Reggae icon Shaggy and R&B star Robin Thicke have joined forces for the upbeat new single “Looking Lovely,” a modern reinterpretation inspired by Bill Withers’ classic 1977 hit “Lovely Day.” The track blends dancehall rhythms with smooth R&B vocals, creating a feel-good collaboration that many fans believe could become one of the defining songs of summer 2026. The single also serves as a preview of Shaggy’s upcoming album Lottery, which will feature several international collaborations and mark another chapter in the Jamaican star’s globally influential career.
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.
Dancehall superstars Vybz Kartel and Shenseea have sent social media into a frenzy with a viral studio session for their upcoming track, “Talk To Me Nuh.” Produced by the legendary Rvssian, the track follows the chart-topping success of their previous collaboration, “Panic.” The behind-the-scenes footage showcasing the creative chemistry between the three icons has built massive anticipation for what many are calling the next definitive anthem of the year.
(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 […]
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.
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.
Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert is set for December 12, 2025 at UBS Arena, bringing together a powerhouse roster of reggae and dancehall legends including Shaggy, Sean Paul, Inner Circle, Kes the Band, Tessanne Marley, T.O.K., Tessanne Chin, Mikey Spice, Richie Stephens and more. The event is part of the I Love Jamaica Concert Series and aims to raise funds for Jamaica’s official Hurricane Relief & Recovery Fund in response to Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. Net proceeds will support communities affected by the storm — providing food, shelter, rebuilding efforts and long-term recovery assistance. Inner Circle plans to debut their tribute song “Stay Strong,” embodying the resilience and unity that underpin this benefit concert. Jamaica Strong promises an unforgettable night of music, culture, community, and compassion, drawing global support and shining a light on hope, healing, and solidarity.
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.
