Reggae and African Music: Discover Diverse Sounds
Nominees for the Best Reggae Album: Take It Easy by Collie Buddz; Party With Me by Vybz Kartel; Never Gets Late Here by Shenseea; Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film (Deluxe) featuring Various Artists; Evolution by The Wailers. This year’s nominees highlight a rich diversity in the reggae genre, showcasing both established legends and emerging talents that contribute to the evolution of reggae music.
Surprisingly, this year’s nominations feature only two original reggae albums. This limitation underscores the ongoing shifts in the genre, where traditional roots are sometimes overshadowed by other musical influences. The competition among the nominees not only reflects the talent present but also the changing landscape of what constitutes a reggae album in today’s music scene.
Both Vybz Kartel and Shenseea celebrate their first-ever nominations for their solo efforts with the dancehall hits Party With Me and Never Gets Late Here. Meanwhile, the reggae icon Bob Marley is celebrated through the One Love soundtrack, which features stunning reinterpretations of Marley’s classics by various artists, including Grammy winners such as Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Caesar, Leon Bridges, and Wizkid. This cross-generational homage not only pays tribute to Marley’s influence but also showcases the ongoing relevance of his music in contemporary culture.
Collie Buddz’s Take It Easy and The Wailers’ Evolution complete the list of nominees, with Buddz earning a second consecutive nod in this category. His track Take It Easy boasts contributions from Caribbean music legends such as Bounty Killer, B-Real, and Demarco, enriching the album’s sound. The Wailers, comprising former members of Bob Marley’s legendary backing band, bring their album Evolution to the forefront, which impressively reached No. 5 on the Reggae Albums chart, demonstrating their enduring legacy in the genre.
As previous nominees, Shenseea and The Wailers are positioned as strong contenders for this year’s award, but Vybz Kartel’s recent developments make him a noteworthy challenger. After being released from prison on July 31, 2024, following a 13-year sentence for a conviction that has since been overturned, Kartel’s return to the stage at Freedom Street marked a significant comeback. This concert not only celebrated his freedom but also became the largest event of its kind in Jamaica in nearly 50 years. Although Party With Me lacks the commercial hits associated with his earlier work, such as “Fever” and “Clarks,” the narrative of his return may resonate strongly with voters, potentially giving him an edge in this competitive landscape.
Shenseea emerges as Kartel’s most formidable competitor in this race. Her album Never Gets Late Here achieved impressive chart success, peaking at No. 4 on the Reggae Albums list. The album artfully blends elements of pop-dancehall, R&B, rap, Afrobeats, and, crucially, reggae, showcasing her versatility as an artist. With contributions from renowned producers like Di Genius, Tricky Stewart, Ilya, Stargate, and London On Da Track, Never Gets Late Here has the potential to garner significant support from both fans and industry insiders, possibly positioning her ahead of Kartel in the race for the award.
However, a compelling case exists for the One Love soundtrack to take the lead, propelled by Bob Marley’s legendary status and the soundtrack’s success at the box office. While traditional reggae projects often dominate this category, the unique cultural significance of Marley’s music could sway the votes in favor of the soundtrack, even though the more thrilling outcome would see Buddz’s project take the prize. The dynamics of this year’s nominations illustrate the ongoing tension between traditional reggae and contemporary interpretations, making this year’s award particularly compelling.
Our Award Prediction: Vybz Kartel’s Party With Me is poised to capture the award due to its compelling narrative and recent public interest.
Keep an Eye On: The Wailers and their album Evolution, which could surprise with its rich musical heritage and critical acclaim.