Jamaican artists have consistently shined in the Grammy Awards, particularly in the Best Reggae Album category. This category has become a showcase of Jamaica’s rich musical heritage, featuring artists who have pushed the boundaries of reggae and brought global recognition to the genre. Let’s have a closer look at these Jamaican Grammy nominees and winners, their landmark albums or songs, the year of their achievement, and their groundbreaking contributions to music:
Black Uhuru – “Anthem” (1985): First-ever Grammy win in the newly introduced Best Reggae Recording category.
Also Nominated In 1985
Jimmy Cliff – “Reggae Night”
Peter Tosh – Captured Live
Yellowman – King Yellowman
Jimmy Cliff – “Cliff Hanger” (1986): Won the Grammy, showcasing the enduring influence of reggae music.
Also Nominated in 1986
Burning Spear – “Resistance”
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers – “Play the Game Right”
Nominated In 1987
Black Uhuru – “Brutal”
Jimmy Cliff – Club Paradise
Peter Tosh – “No Nuclear War” (1988): A posthumous honor, this award commemorated the legendary Tosh’s lasting impact on reggae music, recognizing his final studio album.
Also Nominated In 1988
Black Uhuru – Brutal Dub
Burning Spear – “People of the World”
Third World – Hold On to Love
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers – “Conscious Party” (1989) : Continued Bob Marley’s legacy with Grammy wins for their albums
Also Nominated In 1989
Jimmy Cliff – “Hanging Fire”
Toots Hibbert – “Toots in Memphis”
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers – “One Bright Day”(1990): First group to ever win two consecutive Grammys in the category
Also Nominated In 1990
Bunny Wailer – “Liberation”
Burning Spear – “Live in Paris Zenith ’88”
Third World – “Serious Business”
Bunny Wailer – “Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley” (1991): This win underscored Bunny Wailer’s role in preserving Bob Marley’s legacy, through an album that paid homage to his former bandmate and friend.
Also Nominated In 1991
Black Uhuru – “Now”
Burning Spear – “Mek We Dweet”
Toots & the Maytals – An Hour Live
Shabba Ranks – “As Raw As Ever” (1992): Shabba Ranks’ win showcased the growing international appeal of dancehall, a subgenre of reggae.
Also Nominated In 1992
Black Uhuru – “Iron Storm”
Bunny Wailer – “Gumption”
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers – “Jahmekya”
Shabba Ranks – “X-tra Naked” (1993): With this win, he brought dancehall music to international prominence.
Also Nominated In 1993
Jimmy Cliff – Breakout
The Wailing Souls – All Over the World
Third World – Committed
Inner Circle – “Bad Boys” (1994): This win was a testament to Inner Circle’s crossover success, especially with the iconic title track becoming synonymous with the TV show “Cops,” introducing reggae beats to a broad audience.
Also Nominated In 1994
Black Uhuru – “Mystical Truth”
Burning Spear – “The World Should Know”
Maxi Priest – “Fe Real”
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers – “Joy and Blues”
Bunny Wailer – “Crucial! Roots Classics” (1995): Bunny Wailer’s win here was a celebration of his foundational contributions to reggae through the revisiting classic roots reggae tracks..
Also Nominated In 1995
Black Uhuru – “Strongg”
Dennis Brown – Light My Fire
Inner Circle – Reggae Dancer
Shaggy – “Boombastic” (1996): His Grammy win signified the crossover appeal of Jamaican music.
Also Nominated In 1996
Burning Spear – “Rasta Business”
The Skatalites – Hi-Bop Ska! The 30th Anniversary Recording
Third World – Live It Up
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers – “Free Like We Want 2 B”
Bunny Wailer – “Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley’s 50th Anniversary” (1997): This Grammy acknowledged Bunny Wailer’s dedication to keeping Bob Marley’s spirit alive, offering a heartfelt tribute to his former bandmate and reggae legend.
Also Nominated In 1997
Gregory Isaacs – Mr. Cool
Maxi Priest – Man with the Fun
The Skatalites – Greetings from Skamania
Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers – “Fallen Is Babylon” (1998):This win reflected the successful evolution of Marley’s legacy by his children, blending traditional reggae roots with contemporary sounds.
Also Nominated In 1998
Burning Spear – “Appointment with His Majesty”
Yellowman – Freedom of Speech
Sly and Robbie – “Friends” (1999) : Recognized for their extraordinary impact on reggae and beyond, Sly and Robbie’s win celebrated their prowess as musicians and producers.
Also Nominated In 1999
Buju Banton – “Inna Heights”
Beenie Man – Many Moods of Moses
The Wailing Souls – Psychedelic Souls
Toots & the Maytals – Ska Father
Burning Spear – “Calling Rastafari” (2000): Celebrated for his deep spiritual and political reggae themes with this win.
Also Nominated In 2000
Beenie Man – The Doctor
Third World – Generation Coming
Beenie Man – “Art and Life” (2001): His Grammy win signified dancehall’s rising global popularity.
Also Nominated In 2001
Dennis Brown – Let Me Be the One
Gregory Isaacs – Private & Confidential
The Wailing Souls – Equality
Damian Marley – “Halfway Tree” (2002): Damian’s win marked the blending of dancehall and traditional reggae, establishing him as a distinct voice in the Marley legacy.
Also Nominated In 2002
Beres Hammond – Music Is Life
Luciano – “A New Day”
Ky-Mani Marley – “Many More Roads”
Various artists – Island Warriors
Lee “Scratch” Perry – “Jamaican E.T.” (2003): This win acknowledged his pioneering role in developing dub music.
Also Nominated In 2003
Bounty Killer – Ghetto Dictionary: The Mystery
Capleton – Still Blazin’
Freddie McGregor – Anything for You
Sean Paul – “Dutty Rock” (2004): His Grammy win marked a high point in dancehall music’s global appeal.
Also Nominated In 2004
Buju Banton – Friends for Life
Burning Spear – “Free Man”
Third World – Ain’t Givin’ Up
Wayne Wonder – “No Holding Back”
Toots and the Maytals – “True Love” (2005): Won the Grammy, celebrated for popularizing reggae worldwide.
Also Nominated in 2005
Jimmy Cliff – Black Magic
Sly and Robbie – The Dub Revolutionaries
Various artists – Def Jamaica
Damian Marley – “Welcome to Jamrock” (2006): His fusion of traditional reggae with modern sounds won him this Grammy
Also Nominated in 2006
Burning Spear – “Our Music”
Sean Paul – “The Trinity”
Shaggy – “Clothes Drop”
Third World – Black Gold & Green
Ziggy Marley – “Love Is My Religion” (2007): This album’s Grammy win showcased Ziggy Marley’s versatility and ability to infuse reggae music with a message of love and spirituality.
Also Nominated in 2007
Buju Banton – “Too Bad”
Sly and Robbie – “Rhythm Doubles”
Stephen Marley – “Mind Control” (2008): Continued the Marley family’s legacy, earning Grammys for his unique contributions to reggae.
Also Nominated in 2008
Burning Spear – “The Burning Spear Experience”
Lee “Scratch” Perry – The End of an American Dream
Sly and Robbie and the Taxi Gang – Anniversary
Toots and the Maytals – Light Your Light
Burning Spear – “Jah Is Real” (2009): A recognition of Burning Spear’s persistent relevance in reggae, this award highlighted his deep roots in the genre’s traditional sounds.
Also Nominated in 2009
Elephant Man – “Let’s Get Physical”
Heavy D – “Vibes”
Lee “Scratch” Perry – “Repentance”
Shaggy – “Intoxication”
Sly and Robbie – Amazing
Stephen Marley – “Mind Control” – Acoustic (2010): This win spotlighted Stephen Marley’s skill in acoustic arrangements, showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist.
Also Nominated in 2010
Buju Banton – “Rasta Got Soul”
Gregory Isaacs – Brand New Me
Julian Marley – “Awake”
Sean Paul – “Imperial Blaze”
Buju Banton – “Before the Dawn” (2011): An emotive and powerful work, this Grammy win was a significant acknowledgment of Buju Banton’s artistry amidst personal and legal challenges.
Also Nominated in 2011
Gregory Isaacs and King Isaac – Isaacs Meets Isaac
Lee “Scratch” Perry – Revelation
Bob Sinclar and Sly and Robbie – Made in Jamaica
Sly and Robbie and the Family Taxi – One Pop Reggae +
Andrew Tosh – Legacy: An Acoustic Tribute to Peter Tosh
Stephen Marley – “Revelation Pt. 1 – The Root of Life” (2012): Stephen’s Grammy for this album underlined his innovative approach to reggae, blending traditional rhythms with contemporary themes.
Also Nominated in 2012
Monty Alexander – Harlem-Kingston Express Live!
Israel Vibration – Reggae Knights
Ziggy Marley – “Wild and Free”
Shaggy – “Summer in Kingston”
Jimmy Cliff – “Rebirth” (2013): This Grammy celebrated Jimmy Cliff’s remarkable comeback, proving his timeless appeal and ongoing relevance in reggae music.
Also Nominated in 2013
Sean Paul – Tomahawk Technique
Sly and Robbie and the Jam Masters – New Legend – Jamaica 50th Edition
Toots and the Maytals – Reggae Got Soul: Unplugged on Strawberry Hill
Ziggy Marley – “In Concert” (2014): Ziggy Marley’s Grammy for this live album highlighted his captivating performance abilities and the dynamic energy of his concerts.
Also Nominated in 2014
Beres Hammond – “One Love, One Life”
Sizzla – The Messiah
Sly and Robbie and the Jam Masters – Reggae Connection
Ziggy Marley – “Fly Rasta” (2015): This win showcased Ziggy’s ability to blend diverse musical influences with his reggae roots, creating a globally resonant sound.
Also Nominated In 2015
Lee “Scratch” Perry – Back on the Controls
Sean Paul – “Full Frequency”
Shaggy – Out of Many, One Music
Sly and Robbie and Spicy Chocolate – The Reggae Power
Morgan Heritage – “Strictly Roots” (2016): The Grammy for this album recognized Morgan Heritage’s role in keeping reggae’s roots alive while integrating modern musical elements
Also Nominated In 2016
Jah Cure – “The Cure”
Barrington Levy – “Acousticalevy”
Luciano – “Zion Awake”
Ziggy Marley – “Ziggy Marley” (2017): Ziggy’s self-titled album’s Grammy win was a testament to his personal and musical growth, exploring themes beyond the traditional reggae scope.
Also Nominated in 2017
Devin Di Dakta & J.L – “Sly & Robbie” Presents…Reggae For Her
Raging Fyah – Everlasting
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley – “Stony Hill” (2018): Their Grammy win highlighted the evolution of reggae music.
Also Nominated in 2018
Chronixx – “Chronology”
Morgan Heritage – Avrakedabra
Sting & Shaggy – “44/876” (2019): This collaborative Grammy win celebrated the fusion of Sting’s rock/pop background with Shaggy’s reggae/dancehall influence, creating a unique and refreshing sound.
Also Nominated In 2019
Black Uhuru – As The World Turns
Etana – Reggae Forever
Ziggy Marley – Rebellion Rises
Protoje – A Matter of Time
Koffee – “Rapture” (2020): Became the youngest Jamaican artist to win a Grammy, symbolizing a new era in reggae.
Also Nominated in 2020
Julian Marley – As I Am
Sly and Robbie & the Roots Radics – The Final Battle: Sly & Robbie vs. Roots Radics
Third World – More Work to Be Done
Toots and the Maytals – “Got to Be Tough”: (2021): Toots Hibbert’s posthumous Grammy win for this album was a poignant tribute to his lasting legacy and influence in the world of reggae.
Also Nominated in 2021
Buju Banton – Upside Down 2020
Skip Marley – Higher Place
Maxi Priest – It All Comes Back To Love
The Wailers – One World
Also Nominated in 2022
Etana – Pamoja
Gramps Morgan – Positive Vibration
Sean Paul – “Live N Livin”
Jesse Royal – Royal
Spice – “10”
Kabaka Pyramid – “THE Kalling” (2023): His win signals ongoing innovation in Jamaican music this was his first ever nomination
Also Nominated This Year:
Koffee – “Gifted”
Sean Paul – “Scorcha”
Protoje – Third Time’s The Charm
Shaggy – “Com Fly Wid Mi”
2024 Reggae Grammy Nominees
The Recording Academy has revealed its nominees for the Best Reggae Album category. Among the contenders are four renowned Jamaican entertainers – Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Burning Spear and Julian Marley. Collie Buddz have also been nominated for his work “Cali Roots Riddim 2023.” This is Beenie Man’s fourth nomination with the album “Simma,” and Buju Banton’s “Born for Greatness” entry. Veteran reggae artist Burning Spear secures his 13th nomination with “Destroyer,” and Julian Marley for “Colors of Royal”, his collaboration with Antaeus. The final voting round is set between December 14, 2023, and January 4, 2024, with the winners to be announced at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles during the Grammy Awards ceremony on February 4, 2024. The event will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, preceded by the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony.
Photo – Deposit Photos
