The Best Reggae Album is up for grabs at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, with albums by Vybz Kartel, Jesse Royal, Lila Iké, Keznamdi, and Mortimer earning nominations in the Best Reggae Album category. The nominations were officially announced on Friday, November 7, during the Recording Academy’s live-streamed event.
This year’s lineup blends Grammy veterans with exciting first-time nominees. Vybz Kartel scored his second nomination for ‘Heart & Soul,’ following his 2025 nod for ‘Party with Me.’ Jesse Royal, also a repeat nominee, earned recognition for ‘No Place Like Home,’ the follow-up to his 2022-nominated album ‘Royal.’
Making their Grammy debut are Lila Iké, Keznamdi, and Mortimer, three artists whose music has helped redefine modern roots reggae.
Iké’s ‘Treasure Self Love,’ released on August 22, 2025, via Ineffable Records, has been hailed for its authenticity and sonic range. The album features standout collaborations including ‘Fry Plantain’ with Joey Bada$$, ‘Romantic’ featuring Masicka, and ‘He Loves Us Both’ alongside H.E.R.
Keznamdi’s ‘BLXXD & FYAH,’ released the same day through Keznamdi Music, channels spiritual fire and social awareness in tracks like ‘Serious Times’ and ‘Pressure.’
Mortimer’s 14-track project ‘From Within,’ released on September 20, 2024, carries deep emotional resonance, with features from Damian Marley on ‘In My Time’ and Kabaka Pyramid and Lila Iké on Bruises. ‘Heart & Soul,’
Kartel’s 11-track released on August 29, 2025, via Greedy Lion/Vybz Kartel Muzik, features ‘I Know’ and ‘Bad Bad Bad’ with Ishawna.
Royal’s 10-track ‘No Place Like Home,’ also released on August 29, 2025, through Easy Star Records, includes ‘Blessing’ featuring Yohan Marley, ‘Jungle Justice’ with Kabaka Pyramid, and ‘Hope’ with Romain Virgo.
The prestigious awards ceremony is set for February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live on CBS and Paramount+.
