Keznamdi Talks of His Journey to The Grammys

Long before Keznamdi secured his 2026 Grammy for Best Reggae Album, his musical foundation was deeply rooted in hip-hop. Raised in Kingston by Rastafarian parents, Chakula and Goldilocks, he initially gravitated toward rap, describing his early years as driven by lyrical competition and freestyle culture.

At just 13, Keznamdi’s worldview expanded when he moved to Tanzania for three years, followed by four years in Ethiopia. There, he immersed himself in a hip-hop collective called DZone, where freestyle sessions sharpened his lyrical edge. While his sister Kelissa stayed aligned with roots reggae traditions, Keznamdi approached music with a competitive, almost athletic mindset.

A turning point came when his father encouraged him to learn guitar, emphasizing the importance of musicianship. That guidance reshaped his artistic direction and became the foundation for his Grammy-winning 2025 album BLXXD & FYAH. Crafted over nearly five years, the project prioritizes message-driven music, tackling themes of social justice, identity, and cultural awareness.

The album features collaborations with notable Jamaican acts such as Masicka and Mavado, blending reggae and dancehall influences with global sounds. Tracks like “Serious Times” and “Colonial Bondage” reflect Keznamdi’s commitment to conscious storytelling, including critiques of economic inequality and tourism’s impact on Jamaica.

Interestingly, just before releasing the album, Keznamdi revisited his hip-hop roots with the viral “HOLLYWXXD Freestyle,” performed over a Busta Rhymes instrumental. The freestyle gained traction online, earning co-signs from major figures such as Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, The Game, and Queen Latifah.

Despite downplaying awards in his lyrics, Keznamdi was stunned to be nominated alongside heavyweights like Vybz Kartel, and even more surprised when he won. Releasing the album independently made the achievement even more significant.

In his acceptance speech, he reinforced reggae’s enduring purpose as a voice for truth and liberation, declaring: “Reggae music has always been a music weh defend truths and rights and African liberation… Rastafari!”

Now, with upcoming performances in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and his home country Jamaica, Keznamdi continues to expand his global reach, carrying forward a legacy that bridges hip-hop energy with reggae consciousness.