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With reggae veterans, dancehall heavyweights and emerging talents competing for recognition, the 69th Annual Grammy Awards could deliver one of the most intriguing Best Reggae Album nomination lineups in recent years.
The race for Best Reggae Album at the 2027 Grammy Awards is shaping up to be a fiercely competitive contest, with 119 albums submitted for consideration, for a selection of five projects. The official nominations are scheduled to be announced on November 16, 2026, ahead of the ceremony on February 7, 2027.
While the Recording Academy ultimately decides the nominees through its voting process, five projects stand out as World Music Views’ predictions for this year’s Best Reggae Album shortlist.
Our Predicted Five Nominees
1. Ziggy Marley — Brightside
Ziggy Marley (photo credit: GREGORY BOJORQUES)Eight-time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley enters the race as arguably the safest prediction in the category.
His latest album, Brightside, could earn the reggae icon his 17th career Grammy nomination. He is the only Grammy nominated reggae act to win 9 awards an award across 5 decades. His first nomination came at the 25th Annual Grammy Awards in 1983 for Best Ethnic Or Traditional Folk Recording. His last nomination was last year when he won Best Reggae Album for Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film (Deluxe).
The Recording Academy has consistently recognized Marley’s contributions over the decades, and Brightside appears well-positioned to continue that tradition.
With his international reputation and established Grammy track record, Marley could be considered not only a strong nomination contender but also an early favourite to take home the award.
2. Runkus — Supernova
RunkusOne of the most exciting possibilities in this year’s category is a breakthrough nomination for Jamaican recording artiste Runkus.
His album Supernova, released through Easy Star Records, could earn him his first-ever Grammy nomination, marking a significant milestone in his musical career.
Known for his experimental approach to reggae, Runkus represents a new generation of Jamaican musicians who are expanding the boundaries of the genre while maintaining a connection to its cultural roots.
3. Vybz Kartel — God & Time
Vybz Kartel-Riley StricklandDancehall superstar Vybz Kartel is another strong contender for a place among the final five nominees.
His album God & Time could secure his third consecutive Grammy nomination, following recognition for Party With Me in 2025 and Heart & Soul in 2026.
Kartel’s continued presence in the Grammy conversation reflects his influence on modern dancehall and the growing recognition of the genre within the Best Reggae Album category.
Released in June 2026, God & Time debuted at No. 6 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart and features collaborations with several major names, including Spice, Shenseea, Mavado and Skillibeng.
With his massive cultural influence, loyal international audience and recent Grammy momentum, Kartel appears well-positioned to return to the nomination lineup.
4. Buju Banton — Too Too Bad
Buju BantonGrammy-winning reggae and dancehall icon Buju Banton is firmly in contention with his latest album, Too Too Bad.
The project marks a return to Buju’s dancehall roots, showcasing the commanding vocal delivery, lyrical intensity and musical versatility that have defined his career.
Having previously won Best Reggae Album for Before the Dawn in 2011, Buju is no stranger to Grammy recognition.
Too Too Bad debuted at No. 8 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart, while Buju’s promotional efforts and North American touring activity have helped maintain the project’s visibility.
5. Masicka — Forever Reign
Masicka Forever Reign album coverCompleting our predicted five is dancehall powerhouse Masicka, whose album Forever Reign could earn him his first Grammy nomination.
Masicka has established himself as one of the leading voices in contemporary dancehall, building an impressive reputation through his lyrical ability, musical consistency and growing international appeal.
He headlined his first arena show at the Barclays in Brooklyn a day after releasing his album through Def Jam Recordings. Forever Reign debuted at No. 4 on Billboard’s Reggae Albums chart, one of the strongest commercial performances among this year’s Jamaican dancehall releases.
Masicka told WMV, “With the Grammys, if I get nominated, I would love that. Like any other award, it would be a milestone in my career to pivot me,” he explained.
A nomination would represent a defining achievement in his career and signal further recognition of the younger generation of dancehall artistes at music’s biggest awards ceremony.
Honourable Mentions: Four Albums That Could Shake Up the Race
Beenie Man — Eminence
The King of the Dancehall remains a serious contender. His star-studded album features international collaborators including Rick Ross, Ashanti, Snoop Dogg and T.I. With previous Grammy success and a major promotional campaign, Beenie Man could easily disrupt the predicted five.
Protoje — The Art of Acceptance
A strong contender with an established Grammy history, Protoje continues to push modern reggae forward.
Capleton — Heights of Fire
The Fireman returns to Grammy contention with his first solo album in 16 years. Featuring collaborations with Damian and Stephen Marley, Heights of Fire offers the powerful roots-reggae energy and commanding delivery that have made Capleton a respected figure internationally.
Shaggy— Lottery
A two-time Grammy award winner, Shaggy is reggae most commercially successful album maker in the 21st century. He returns with Lottery and a 30 year connection to the Recording Academy.
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