Five Jamaican Nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards

Five Jamaican Nominees for the Grammy Awards Best Reggae Album have been announced for the 2026 Grammy Awards, marking a major moment for reggae music. This year’s Best Reggae Album category highlights a powerful blend of legends and rising stars, with Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Lila Iké, Keznamdi, and Mortimer all securing nominations.

The winner will be announced on February 1, 2026, at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

Vybz Kartel: A Second Chance at Grammy Glory

For Vybz Kartel, this marks back-to-back nominations, a significant milestone in his renewed career trajectory following his release from prison. Known for shaping the sound and swagger of modern dancehall, Kartel’s Heart & Soul blends his signature grit with unexpected vulnerability. His recent single “Amout” shot straight to No. 1 on Jamaica’s YouTube chart, pulling in nearly 2 million global views within its first week, an undeniable sign of his enduring dominance.

Jesse Royal: Another Standout Among the Five Jamaican Nominees

Also collecting his second Grammy nomination is Jesse Royal, whose 2022 project Royal earned his first nod. His latest album, No Place Like Home, delivers a reflective blend of spirituality, family grounding, and cultural pride. Royal has shared that a near-fatal car accident earlier this year pushed him to release the record. Critics have been unanimous: it’s his most mature and sonically rich work to date.

First-Time Nominees: Lila Iké, Keznamdi & Mortimer

This year also introduces three first-time contenders. Consequently, the category reflects both heritage and fresh talent.

Lila Iké: Empowerment and Soul

Lila Iké’s Treasure Self Love presents a confident debut supported by collaborations with H.E.R., Joey Bada$$, and Protoje. In addition, the album’s message of self-empowerment has resonated widely.

Keznamdi: A Commercial Breakout

Keznamdi’s Blood & Fyah made an immediate commercial impact. It debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Albums Chart; moreover, four tracks entered the top six on the iTunes Reggae Songs Chart. As a result, he is widely considered the commercial frontrunner.

Mortimer: Depth, Emotion & Roots

Mortimer’s From Within blends classic roots reggae with modern production. Meanwhile, his signature emotional storytelling continues to earn critical praise.

A Category Reflecting Reggae’s Evolution

This year’s nominees represent a striking spectrum, heritage acts, cultural torchbearers, fearless experimenters, and introspective new voices. Kartel’s raw dancehall energy and Royal’s roots grounding sit alongside Mortimer’s depth, Keznamdi’s genre-blending innovation, and Lila Iké’s empowering narrative.

While Grammy voters sometimes prioritize artistic influence over commercial success, Keznamdi’s streaming dominance gives him a noticeable lead. Still, Kartel’s massive global following and Royal’s established Grammy presence keep the race wide open. Iké and Mortimer, both first-time nominees, bring freshness and authenticity that voters often gravitate toward.

No matter who claims the award, this year’s lineup is a powerful testament to reggae’s continued evolution, and its growing global impact.