On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the Rose Theatre in Brampton came alive with the rhythmic pulse of Jamaican roots, dancehall and trap-fusion beats as the second annual Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) celebrated excellence in Canada’s reggae and dancehall music community. The evening was marked by elegance, stellar performances, and the warmth of a growing, supportive community.
From the red carpet to the closing act, the event exuded polish and passion. Guests arrived in their finest attire, local businesses and sponsors lined the venue with vibrant support, and the MCs guided the flow with poise. The energy was high, the performances were electric, and every moment underscored the mission: to elevate and unite reggae and dancehall culture across Canada.
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came when Nana McLean and Carl “Grandmaster Rosa” Green were each awarded the Living Legend Award, for their decades-long contributions to reggae and dancehall culture in Canada. McLean, often celebrated as the “Queen of Canadian Reggae,” has inspired generations with her voice, authenticity, and longevity. Rosa Green, a stalwart in the sound-system and performance scene, has kept the fire of dancehall alive in Canada’s club and party circuits. A special tribute was also made to the late Leroy Gibbons who passed away recently.
But the night wasn’t just about retrospection — it was also about the future. Kairo McLean and Justice Kumari lit up the stage, showcasing the next wave of Canadian reggae talent. Paris Ivy from Montreal, nominated in three categories, and 12-year-old Jazmin Headley, both accepted accolades and took the stage to present awards.
Some of the standout awardees from the 2025 RNMA:
- Album of the Year: Born to Be Free by Exco Levi
- Entertainer of the Year: Ammoye
- Male Vocalist of the Year: Steele
- Female Vocalist of the Year: Ammoye
- Reggae Single of the Year (Male): “Chosen” — Inoah
- Reggae Single of the Year (Female): “How Long” — Blk Orchid
- Dancehall Single of the Year (Male): “Bad Man Rock” — Trueace
- Dancehall Single of the Year (Female): “Money Bounx” — Tiffanie Malvo
- Trap/Fusion Single of the Year (Male): “Karma” — Skystar
- Trap/Fusion Single of the Year (Female): “Cashy” — Kae Music
- Songwriter of the Year: Neto Yuth
- Producer of the Year: Tim Dubb
- Video of the Year: Inoah
- Radio DJ of the Year: Spex Da Boss
- Dancehall Selector of the Year: Chippy Don
- Club/Party Selector of the Year: Blaxz Dun Da Place
- Group of the Year: Rayzalution
(Full winners list as released by RNMA.)
These results reflect a balance between respect for legacy and encouragement for contemporary voices.
Organizers acknowledged that with success comes responsibility. While the event ran smoothly for the most part, they also noted areas for improvement — technical glitches, scheduling refinements, and logistical adjustments. But the spirit was optimistic: each year brings lessons, stronger relationships, and higher aspirations.
Submissions to RNMA have grown, especially from outside Ontario. In 2025, the Trap/Fusion Male winner Skystar hails from Edmonton, Alberta — a testament to the reach of Canadian reggae culture. The attendance was notably larger, local business support deeper, and interest in future events stronger than ever. Civic leaders, including the Consul General of Jamaica, regional councillors, and Brampton’s mayor pledged continued backing, signaling recognition at institutional levels.
Beyond trophies and speeches, the 2025 Reggae North Music Awards was a celebration of community. Behind every artist was a network of producers, managers, caterers, volunteers, MCs, sponsors, and fans — each indispensable to the success of the evening. Their dedication was evident in every detail: from the flow of the program to the vibrancy of the red carpet, from flawless performances to heartfelt tributes.
The fact that the event has only grown in its second year speaks to its necessity. Canada’s reggae and dancehall community is neither marginal nor niche — it is rich, diverse, and evolving. RNMA 2025 did more than hand out awards: it affirmed a cultural identity, created connections, and set the stage for what comes next.
As the night wound down, the message was clear: there is more work ahead, but with unity, passion, and creative courage, Canada’s reggae and dancehall culture will continue to thrive. Here’s to the winners, the visionaries, the backstage heroes — and to many more nights like this one.
