The Story Behind This Year’s Reggae Grammy Winner

In a music landscape increasingly driven by visibility, algorithms, and chart dominance, Keznamdi’s Reggae Grammy win served as a powerful counter-narrative, reaffirming the Recording Academy’s continued regard for artistic depth, cultural integrity, and lyrical substance.

At a moment when commercial reach is often mistaken for creative merit, his victory underscored a quieter truth: that global recognition, particularly on music’s most prestigious stage, still has room for work rooted in purpose, patience, and message.

Nominated alongside global heavyweight Vybz Kartel, rising star Lila Iké and respected roots singer Jesse Royal, Keznamdi was by most mainstream measures the least expected winner. Yet when his name was called, the narrative quickly shifted from curiosity to recognition of an artist whose journey has been built quietly and deliberately over time.

Some observers questioned how an “underground” act could surpass artists with larger platforms. For Keznamdi, however, the moment reflects years of unseen dedication rather than a sudden breakthrough.

Speaking with Splash, the artist addressed the skepticism directly, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort.

“When all the noise clears, it really comes back down to di works one puts in. Most people are not willing to put in the work when no one is looking, but that’s where greatness begins in small, quiet rooms,” he said.

Keznamdi also pushed back against the idea that Grammy voting is driven by hype or popularity.

“What people need to understand is that these people who are voting are real human beings who take their votes very seriously, because they are very passionate about quality music. So it still come back to di works at the end of the day. The world big ennu, so there is always an unturned stone,” he explained.

Rejecting the notion of overnight success, he described his career as a grassroots effort developed without shortcuts.

“This is not fast food, so I never expected it to be an overnight success, even though some may feel differently with the release of Blxxd and Fyah. We a grass roots artiste and we never took the quick route. We have a very small team doing very impactful things out there in the world,” he said.

Despite his win, Keznamdi made a point of acknowledging his fellow nominees, particularly those working independently without major-label backing.

“Separate aside from Vybz Kartel’s major infrastructure that he spent building these past three decades, all the other nominees were backed by massive independent structures and massive distributors who have way more resources and machines,” he said. “For me, I have a very small micro team that’s been learning how to build our own infrastructure, because a lot of these distros and labels have no more value in this day and age.”

He added that he hopes his journey inspires emerging artists to believe in alternative paths.

“I hope my journey can inspire other up-and-coming artistes to realize that you don’t need no big label or manager; all you need is a team that is efficient and believes in you.”

Describing the 2026 Best Reggae Album field as a defining moment for the genre, Keznamdi praised each nominee for their contributions.

“It’s an honor to be a part of all of this greatness, and I only wish more greatness to all of them and their teams,” he said. “This was a very special line-up for the culture and is definitely a turning point.”

He highlighted Lila Iké’s Grammy performance as inspiring, Jesse Royal’s repeat nomination as a testament to consistent work, and Mortimer’s steady rise through organic support.

“Mortimer just a humble youth weh never force nothing and blessings nuh stop reach him way. The testimonies of what his music means to people just show me how powerful this grass roots movement reach now,” he said.

Keznamdi also credited Vybz Kartel for influencing the genre’s global outlook.

“A di teacha. What he has been doing in the global space is very inspiring, and he and his team always supported behind the scenes,” he said. “The highest act a human can do is to inspire someone.”

While life has changed since the Grammy win, Keznamdi said his mission remains the same, only amplified.

“By the time this article is released, a new single will be released called Bread and Butta, so hopefully that will show you what kind of time we’re on,” he said. “The mission doesn’t change; it’s just amplified. We have some big announcements on the horizon.”

For those still skeptical, Keznamdi’s message is clear: every legend begins as an unknown, and sustained work will always speak louder than doubt.