In a music industry where awards often draw skepticism for favoritism and lack of transparency, the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) has taken a different path. As the annual celebration of Canadian reggae and dancehall prepares to take the stage on September 28, 2025, at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, organizers are doubling down on their commitment to fairness, authenticity, and trust in the judging process.
Why Judging Matters
Each year, reggae and dancehall artists across Canada release powerful and innovative music. Yet too often, their work goes unheard or uncelebrated by the wider music industry at home and abroad. The RNMA was created to change that — to recognize outstanding talent and provide a platform that tells the world: Canadian reggae and dancehall are here, and ready to thrive.
But recognition without credibility means little. As RNMA President and Chairman of Reggae North Canada Inc., Mark “Tony Anthony” Bennett, explains, skepticism in the community is both expected and valid.
“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,” Bennett says.
The Core of the Process
From day one, the RNMA decided that all categories involving sound recordings—where scrutiny is often highest—would be judged by international professionals. These are respected figures in the global reggae and dancehall industry, including producers, radio DJs, songwriters, and musicians.
The seven music-focused categories judged internationally are:
- Top Album/EP of the Year
- Top Reggae Single of the Year (Female)
- Top Reggae Single of the Year (Male)
- Top Trap/Fusion Dancehall Song of the Year (Male)
- Top Trap/Fusion Dancehall Song of the Year (Female)
- Top Traditional Dancehall Song of the Year (Male)
- Top Traditional Dancehall Song of the Year (Female)
To safeguard integrity, judges rotate each year. Rarely does one serve two years in a row, ensuring fresh, impartial perspectives.
The Role of the President
Though Bennett himself is the only Canadian judge involved in these categories, his personal artistry never enters the competition. “As an artist, I’ve committed that none of my own music—or projects I’m associated with—will ever be eligible. That’s non-negotiable,” he affirms.
This separation reinforces the RNMA’s mission: the spotlight belongs to the artists, not the organizers.
Expanding Recognition
Beyond the seven internationally judged categories, the RNMA presents 19 awards in total, with the remaining 12 evaluated by seasoned professionals within Canada’s reggae and dancehall scene. These judges are chosen for their credibility, industry knowledge, and dedication to the growth of the genre.
Building Trust and Growth
“No matter what you do, there are always going to be skeptics,” Bennett acknowledges. “But as the RNMA grows, we believe more Canadian artists will recognize that our priority is to fuel the growth of reggae and dancehall here. Some of the world-renowned professionals who agreed to judge have even shared their excitement about Canada’s progress—they’re proud to be part of this process.”
A Night to Remember
The 2025 Reggae North Music Awards is more than an award show—it’s a statement about integrity in recognition. By ensuring transparent and credible judging, the RNMA is setting a new standard in how Canadian reggae and dancehall artistry is celebrated.
Event Details
📅 Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
📍 Venue: Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton, Ontario
🎟 Tickets: Available now at BramptonOnStage.ca, the Rose Theatre Box Office, or by calling 647-608-5871