Keznamdi celebrates Grammy

Jamaican singer Keznamdi won the 2026 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for his project ' BLXXD & FYAH', cementing his place among reggae's leading contemporary voices.

The album topped a strong field of nominees that included Treasure - Self Love by Lila Ike, Heart & Soul by Vybz Kartel, No Place Like Home by Jesse Royal, and From Within by Mortimer.

After collecting his award, Keznamdi reflected on the deeper mission of reggae music and its role in global consciousness.

"Reggae Music has always been a music weh defend truths and rights, and African liberation and black man redemption," he said.

Born Keznamdi McDonald, the singer was raised in a musical family. His parents were members of the reggae group Chakula.

His 2013 debut EP, Bridging the Gap, topped both the iTunes and Billboard reggae charts.

The Grammy-winning project, BLXXD & FYAH, has been widely praised for its conscious messaging and its fusion of roots reggae and modern sounds, staying true to the genre's foundation while resonating with a new generation of listeners worldwide.

"We a represent Jamaican culture and dancehall and Reggae," Keznamdi said after collecting his award yesterday.

Keznamdi's win might've came as a surprise to many but for professor Donna Hope, it's a "testament to [the artiste's] hard work and dedication"

"My first thoughts were that it's another Reggae Grammy for Jamaica and a testament to Kez's hard work and dedication over the years," Hope told THE STAR.

"Whispers on the ground had indicated that Keznamdi would win so this is no surprise. Many persons outside of the industry may be unaware of his connections in California, and his networks in the music industry across the world," she said.

Hope said she hoped that Vybz Kartel would have created an "upset" even though she "knew that there was a very slim chance".

"As it is, I am happy for Kez, and wish him unparalleled success," she said.

For music marketer, Sean 'Contractor' Edwards, Keznamdi's victory came as a "surprise".

"Keznandi's presence on the urban reggae scene in America is not as prominent as Vybz Kartel. With Lila Ike performing at the Grammy opening ceremony and her presence in mainstream media in America over the last few months made her and Kartel the favourites along with Jesse Royal who was nominated before," he opined.

However, Edwards is confident that this win will bring Keznamdi, and by extension, the fraternity, more "international recognition".

"He should experience a massive surge in popularity, record sales, and streaming numbers. This boost should also result in increased performance bookings and higher performance fees, and greater industry recognition, elevating his career to a new level of commercial success as music fans check out his previous catalogues," he said.