In a move that will send shockwaves through the Canadian reggae, dancehall music industry, the JUNO Awards have decided to eliminate the Best Reggae Recording category for the 2025 ceremony.
For nearly four decades, this category has celebrated the finest in Canadian reggae music, shining a spotlight on artists who have carried the genre’s rich history and vibrant rhythms across the country. But as of September 5, insiders confirmed that the beloved category will not be a part of next year’s event.
The news was quietly delivered to members of the JUNO reggae committee, sparking confusion and concern. According to sources familiar with the message, the announcement lacked extensive detail, but it hinted at several factors behind the decision: declining streaming numbers, reduced sales, repetitive submissions, and the dominance of the same artists year after year. While no official statement has been made public, these reasons offer some insight into why the iconic reggae category has been shelved—at least for now.
The Best Reggae Recording category has been a staple at the JUNO Awards since 1985, when it was first introduced as a combined Reggae/Calypso category. This early incarnation reflected the broader recognition of Caribbean music, and in 1994, the category was renamed solely to honor reggae, further solidifying the genre’s place in Canadian music culture. Over the years, it has recognized the best reggae album or single in the country, offering artists from a niche genre a chance to shine on a national platform.
Past winners have included many of Canada’s most renowned reggae artists, such as Exco Levi, a five-time JUNO Award winner, Kirk Diamond, and Nana McLean. Notably, Liberty Silver won the first-ever award in this category, and Kairo McLean made history as the youngest recipient at just 14 years old in 2022. These artists, and many more, helped to carve out reggae’s influence in Canada, making this category more than just an award—it became a symbol of validation for the reggae community.
The JUNO Awards committee has left the door open to revisiting the reggae category in the future. However, for the time being, the absence of the award in 2025 feels like a significant setback for a genre that has had to fight for its place in the Canadian music Industry.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. ReggaeNorth.ca will continue to provide in-depth coverage and insights into what this decision means for reggae music in Canada.
