The 67th Grammy Awards nominees for Best Reggae Album spotlight a dynamic clash between reggae’s classic roots and dancehall’s modern edge. With Jamaican icons Vybz Kartel and Shenseea nominated alongside seasoned artists like Collie Buddz, The Wailers, and a tribute to the legendary Bob Marley, it’s clear the Recording Academy is embracing the genre's rich diversity. As the Grammys approach, let’s explore who should win versus who will likely take home the trophy, and celebrate what each nominee has accomplished in 2024.
The Nominees
Vybz Kartel – Party With Me
Despite his ongoing incarceration, Vybz Kartel remains a formidable figure in dancehall. Party With Me encapsulates his unmatched versatility and persistence, fusing high-energy dancehall, electronic beats, and reggae’s rhythmic pulse. Kartel’s influence spans beyond music; he’s become a cultural force, maintaining an extraordinary level of output through collaborations and consistent releases that dominate Jamaican and international charts. Party With Me is more than just an album, it’s a celebration of resilience and the unbreakable spirit of dancehall.
Shenseea – Never Gets Late Here
2024 saw Shenseea solidify her reputation as a global force. Never Gets Late Here is a blend of dancehall, pop, R&B, and Afrobeats, establishing her as one of Jamaica’s most versatile artists. This year alone, Shenseea headlined international music festivals and collaborated with pop and hip-hop heavyweights, propelling dancehall further into mainstream spaces. With her Grammy nomination, Shenseea is not just representing herself; she’s elevating dancehall for a new, diverse audience.
Collie Buddz – Take It Easy
Bermudian artist Collie Buddz has long been known for his dedication to reggae’s authentic sound. His album Take It Easy has been lauded for its smooth vibes and soulful lyricism, appealing strongly to reggae purists. This year, Collie Buddz expanded his reach through successful tours and notable collaborations with reggae veterans, all while staying true to reggae’s timeless essence. His music is a reminder of reggae’s laid-back roots, creating a soothing balance in this year’s competitive category.
Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film
With the release of Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film, this album is a powerful homage to Bob Marley’s legacy. Featuring modern reworkings and tributes from contemporary artists, the album has brought Marley’s music to younger listeners while keeping his timeless messages alive. The Marley biopic and soundtrack sparked renewed interest in reggae’s origins in 2024, with the album generating buzz across international media.
The Wailers – Evolution
As one of reggae’s most iconic bands, The Wailers returned in 2024 with Evolution, paying homage to their history while infusing their sound with modern influences. In this album, they pay tribute to the late Bunny Wailer and other legends, creating an emotional bridge between reggae’s past and future. The Wailers spent the year touring globally, connecting with fans across generations and keeping their timeless sound alive for new audiences.
Likely Grammy Winner: Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film
Why This Album Will Win:The Grammy voting pool often leans toward honoring established icons, especially when a historical legacy is in play. The Bob Marley: One Love soundtrack, released alongside the Marley biopic, is a tribute to the reggae legend, featuring reimagined songs that connect with both die-hard Marley fans and new listeners. The Academy’s inclination toward recognizing reggae’s roots, particularly with an icon like Marley, makes this album a strong favorite among voters who value tradition and legacy.
While Marley’s music always resonates, awarding One Love would be a choice rooted in honoring the genre’s past, rather than embracing its present and future.
Additionally, "Evolution" by The Wailers, with its rootsy authenticity, might also be a safer pick.
The Editor's Pick: "Never Gets Late Here" by Shenseea feels like a groundbreaking moment. Her ability to bridge dancehall and pop creates a sound with global appeal, potentially reaching a wider audience and introducing reggae to a new generation.
Why Shenseea Deserves the Win:Shenseea has single-handedly redefined the global perception of dancehall with her album Never Gets Late Here. In 2024, she solidified her position as one of Jamaica’s most promising stars, blending dancehall with pop, R&B, and Afrobeats to create a refreshing, genre-blurring sound. Her international appeal, highlighted by collaborations with global music heavyweights and performances on major festival stages, has pushed dancehall into new mainstream territory.
Never Gets Late Here is a bold, fearless project that appeals to dancehall purists and crossover audiences alike. This Grammy win would validate Shenseea’s innovation and her role in expanding the genre’s reach far beyond Jamaica’s shores. She has successfully introduced dancehall to new markets and demographics, proving the genre’s potential for crossover appeal in an era of music globalization.
Awarding Shenseea would be a powerful nod to the Grammy’s recognition of reggae’s evolution, showing that they’re not just honoring the past but also looking forward to its future through fresh, trailblazing artists.
The Verdict
While Bob Marley: One Love is the likely winner due to the timeless appeal of Marley’s legacy, Never Gets Late Here by Shenseea truly deserves the Grammy. Shenseea’s groundbreaking work and global success make her a vital figure in the future of reggae and dancehall. Recognizing her with a Grammy would signal the Recording Academy’s commitment to acknowledging reggae’s next generation, honoring an artist who has made remarkable strides in 2024 by taking the genre to new heights.
Will the Grammys be bold enough to crown a new dancehall icon, or will they celebrate reggae’s roots by choosing a classic sound? All eyes will be on the Crypto.com Arena on February 2, 2025, as the reggae world awaits an answer that could redefine the genre’s future.
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