Five Jamaicans Nominated for Best Reggae Album at 68th Grammys, With Vybz Kartel as the Sole Dancehall Act

The nominees for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards have been revealed, and Jamaica once again dominates the Best Reggae Album category. The 2026 lineup includes Treasure Self Love by Lila Iké, Heart & Soul by Vybz Kartel, BLXXD & FYAH by Keznamdi, From Within by Mortimer, and No Place Like Home by Jesse Royal. Among the five, Vybz Kartel stands out as the only dancehall artist in a field largely led by roots and reggae singers — a reminder of his unmatched influence and versatility within Jamaica’s ever-evolving music landscape.

For Lila Iké, Keznamdi, and Mortimer, this year marks their first Grammy nominations, while both Kartel and Jesse Royal secure their second. The selection underscores the genre’s generational balance — bridging lyrical spirituality and sonic experimentation with Kartel’s raw, reality-driven edge. His nominated project Heart & Soul continues to defy expectations, blending dancehall bravado with emotional storytelling that resonates far beyond Kingston.

Meanwhile, Keznamdi’s sophomore album BLXXD & FYAH has been one of the genre’s breakout stories of the year. The project debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Albums Chart in August, capturing hearts and sparking a grassroots movement that transcended borders. Recorded across Kingston, Miami, and London, the 12-track body of work fuses cultural introspection with pan-African pride, delivering sharp lyrical consciousness and rich sonic depth — qualities that have now earned him his first Grammy nod.

The dominance of roots-inspired projects in this year’s lineup signals a continuing renaissance in contemporary reggae, led by artists unafraid to explore self-love, social commentary, and cultural identity through authentic Jamaican sound. Still, Kartel’s presence injects dancehall energy into the mix, ensuring the category reflects the full spectrum of Jamaica’s global influence.

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Whether reggae or dancehall takes home the golden gramophone, Jamaica’s musical spirit remains front and center on the world stage.