Who’s in the Running for the 2026 Grammy: Best Reggae Album Nominees & Prediction

The Recording Academy has officially announced the nominees for the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, and this year’s lineup is as diverse as it is compelling. The five albums—BLXXD & FYAH by Keznamdi, From Within by Mortimer, Heart & Soul by Vybz Kartel, No Place Like Home by Jesse Royal, and Treasure Self Love by Lila Iké—represent the full spectrum of reggae’s ongoing evolution: from roots and revival to dancehall fusion and soul-infused storytelling.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, and for reggae lovers across the Caribbean and diaspora, this category holds particular weight. It’s more than a trophy—it’s global validation of the artistry, resilience, and innovation that continue to define Jamaican music.

1. BLXXD & FYAH — Keznamdi

Why it’s nominated: Keznamdi’s BLXXD & FYAH burns with intention. A blend of roots reggae, trap-soul influences, and conscious lyricism, it reflects a younger generation’s spiritual fire. The production is clean yet organic—bridging modern beats with traditional messages of perseverance and Rastafarian identity. Songs like “Riddim Within” and “Sacred Flame” illustrate his depth as both a lyricist and visionary.

Why it stands out: Keznamdi’s album feels like the bridge between reggae’s past and future—a sonic evolution that honors the elders while boldly stepping into new territory.

2. From Within — Mortimer

Why it’s nominated: Mortimer’s sophomore project, From Within, may be the purest expression of emotional vulnerability in this year’s batch. It’s deeply personal, addressing love, loss, and self-healing with poetic craftsmanship. His soulful vocals, layered over rich live instrumentation, evoke the golden era of roots reggae while sounding distinctly current.

Why it stands out: Few artists today channel introspection quite like Mortimer. This album is less about rebellion and more about reflection—a rare quality that makes it timeless.

3. Heart & Soul — Vybz Kartel

Why it’s nominated: Kartel’s Heart & Soul is the unexpected yet undeniable contender. Even after more than two decades in the business, the “World Boss” proves his creative resilience. The album combines melodic dancehall, introspective lyricism, and storytelling from behind bars, marking his artistic maturity.

Why it stands out: Love him or hate him, Kartel’s presence commands attention. Heart & Soul blurs the line between reggae and dancehall, redefining what the category can include. Its nomination acknowledges the genre’s diversity and influence worldwide.

4. No Place Like Home — Jesse Royal

Why it’s nominated: As one of the modern torchbearers of conscious reggae, Jesse Royal’s No Place Like Home feels like a heartfelt return to his roots. The album’s live instrumentation, vibrant horn sections, and messages of unity and cultural pride embody reggae’s traditional ethos.

Why it stands out: It’s both nostalgic and relevant—a reminder that reggae remains a global voice for identity, belonging, and resistance. “No Place Like Home” is not just an album; it’s a love letter to Jamaica.

5. Treasure Self Love — Lila Iké

Why it’s nominated: Lila Iké’s Treasure Self Love radiates authenticity and empowerment. Her unique blend of soulful vocals and reggae rhythms connects deeply with audiences seeking healing and strength. Themes of self-worth and womanhood dominate, making this a defining work for female artistry in reggae.

Why it stands out: This is a statement album. Lila’s presence on the list not only reflects her own growth but also signals the increasing prominence of women in a space long dominated by men.

Who Will Win — and Who Should Win

If history is any indication, the Recording Academy often leans toward polished, roots-driven projects—albums that reflect reggae’s conscious spirit. Mortimer’s From Within could very well claim the golden gramophone, appealing to both critics and traditionalists with its lyrical depth and universal themes.

However, Keznamdi’s BLXXD & FYAH deserves the win. It’s daring, spiritual, and sonically forward—capturing the pulse of where reggae is heading rather than where it has been. It connects to the diaspora youth who are reshaping reggae’s identity through hybrid sounds and unapologetic creativity.

Who Was Overlooked

While the five nominees form a strong and representative cross-section of reggae’s current landscape, a few albums from the official Grammy consideration list could easily have earned a nomination.

Cham – Sherlock

Cham’s return with Sherlock was bold, confident, and lyrically sharp. The project fused traditional dancehall grit with polished reggae undertones and storytelling that demonstrated his veteran status. Its absence among the final five raises questions about how dancehall-leaning albums are weighed in the category.

Ding Dong – From Ding Dong to World Ding

Arguably one of the most commercially successful and high-energy projects of the year, From Ding Dong to World Ding showcased Jamaica’s dance culture on a global scale. Ding Dong’s infectious delivery and production value gave the album crossover appeal that could have expanded the Grammy’s definition of “reggae.”

I-Octane – God & I

This album delivered conscious, faith-driven messages layered with modern rhythms, proving I-Octane’s lyrical growth and consistency. Its blend of spirituality and social commentary fits squarely within the roots of reggae tradition and made it one of the year’s underrated gems.

Konshens – Pool Party

While primarily associated with upbeat, party anthems, Konshens’ Pool Party had surprising depth, mixing lifestyle themes with contemporary dancehall production that still honored reggae’s melodic roots.

These projects, each with distinct sonic and cultural significance, remind us that the Grammy conversation often favors albums that align with a particular “roots-reggae” sound. Yet the genre’s heartbeat thrives equally in its variety—roots, dancehall, and crossover expressions alike.

Overall

This year’s Best Reggae Album category mirrors the genre’s current crossroads—where legacy meets reinvention. From Kartel’s dancehall introspection to Lila Iké’s emotional storytelling, the 2026 nominees showcase reggae’s rich versatility.

No matter who walks away with the Grammy on February 1, the real victory lies in the fact that reggae continues to evolve, inspire, and unify—just as it always has since the days of Marley, Tosh, and Burning Spear.

Who do you think deserves the Grammy?

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