When the lights go down and the stage comes alive on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Brampton’s Rose Theatre will once again host one of the most anticipated celebrations in Canadian reggae and dancehall: the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA). The night promises not just music and recognition, but also a powerful sense of community.
The awards, first launched in 2024 at the very same venue, set the foundation for a new chapter in Canada’s music landscape. Now in its second year, organizers aim to push the bar higher adding more performers, greater reach, stronger fairness, and a deeper commitment to showcasing the country’s reggae and dancehall talent.
Located at 1 Theatre Lane in Brampton, the Rose Theatre will host a full evening of celebration. The red-carpet reception kicks off at 4:00 PM, followed by the awards show at 6:00 PM. The program will run about four and a half hours, including a 30-minute intermission.
This year’s RNMA features 19 categories, covering everything from male and female vocalists to DJs, producers, traditional dancehall, trap/fusion dancehall, and more. A new addition for 2025—the Top Club/Party Reggae Dancehall DJ award—recognizes the DJs who keep Canada’s dance floors alive.
For Bennett, one of the core voices behind the RNMA, inclusivity remains at the forefront: “Artists from all over Canada have sent in submissions, were nominated and are participating in the show.” The mission is to spotlight talent from across the nation, giving visibility to artists from regions that often go underrecognized.
Equally important is transparency in judging. Categories tied to sound recordings—albums, singles, and related projects—are evaluated by international industry professionals, including producers, musicians, and DJs outside Canada. Other categories are judged by respected figures within the Canadian reggae and dancehall scene.
“Artists have witnessed many biases and a lack of authenticity in award shows over the years. So, when questions come up about how we choose our winners, we make sure to outline our process clearly.”
He added that as an artist himself, he has chosen not to allow any of his own work—or projects he’s involved in—to be eligible for nomination, calling it a non-negotiable rule.
The inaugural RNMA in 2024 showed promise, but as with any new venture, it also faced scrutiny. For the 2025 edition, the stakes are higher: organizers seek deeper engagement from artists, sponsors, and fans. Online buzz is already growing, with excitement building among both creators and listeners.
The success of this year’s awards could solidify RNMA as a cornerstone institution for Canadian reggae and dancehall, bridging regions and providing artists with a stage where their craft is judged fairly and celebrated widely.
Fans who want to support the movement can purchase tickets at Bramptononstage.ca—an opportunity not just to enjoy the performances but to contribute to the growth of reggae and dancehall in Canada and its recognition worldwide.
