Headlines
Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel leads the nominations for the 2026 International Reggae and World Music Awards with an impressive 11 nods across several major categories, including Entertainer of the Year and Recording Artist of the Year. The awards ceremony will take place May 17, 2026, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Florida. Kartel’s nominations highlight another dominant chapter in his career, reinforcing his position as one of dancehall’s most influential figures. Other artists earning multiple nominations include Sean Paul and Lila Iké, while reggae legend Burning Spear will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades of contributions to the genre.
Rebel Salute, the world’s leading showcase for roots reggae and conscious culture, will make its historic U.S. debut at the Miramar Regional Park in Florida on April 19, 2026. Founded by Tony Rebel, the festival maintains its legendary “no meat, no alcohol” policy while featuring a powerhouse lineup including L.U.S.T., Maxi Priest, and Mykal Rose. This inaugural overseas staging marks a major milestone for the brand, bringing the authentic “heartbeat” of Jamaican culture directly to the Florida diaspora.
(ReggaeVibeMedia.com) — Every year when the Grammy Awards announce the winner for Best Reggae Album, social media lights up with celebration, debate, and sometimes controversy. But while the world focuses on the Grammys, many within the reggae community point to another institution that has been honoring the genre far longer and with far deeper cultural […]
The reggae music fraternity is mourning the collective loss of several iconic figures who helped shape the genre’s global identity. From the revolutionary drumming of Sly Dunbar and the sophisticated strings of Stephen “Cat” Coore to the prophetic voice of Max Romeo and the legendary broadcasts of DJ Bob Clarke, these pioneers leave behind a monumental legacy. As the community reflects on their contributions, their work continues to serve as the foundation for the future of Caribbean culture and music.
Reggae icon Jimmy Cliff has died at age 81 after complications from a seizure and pneumonia. Born James Chambers in St. James, Jamaica, Cliff became a global ambassador for reggae, ska, and rocksteady, recording more than 30 influential albums and starring in the groundbreaking film The Harder They Come. His hits such as “Many Rivers to Cross,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “I Can See Clearly Now” cemented him as one of Jamaica’s greatest musical exports. Honored with two Grammy Awards, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, and Jamaica’s Order of Merit, Cliff leaves behind a monumental legacy that transformed the global perception of Jamaican music and culture.
Jamaica will posthumously honour Garnet “Garnett Silk” Smith with the Order of Distinction (Officer class) as part of the 2025 National Honours and Awards announced on 6 August. The investiture of insignia is scheduled for National Heroes’ Day, Monday, 20 October 2025, at King’s House, where more than 140 recipients will receive awards from the state. Garnet Silk, celebrated for his smooth tenor and message-driven repertoire—songs such as “Hello Africa,” “Love Is the Answer,” and “Mama”—is widely credited with helping to revive conscious, roots-based themes in early 1990s popular Jamaican music before his tragic death in a house fire in December 1994 at age 28. Family tributes, community legacy events during 2025, and music-industry commentary have framed the award as both overdue and culturally important, reinforcing Silk’s place in Jamaica’s cultural memory and offering a moment for renewed public engagement with his musical legacy.
Celebrating 30 years in the music industry, Jamaican reggae icon Sizzla Kalonji (Miguel Orlando Collins) has evolved from an August Town youth to a global ambassador of conscious reggae. Born 17 April 1976 to Rastafarian parents, he cut his teeth with the Caveman Hi-Fi system and debuted in 1995 with Burning Up. His powerful combination of spirituality, social commentary and musical versatility propelled him near the forefront of the roots- revival movement, especially with his pivotal 1997 album Black Woman & Child. With over 50 solo albums released and a sustained global presence, Sizzla now commemorates three decades of message-rich music. His ongoing community-centred work—via Judgement Yard and Kalonji Records—underscores his legacy as more than an artist: a cultural custodian. As reggae continues to evolve, Sizzla remains relevant and active, setting the tone for what it means to build with roots, reach across borders and inspire generations.
Vybz Kartel has made history as the first and only dancehall artiste to sell out the main O2 Arena in London. Performing back-to-back shows on September 4 and 5, 2025, he drew 20,000 fans each night, marking an unprecedented moment for the genre. With guest appearances from Rvssian and Wizkid, Kartel delivered powerhouse performances despite an injured knee, ending each night with an emotional God Is the Greatest. Until now, no dancehall artiste had ever achieved such a feat at the O2, making Kartel’s accomplishment a landmark for Jamaican music and a clear signal of dancehall’s expanding global influence.
The 2025 Jamaican elections felt less like politics and more like a dancehall soundclash, with the JLP and PNP battling through dubplates, stage shows, and artist endorsements. From Buju Banton, Vybz Kartel, and Popcaan to Mr. Vegas, Shenseea, and Alkaline, the two parties turned rallies into festivals. In the end, Andrew Holness and the JLP Sound claimed victory, securing a historic third straight term.
Veteran dancehall icon Major Mackerel, known for his wild vocal stylings and defining hits of the 1980s, has survived a gauntlet of crises—from a violent samurai sword attack to a devastating leg amputation caused by illness. Most recently, he suffered two strokes in quick succession. Despite these hardships, he remains a revered figure in reggae, buoyed by humor, courage, and the support of the music community. Fundraisers and benefit concerts have emerged to aid his recovery and celebrate his enduring influence, proving that legends don’t go silent—they just find new ways to roar.
