Jamaican artist Keznamdi has taken home the Grammy for Best Reggae Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards for his chart-topping project, “Blood & Fyah.”
This marks the singer-songwriter’s first-ever Grammy win, a milestone that has been widely celebrated by fans and fellow artists alike.
“Blood & Fyah” made an explosive impact on release, debuting at No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Albums Chart and placing four tracks in the top six of the iTunes Reggae Songs Chart. The album’s unique blend of roots reggae, dancehall, and Afrobeats has resonated strongly with younger audiences, solidifying Keznamdi’s status as one of reggae’s most dynamic new voices.
“Reggae music has always been a music weh defend truths and rights and African liberation and Black man redemption,” Keznamdi said during his acceptance speech. “We have to give thanks,” he added, while showing appreciation to his family and team.
The category also featured heavyweights and previous nominees: Vybz Kartel with “Heart & Soul”, Jesse Royal with “No Place Like Home”, Lila Iké with “Treasure Self Love”, and Mortimer with “From Within.”
For Vybz Kartel, this marked his second consecutive Grammy nomination, continuing his high-profile comeback since his release from prison. Heart & Soul blends classic dancehall with reflective moments, and his single “Amout” reached No. 1 on Jamaica’s YouTube chart, amassing nearly 2 million global views in its first week.
Jesse Royal, also earning his second Grammy nod, delivered an album inspired by resilience and faith following a near-fatal car accident earlier this year. No Place Like Home has been praised for its production quality and lyrical depth, affirming Royal’s role as one of reggae’s most consistent torchbearers.
First-time nominee Lila Iké may not have won the award, but she made a major mark on the ceremony. She opened this year’s Grammys with a powerful performance and walked the red carpet in style, capturing global attention and further cementing her status as one of reggae’s rising stars. Her album Treasure Self Love highlights soulful vocals and collaborations with H.E.R., Joey Bada$$, and Protoje.
Mortimer’s From Within combines classic roots reggae with modern storytelling and production finesse, earning him recognition as another fresh voice in the genre.
Keznamdi’s win represents a generational shift in reggae, reflecting the growing influence of younger artists who are blending traditional rhythms with global sounds. As fans and critics alike celebrate, it’s clear that reggae’s international reach and cultural impact continue to thrive, with artists like Keznamdi leading the charge.
