The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) has reversed its controversial decision to remove the Reggae Recording of the Year category from the 2025 JUNO Awards, following significant backlash from the music community. This category, along with two others—Children’s Album of the Year and Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year—was initially slated for removal but has now been reinstated.
Allan Reid, President and CEO of the JUNO Awards, addressed the controversy in a statement posted on Instagram on September 17. “Given the feedback from the community, CARAS will not put these three categories on hiatus this year,” Reid confirmed, acknowledging the wave of criticism that followed the proposed changes. He added that an official announcement outlining further changes to the awards will be released on September 23, stating that CARAS is “excited about these changes, including bringing in new categories to reflect the evolution of the Canadian music scene.”
The Community’s Response
The reinstatement of the Reggae category comes as a relief to many, but it also raises important questions about CARAS’s decision-making process. Reggae, a category with a 40-year history at the JUNO Awards, has long been celebrated for its cultural significance and contribution to the Canadian music scene. The decision to eliminate it, albeit temporarily, sent shockwaves through the community.
While many are pleased with the reversal, concerns remain about how and why CARAS felt justified in removing such a historically relevant category. As one reggae enthusiast put it, “When they signal that they can take it away or give it back at will, the re-invite is never the same.” There is a lingering feeling that the reggae community must now tread carefully, uncertain if this is a permanent solution or if future eliminations could occur at CARAS’s discretion.
Why Was the Category Targeted?
In an email to the JUNO Awards’ Reggae committee on September 5, CARAS cited several reasons for considering the elimination of the Reggae Recording of the Year category. These included declining streaming numbers, reduced sales, repetitive submissions, and the same artists dominating the category year after year. However, many in the community argue that some of these factors are not typically part of the submission criteria for this category.
Streaming numbers and sales, for instance, were never previously highlighted as key metrics for eligibility. The fact that the same artists dominate the category year after year may warrant attention, but it could point to deeper issues, such as the perception that the selection process lacks transparency and inclusivity. Several reggae artists have expressed frustration with the process, stating that they no longer trust it and prefer not to submit their work, fearing the same outcomes year after year.
A Call for Reform
While the reversal of CARAS’s decision is welcome, it also serves as a call for introspection within the reggae community. There is a clear need for structural reform in how the Best Reggae Recording category—and other similar categories—are managed. More musically inclined personnel should be involved in the decision-making process to ensure a fairer representation of the genre and its artists.
The reggae community is not alone in these concerns. Many have asked what winning a JUNO Award truly offers to reggae artists, particularly when compared to other genres. While the JUNO Awards may not carry the same weight as other major international accolades, they remain Canada’s premier recognition of musical talent. Being nominated for or winning a JUNO Award can elevate an artist’s profile, aiding in securing grants, festival appearances, and other professional opportunities.
Moving Forward
Ultimately, the JUNO Awards remain a significant platform for Canadian artists across all genres, including reggae. The voice of the community has been heard, and now there is a shared responsibility to ensure that reggae music and its artists receive the recognition and respect they deserve. This situation serves as a reminder that the genre’s relevance and importance must be protected—not only by CARAS but by those within the reggae industry itself.
Allan Reid echoed these sentiments in his Instagram post, stating, “We remain dedicated to ensuring the JUNO Awards reflect industry excellence and are representative of the diversity of the Canadian music industry. I’m committed to working together to celebrate all the incredible talent that makes Canadian music so special.”
As the 54th JUNO Awards ceremony approaches, scheduled for March 30, 2025, at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena, all eyes will be on how these issues are addressed and whether the promised changes will truly reflect the evolving Canadian music landscape. For now, reggae artists and fans can breathe a little easier, knowing that their beloved category is back on the JUNO stage, at least for another year. However, this recent controversy has shown that the community must remain vigilant to protect reggae’s rightful place in Canadian music history.