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The best in reggae was honoured at the 2025 Reggae Gold Awards held on Friday at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston. The night honoured the genre’s top artistes for their contributions to Jamaica’s cultural heritage. Hosted by the energetic Jennifer ‘Jenny Jenny’ Small, the event was a mix of rhythm, celebration, and heartfelt moments.
The Reggae Gold Awards have been a symbol of cultural preservation since its launch in 2019, guaranteeing that the essence of reggae will continue to motivate future generations.
As evidence of the widespread influence of reggae music, 17 people were recognised this year for their outstanding accomplishments. The Queen of Reggae herself, Marcia Griffiths, was one of the awardees whose name stood out and whose voice spoke to every reggae lover.
Prime Minister of Jamaica Dr Andrew Holness presented Griffiths with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award in one of the evening’s most anticipated moments. Before a single word was said, you could feel the electricity in the air as fans and well-wishers were on their feet as she made her way on stage.
Griffiths graciously accepted the prize and expressed her gratitude, dedicating it to the fans who have helped her along the way.
“This is for you, my people,” she declared. “Every award I’ve received is dedicated to everyone who has supported me over the years and made me who I am.”
But before receiving her accolade, Marcia did what she does best — she sang, and she conquered. Backed by the Reggae Symphony Orchestra, led by Jon Williams, she delivered an unforgettable performance that set the venue ablaze. Hit after hit — I Shall Sing, Feel Like Jumping, Fire Burning — she poured her soul into every lyric, igniting an energy that rippled through the arena. The audience was on their feet, swaying, singing in unison, caught up in the magic of a true reggae icon. It was a moment of unadulterated admiration for a woman who has dedicated her life to the music, and the emotion in the room was evident.
The Gleaner caught up with Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia ‘Baby’ Grange, who emphasised the importance of giving legends their ‘flowers’ while they are still here to smell them.
“That was important, and in fact, in organising this event, me and my team, I felt it was important for the Government of Jamaica to honour Marcia Griffith,” she stated passionately. “Don’t send me flowers when I’m gone. I literally sent her flowers today, to her dressing room, and tonight we honour her with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and created an orchestra to back her in doing some of her most legendary songs. It was, for me, a great moment,” Minister Grange told The Gleaner.
Following her performance, Griffiths spoke to The Gleaner in an emotional voice as she considered the significance of the evening.
“I don’t even know if I can find an adjective to describe the feeling, honest to God. I am just so thankful,” she admitted. “I can feel the spirit of God in the midst of everything that is happening here. I just love my people, truly; and I don’t even know, I just feel on top of the world.”
When asked about her plans moving into 2025, she responded with a radiant smile, “As long as God preserves me and my fans continue to support me, I shall sing as long as I live and feed everybody’s soul. I love people. God knows my heart and I guess that’s why he has preserved me, that I can communicate with my people and send them love to unite the world. That’s what I’m here for.”
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