

All Eyes on November 16

Will Vybz Kartel earn another nomination? Could Masicka or Alkaline secure a breakthrough? Will Chronixx and Protoje stand out, or could a veteran or lesser-known artist surprise the industry? The official nominees will be announced November 16, 2026, ahead of the Grammy ceremony on February 7, 2027.

With a reported 119 albums in the running, the 2027 race highlights the continued creativity and worldwide influence of reggae and dancehall. Caribbean EMagazine will follow the nominations and developments as the competition unfolds.

Sources

World Music Views: https://worldmusicviews.com/record-119-albums-submitted-for-best-reggae-album-at-2027-grammy-awards/ ; Recording Academy: https://www.grammy.com/news/2027-grammys-how-submit-music-guide/