Beres Hammond reggae legacy

Keznamdi’s 2026 Grammy win for Best Reggae Album sparked renewed debate within the reggae community about how the genre is recognized internationally. While the Grammy Awards are decided by members of the Recording Academy, many reggae fans believe awards rooted within the culture — such as the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA), founded by Ephraim Martin in 1982 — better reflect the voices of reggae listeners. Adding to the discussion, Keznamdi won the Grammy but was not nominated for an IRAWMA award this year, highlighting the difference between industry voting and cultural recognition.