The submissions for the 2025 JUNO Awards are now open, and all eyes are on the reggae community in Canada. Following a brief but intense controversy earlier this year, the reggae category’s future at the JUNOs seemed uncertain. In September 2024, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) shocked reggae artists and fans alike by announcing that the Best Reggae Recording category would be eliminated from the 2025 awards. This decision came as a blow to a community that has played a key role in Canadian music for decades.
However, just a week later, public outcry—loud and impassioned—forced CARAS to reverse the decision and reinstate the category. But now, the question on everyone’s mind is: Will reggae artists across Canada submit their music in droves, or will there be hesitation after this close call?
The Debate: Why Was the Reggae Category Removed?
CARAS cited a lack of submissions from reggae artists as one of the primary reasons for its initial decision to eliminate the category. While this may be true, many in the reggae community saw the move as dismissive of a genre that has contributed to the Canadian music landscape for more than 40 years. As one reggae insider put it, “To us, it’s like rubbing salt in a wound.” This isn’t the first time the JUNOs have attempted to remove the reggae category, raising concerns about the long-term future of reggae at Canada’s most prestigious music awards.
Still, despite the negative emotions stirred by the incident, the silver lining is that the reggae category remains. For many, the JUNO Awards offer the genre its annual moment in the national spotlight. Even if it’s brief, this mainstream presence is valuable. Nominees and winners use their JUNO recognition to secure grants, enhance their resumes, and attract bookings at music festivals across the country. For reggae artists in Canada, a JUNO Award still holds significant weight, and in places like Jamaica, it’s seen as the Canadian equivalent of the Grammy Awards.
A Call to Action: Will Artists Submit?
The uproar caused by CARAS’s initial decision had one positive effect—it reminded everyone in the reggae scene just how important the JUNOs are for visibility and recognition. The community banded together, made their voices heard, and saw their efforts rewarded when the category was reinstated. Now, the focus shifts to ensuring that the genre remains well-represented, and the best way to do that is through submissions.
We encourage all reggae artists, producers, and musicians to participate in the 2025 JUNO Awards. With public support and renewed awareness, artists can play a pivotal role in keeping reggae alive at the JUNOs. Hopefully, those from the community who serve on various industry committees will now be more vigilant about their choices and the importance of representation in the awards process.
Key Dates for the 2025 JUNO Awards
If you’re considering submitting your work for the 2025 JUNO Awards, here’s everything you need to know:
- Submissions Open: October 15, 2024
- Early Bird Deadline: October 22, 2024 (save on fees by submitting early)
- Final Deadline: November 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM ET
For reggae artists, this is your moment to make sure your music is heard. Head to junosubmissions.ca to submit your work and ensure reggae remains a celebrated part of Canadian music.
A Glimpse Ahead: The JUNO Awards 2025
The 54th Annual JUNO Awards will take place in Vancouver, BC, from March 27 to March 30, 2025, with the awards ceremony set for March 30 at Rogers Arena. As always, the show will be broadcast live on CBC platforms, allowing music fans across Canada—and the world—to tune in and celebrate the best in Canadian music.
While it’s been a bumpy road for reggae at the JUNOs this year, the category’s reinstatement is a victory. Now it’s up to the artists to keep the momentum going by submitting their music and proving that reggae has a rightful place in the Canadian music spotlight.
So, reggae artists—whether you’re a veteran of the scene or a newcomer—take advantage of the opportunity and submit your work to the JUNO Awards. By doing so, you’re not only putting your name in the spotlight, but you’re also ensuring that reggae continues to be recognized and celebrated in Canada.
