Keznamdi Wins Best Reggae Album at 2026 GRAMMY Awards

Keznamdi walked away with the Best Reggae Album award at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, earning his first win with his second studio project, ‘Blxxd & Fyah‘. The Rastafarian singer faced an all-Jamaican shortlist that also included Lila Iké with ‘Treasure Self Love‘, Jesse Royal’s ‘No Place Like Home‘, Mortimer’s ‘From Within‘, and Kartel’s ‘First Week Out‘.

Despite the competition, Keznamdi’s independently released set stood out with its focused message and contemporary approach. Released on August 22, 2025, Blxxd & Fyah features 13 tracks and includes collaborations with Kelissa, Mavado and Masicka. The album blends roots foundations with modern production, reflecting Keznamdi’s place between tradition and present-day Jamaican sounds.

On stage, dressed in an all-white outfit accented with gold, Keznamdi used his acceptance speech to outline the cultural role of the genre. With the award in hand, he thanked his parents and his team before speaking about Reggae’s purpose. “Reggae music has always been a music weh defend truths and rights and African liberation and blackman redemption,” he said.

He also stressed that his win represented more than a personal achievement, pointing to the wider Jamaican culture. According to the artiste, both Reggae and Dancehall remain central to how Jamaica is expressed on the global stage.

The award adds a new chapter to Keznamdi’s career, placing his name among previous winners in the category and highlighting the continued presence of Jamaican music at the GRAMMYs. The Best Reggae Album announcement drew strong reactions online, reflecting ongoing debate about direction and recognition within the genre.

The result surprised some observers, given the strength of the category and expectations that Vybz Kartel might have led the field.