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2026 GRAMMY Nominations: Reggae & Global Music -Caribbean, African, Latin & World Stars Lead The Charge

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Nov. 10, 2025: Music’s Biggest Night – the Grammys, returns Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Recording Academy unveiled this year’s nominees across 95 categories, including stacked fields for Reggae, Global Music, Latin and African Music – with Caribbean and Latin heavyweights and global icons sharing the spotlight.

Lila Ike at the au Paléo Festival Nyonin 2022. (Photo by Lionel FLUSIN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

Best Reggae Album

(Albums with >75% new reggae recordings)

Lila Iké — Treasure Self Love. Ike is the lone female reggae singer among this year’s nominees.

Vybz Kartel — Heart & Soul

Keznamdi — BLXXD & FYAH

Mortimer — From Within

Jesse Royal — No Place Like Home

Why it matters: A fresh, roots-forward slate mixes veteran voices (Kartel, Jesse Royal) with ascendant torchbearers (Lila Iké, Mortimer, Keznamdi), signaling a year rich in songwriting and live-band energy.

Best Global Music Performance

(New vocal or instrumental recordings)

Bad Bunny — “EoO”

Ciro Hurtado — “Cantando en el Camino”

Angélique Kidjo — “JERUSALEMA”

Yeisy Rojas — “Inmigrante Y Que?”

Shakti — “Shrini’s Dream [Live]”

Anoushka Shankar feat. Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar — “Daybreak”

Best African Music Performance

Burna Boy — “Love”

Davido feat. Omah Lay — “With You”

Eddy Kenzo & Mehran Matin — “Hope & Love”

Ayra Starr feat. Wizkid — “Gimme Dat”

Tyla — “PUSH 2 START”

Best Global Music Album

(Albums with >75% new Global Music recordings)

Siddhant Bhatia — Sounds Of Kumbha

Burna Boy — No Sign of Weakness

Youssou N’Dour — Éclairer le monde (Light the World)

Shakti — Mind Explosion [50th Anniversary Tour Live]

Anoushka Shankar feat. Alam Khan & Sarathy Korwar — Chapter III: We Return To Light

Caetano Veloso & Maria Bethânia — Caetano e Bethânia Ao Vivo

Best Latin Jazz Album

For vocal or instrumental albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded material. The intent of this category is to recognize recordings that represent the blending of jazz with Latin, Iberian-American, Brazilian, and Argentinian tango music.

La Fleur de Cayenne
Paquito D’Rivera & Madrid-New York Connection Band

The Original Influencers: Dizzy, Chano & Chico Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Featuring Pedrito Martinez, Daymé Arocena, Jon Faddis, Donald Harrison & Melvis Santa

Mundoagua – Celebrating Carla Bley
Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

A Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole
Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta & Joey Calveiro

Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at The Village Vanguard
Miguel Zenón Quartet

Best Latin Jazz Album

For vocal or instrumental albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded material. The intent of this category is to recognize recordings that represent the blending of jazz with Latin, Iberian-American, Brazilian, and Argentinian tango music.

La Fleur de Cayenne
Paquito D’Rivera & Madrid-New York Connection Band

The Original Influencers: Dizzy, Chano & Chico Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra
Featuring Pedrito Martinez, Daymé Arocena, Jon Faddis, Donald Harrison & Melvis Santa

Mundoagua – Celebrating Carla Bley
Arturo O’Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra

A Tribute to Benny Moré and Nat King Cole
Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Yainer Horta & Joey Calveiro

Vanguardia Subterránea: Live at The Village Vanguard
Miguel Zenón Quartet

Best Latin Pop Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new Latin pop recordings.

Cosa Nuestra
Rauw Alejandro

BOGOTÁ DELUXE
Andrés Cepeda

Tropicoqueta
KAROL G

Cancionera
Natalia Lafourcade

**¿Y ahora qué?**
Alejandro Sanz

Best Música Urbana Album

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new Música Urbana recordings.

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Bad Bunny

Mixteip
J Balvin

FERXXO VOL X: Sagrado
Feid

NAIKI
Nicki Nicole

EUB DELUXE
Trueno

SINFÓNICO — En Vivo
Yandel

Category 60

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new Latin rock or alternative recordings.

Genes Rebeldes
Aterciopelados

ASTROPICAL
Bomba Estéreo, Rawayana, ASTROPICAL

PAPOTA
CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso

ALGORHYTHM
Los Wizzards

Novela
Fito Paez

Best Música Mexicana Album (Including Tejano)

For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new regional Mexican (banda, norteño, corridos, gruperos, mariachi, ranchera and Tejano) recordings.

MALA MÍA
Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera

Y Lo Que Viene
Grupo Frontera

Sin Rodeos
Paola Jara

**Palabra De To’s [Seca]**
Carín León

**Bobby Pulido & Friends Una Tuya Y Una Mía – Por La Puerta Grande [En Vivo]**
Bobby Pulido

When & How To Watch

The 2026 GRAMMYs air Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, live from Los Angeles on CBS, with streaming live and on demand on Paramount+.

New For 2026

The Academy added two categories – Best Traditional Country Album and Best Album Cover – continuing its push to recognize a broader spectrum of artistry and craft across music.

Music’s Biggest Night is set; now it’s over to Recording Academy voting members to decide who takes home the hardware in reggae, global, and African music’s most competitive year in recent memory.

ALL 2026 GRAMMY NOMINATIONS

Record Of The Year
Award to the Artist and to the Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s) and/or Mixer(s) and mastering engineer(s), if other than the artist.

DtMF
Bad Bunny
Scotty Dittrich, Hydra Hitz, La Paciencia, JULiA LEWiS, MAG & Tyler Spry, producers; Antonio Caraballo, Josh Gudwin, Roberto Rosado & Tyler Spry, engineers/mixers; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer

Manchild
Sabrina Carpenter
Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, producers; Jack Antonoff, Bryce Bordone, Jozef Caldwell, Serban Ghenea, Sean Hutchinson, Oli Jacobs, Michael Riddleberger & Laura Sisk, engineers/mixers; Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineer

Anxiety
Doechii
Doechii, producer; Jayda Love, engineer/mixer; Nicolas De Porcel, mastering engineer

WILDFLOWER
Billie Eilish
FINNEAS, producer; Jon Castelli, FINNEAS & Aron Forbes, engineers/mixers; Dale Becker, mastering engineer

Abracadabra
Lady Gaga
Cirkut, Lady Gaga & Andrew Watt, producers; Bryce Bordone, Serban Ghenea & Paul LaMalfa, engineers/mixers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer

luther
Kendrick Lamar With SZA
Jack Antonoff, Bridgeway, M-Tech, roselilah, Sounwave & Kamasi Washington, producers; Jack Antonoff, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Hector Castro, Oli Jacobs, Jack Manning, Sean Matsukawa, Dani Perez, Tony Shepperd, Laura Sisk & Johnathan Turner, engineers/mixers; Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineer

The Subway
Chappell Roan
Daniel Nigro, producer; Chris Kaysch, Mitch McCarthy & Daniel Nigro, engineers/mixers; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer

APT.
ROSÉ, Bruno Mars
Rogét Chahayed, Cirkut, Omer Fedi & Bruno Mars, producers; Serban Ghenea

Album Of The Year
Award to Artist(s) and to Featured Artist(s), Songwriter(s) of new material, Producer(s), Recording Engineer(s), Mixer(s) and Mastering Engineer(s) credited with 20% or more playing time of the album.

DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Bad Bunny
Big Jay, La Paciencia, MAG & Tainy, producers; Antonio Caraballo, Josh Gudwin, Luis Amed Irizarry & Roberto José Rosado Torres, engineers/mixers; Benito Antonio Ocasio Martinez, Roberto José Rosado Torres, Marco Daniel Borrero, Jay Anthony Nuñez & Marcos Efrain Masis, songwriters; Colin Leonard, mastering engineer

SWAG
Justin Bieber
Eddie Benjamin, Justin Bieber, Daniel Chetrit, Dijon, Carter Lang & Dylan Wiggins, producers; Felix Byrne & Josh Gudwin, engineers/mixers; Eddie Benjamin, Justin Bieber, Daniel Chetrit, Dijon Duenas, Tobias Jesso Jr., Carter Lang, Jackson Lee Morgan & Dylan Wiggins, songwriters; Dale Becker, mastering engineer

Man’s Best Friend
Sabrina Carpenter
Jack Antonoff, Sabrina Carpenter & John Ryan, producers; Zem Adu, Jack Antonoff, Bryce Bordone, Jozef Caldwell, Serban Ghenea, Jeff Gunnell, David Hart, Mikey Freedom Hart, Sean Hutchinson, Oli Jacobs, Jack Manning, Joey Miller, Michael Riddleberger, John Ryan, Laura Sisk & Evan Smith, engineers/mixers; Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff, Sabrina Carpenter & John Ryan, songwriters; Nathan Dantzler & Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineers

Let God Sort Em Out
Clipse, Pusha T & Malice
Pharrell Williams, featured artist; Pharrell Williams, producer; Mike Larson, Manny Marroquin, Rob Ulsh & Pharrell Williams, engineers/mixers; Gene Elliott Thornton Jr., Terrence Thornton & Pharrell Williams, songwriters; Zach Pereyra, mastering engineer

MAYHEM
Lady Gaga
Cirkut, Gesaffelstein, Lady Gaga & Andrew Watt, producers; Bryce Bordone, Serban Ghenea & Paul LaMalfa, engineers/mixers; Henry Walter, Mike Lévy, Lady Gaga, Michael Polansky & Andrew Watt, songwriters; Randy Merrill, mastering engineer

GNX
Kendrick Lamar
Jack Antonoff & Sounwave, producers; Jack Antonoff, Ray Charles Brown Jr., Jozef Caldwell, Oli Jacobs, Jack Manning, Dani Perez, Laura Sisk & Johnathan Turner, engineers/mixers; Jack Antonoff, Ink, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Kendrick Lamar, Matthew Bernard & Mark Anthony Spears, songwriters; Ruairi O’Flaherty, mastering engineer

MUTT
Leon Thomas
Freaky Rob, Peter Lee Johnson, D. Phelps & Leon Thomas, producers; Jean-Marie Horvat, engineer/mixer; Lazaro Andres Camejo, Freaky Rob, Peter Lee Johnson, D. Phelps & Leon Thomas, songwriters; Dave Kutch, mastering engineer

CHROMAKOPIA
Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator, producer; NealHPogue, Tyler Okonma & Vic Wainstein, engineers/mixers; Tyler Okonma, songwriter; Mike Bozzi, mastering engineer

Song Of The Year
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Abracadabra
Lady Gaga, Henry Walter & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Lady Gaga)

Anxiety
Jaylah Hickmon, songwriter (Doechii)

**APT. **
Amy Allen, Christopher Brody Brown, Rogét Chahayed, Omer Fedi, Philip Lawrence, Bruno Mars, Chae Young Park, Theron Thomas & Henry Walter, songwriters (ROSÉ, Bruno Mars)

DtMF
Marco Daniel Borrero, Scott Dittrich, Benjamin Falik, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, Hugo René Sención Sanabria, Tyler Thomas Spry & Roberto José Rosado Torres, songwriters (Bad Bunny)

**Golden [From “KPop Demon Hunters”]**
EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters (HUNTR/X:EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)

luther
Jack Antonoff, Roshwita Larisha Bacha, Matthew Bernard, Scott Bridgeway, Sam Dew, Ink, Kendrick Lamar, Solána Rowe, Mark Anthony Spears & Kamasi Washington, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar With SZA)

Manchild
Amy Allen, Jack Antonoff & Sabrina Carpenter, songwriters (Sabrina Carpenter)

WILDFLOWER
Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

Best New Artist
This category recognizes an artist whose eligibility-year release(s) achieved a breakthrough into the public consciousness and notably impacted the musical landscape.

Olivia Dean
KATSEYE
The Marias
Addison Rae
sombr
Leon Thomas
Alex Warren
Lola Young

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
A Producer’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses.)

Dan Auerbach
Elegantly Wasted (Hermanos Gutiérrez Featuring Leon Bridges) (S)
Harsh & Exciting (Moonrisers) (A)
Holy Ghost Party (Robert Finley) (S)
Love Is Cruel (Miles Kane) (S)
Medium Raw (Early James) (A)
A Million Knives (The Velveteers) (A)
No Rain, No Flowers (The Black Keys) (A)
Our Time In The Sun (Jeremie Albino) (A)

Cirkut
Abracadabra (Lady Gaga) (S)
AEOMG (Coco Jones) (T)
APT. (ROSÉ & Bruno Mars) (S)
Big Sleep (The Weeknd Featuring Giorgio Moroder) (T)
Disease (Lady Gaga) (S)
IT girl (JADE) (S)
A Little More (Ed Sheeran) (S)
Mayhem (Lady Gaga) (A)
Red Terror (The Weeknd) (T)

Dijon
Baby (Dijon) (A)
DAISIES (Justin Bieber) (T)
DEVOTION (Justin Bieber & Dijon) (T)
THINGS YOU DO (Justin Bieber) (T)
YUKON (Justin Bieber) (T)

Blake Mills
For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) (Japanese Breakfast) (A)
Forever Is A Feeling (Lucy Dacus) (A)
Glory (Perfume Genius) (A)
That Wasn’t A Dream (Pino Palladino And Blake Mills)(A)

Sounwave
GNX (Kendrick Lamar) (A)

Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical
A Songwriter’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses.)

Amy Allen
APT. (ROSÉ & Bruno Mars) (S)
Bad As The Rest (Jessie Murph) (S)
Hail Mary (Shaboozey, Sierra Ferrell) (T)
Handlebars (JENNIE Featuring Dua Lipa) (S)
Just Keep Watching (Tate McRae) (S)
Lost In Translation (Carín León & Kasey Musgraves) (S)
Manchild (Sabrina Carpenter) (S)
Tears (Sabrina Carpenter) (S)
WHY (Jon Bellion Featuring Luke Combs) (S)

Edgar Barrera
Birthday Behavior (BIA, Young Miko) (S)
Coleccionando Heridas (KAROL G, Marco Antonio Solís) (T)
Ese Vato No Te Queda (Carín León, Gabito Ballesteros) (S)
Me Jalo (Fuerza Regida, Grupo Frontera) (T)
Me Retiro (Santana, Grupo Frontera) (S)
Milagros (KAROL G) (S)
Sigueme Besando Asi (Manuel Turizo) (T)
Soltera (Shakira) (S)
Una Noche Contigo (Juanes) (S)

Jessie Jo Dillon
Bless Your Heart (Megan Moroney) (T)
Bottomland (HARDY) (S)
Dreams Don’t Die (Jelly Roll) (S)
First Rodeo (Kelsea Ballerini) (T)
Happen To Me (Russell Dickerson) (S)
Hello S—ty Day (Jake Worthington, Miranda Lambert)(S)
If You Were Mine (Morgan Wallen) (T)
Patterns (Kelsea Ballerini) (T)
To The Men That Love Women After Heartbreak (Kelsea Ballerini) (T)

**Tobias Jesso Jr.**
Another Baby! (Dijon) (T)
Baby! (Dijon) (T)
Daisies (Justin Bieber) (T)
From (Bon Iver) (T)
Go Baby (Justin Bieber) (T)
Golden Burning Sun (Miley Cyrus) (T)
Man I Need (Olivia Dean) (S)
Relationships (HAIM) (S)
Walking Away (Justin Bieber) (T)

Laura Veltz
About You (BigXthaPlug Featuring Tucker Wetmore) (T)
Blue Strips (Jessie Murph) (S)
Grand Bouquet (Maren Morris) (T)
Leave Me Too (Josh Ross) (S)
Parallel Universe (Lauren Spencer Smith) (T)
Someone In This Room (Jessie Murph Featuring Bailey Zimmerman) (T)
Touch Me Like A Gangster (Jessie Murph) (S)
What Tomorrow’s For (Blessing Offor) (T)
You’ll Be OK, Kid – From The Original Documentary “Child Star” (Demi Lovato) (S)

Pop & Dance/Electronic

Best Pop Solo Performance
For new vocal or instrumental pop recordings. Singles or Tracks only.

DAISIES
Justin Bieber

Manchild
Sabrina Carpenter

Disease
Lady Gaga

The Subway
Chappell Roan

Messy
Lola Young

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
For new vocal or instrumental duo/group or collaborative pop recordings. Singles or Tracks only.

Defying Gravity
Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande

**Golden [From “KPop Demon Hunters”]**
HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI

Gabriela
KATSEYE

**APT.**
ROSÉ, Bruno Mars

30 For 30
SZA Featuring Kendrick Lamar

Best Pop Vocal Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new pop vocal recordings.

SWAG
Justin Bieber

Man’s Best Friend
Sabrina Carpenter

Something Beautiful
Miley Cyrus

MAYHEM
Lady Gaga

**I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2)**
Teddy Swims

Best Dance/Electronic Recording
For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances. Vocal or Instrumental. Singles or tracks only.

No Cap
Disclosure & Anderson .Paak
Disclosure, producer; Guy Lawrence, mixer

Victory Lap
Fred again.., Skepta, & PlaqueBoyMax
Blake Cascoe, Berwyn Du Bois, Fred again.., Darcy Lewis, Dan Mayo & PlaqueBoyMax, producers; Tom Norris, mixer

SPACE INVADER
KAYTRANADA
KAYTRANADA, producer; KAYTRANADA, mixer

VOLTAGE
Skrillex
John Feldmann & Skrillex, producers; Luca Pretolesi, Skrillex & Virtual Riot, mixers

End Of Summer
Tame Impala
Kevin Parker, producer; Kevin Parker, mixer

Best Dance Pop Recording
For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances. Vocal or Instrumental. Singles or tracks only.

Bluest Flame
Selena Gomez & benny blanco
benny blanco, Dylan Brady & Cashmere Cat, producers;benny blanco & Cashmere Cat, mixers

Abracadabra
Lady Gaga
Cirkut, Lady Gaga & Andrew Watt, producers; Serban Ghenea, mixer

Midnight Sun
Zara Larsson
Margo XS & MNEK, producers; Tom Norris, mixer

Just Keep Watching (From F1® The Movie)
Tate McRae
Tyler Spry & Ryan Tedder, producers; Manny Marroquin, mixer

Illegal
PinkPantheress
Aksel Arvid & PinkPantheress, producers; Nickie Jon Pabon

Best Dance/Electronic Album
For vocal or instrumental albums. Albums only.

EUSEXUA
FKA twigs

Ten Days
Fred again..

Fancy That
PinkPantheress

Inhale / Exhale
RÜFÜS DU SOL

F— U SKRILLEX YOU THINK UR ANDY WARHOL BUT UR NOT!! <3
Skrillex

Best Remixed Recording
A Remixer’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses for identification.) Singles or Tracks only.

Abracadabra – Gesaffelstein Remix
Gesaffelstein, remixer (Lady Gaga, Gesaffelstein)

Don’t Forget About Us
KAYTRANADA, remixer (Mariah Carey & KAYTRANADA)

A Dreams A Dream – Ron Trent Remix
Ron Trent, remixer (Soul II Soul)

Galvanize
Chris Lake, remixer (The Chemical Brothers & Chris Lake)

Golden – David Guetta REM/X
David Guetta, remixer (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)

Rock, Metal & Alternative Music

Best Rock Performance
For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative rock recordings.

U Should Not Be Doing That
Amyl and The Sniffers

The Emptiness Machine
Linkin Park

NEVER ENOUGH
Turnstile

Mirtazapine
Hayley Williams

Changes (Live From Villa Park) Back To The Beginning
YUNGBLUD Featuring Nuno Bettencourt, Frank Bello, Adam Wakeman, II

Best Metal Performance
For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative metal recordings.

Night Terror
Dream Theater

Lachryma
Ghost

Emergence
Sleep Token

Soft Spine
Spiritbox

BIRDS
Turnstile

Best Rock Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. Includes Rock, Hard Rock and Metal songs. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

As Alive As You Need Me To Be
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, songwriters (Nine Inch Nails)

Caramel
Vessel1 & Vessel2, songwriters (Sleep Token)

Glum
Daniel James & Hayley Williams, songwriters (Hayley Williams)

NEVER ENOUGH
Daniel Fang, Franz Lyons, Pat McCrory, Meg Mills & Brendan Yates, songwriters (Turnstile)

Zombie
Dominic Harrison & Matt Schwartz, songwriters (YUNGBLUD)

Best Rock Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new rock, hard rock or metal recordings.

private music
Deftones

I quit
HAIM

From Zero
Linkin Park

NEVER ENOUGH
Turnstile

Idols
YUNGBLUD

Best Alternative Music Performance
For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative Alternative music recordings.

Everything Is Peaceful Love
Bon Iver

Alone
The Cure

SEEIN’ STARS
Turnstile

mangetout
Wet Leg

Parachute
Hayley Williams

Best Alternative Music Album
Vocal or Instrumental.

SABLE, fABLE
Bon Iver

Songs Of A Lost World
The Cure

DON’T TAP THE GLASS
Tyler, The Creator

moisturizer
Wet Leg

Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party
Hayley Williams

R&B, Rap & Spoken Word Poetry

Best R&B Performance
For new vocal or instrumental R&B recordings.

YUKON
Justin Bieber

It Depends
Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller

Folded
Kehlani

MUTT — Live From NPR’s Tiny Desk
Leon Thomas

Heart Of A Woman
Summer Walker

Best Traditional R&B Performance
For new vocal or instrumental traditional R&B recordings.

Here We Are
Durand Bernarr

UPTOWN
Lalah Hathaway

LOVE YOU TOO
Ledisi

Crybaby
SZA

VIBES DON’T LIE
Leon Thomas

Best R&B Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Folded
Darius Dixson, Andre Harris, Donovan Knight, Don Mills, Kehlani Parrish, Khris Riddick-Tynes & Dawit Kamal Wilson, songwriters (Kehlani)

Heart Of A Woman
David Bishop & Summer Walker, songwriters (Summer Walker)

It Depends
Nico Baran, Chris Brown, Ant Clemons, Ephrem Lopez Jr., Ryan Press, Bryson Tiller, Elliott Trent & Dewain Whitmore Jr., songwriters (Chris Brown Featuring Bryson Tiller)

Overqualified
James John Abrahart Jr & Durand Bernarr, songwriters (Durand Bernarr)

YES IT IS
Jariuce Banks, Lazaro Andres Camejo, Mike Hector, Peter Lee Johnson, Rodney Jones Jr., Ali Prawl & Leon Thomas, songwriters (Leon Thomas)

Best Progressive R&B Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded progressive vocal tracks derivative of R&B.

BLOOM
Durand Bernarr

Adjust Brightness
Bilal

LOVE ON DIGITAL
Destin Conrad

Access All Areas
FLO

Come As You Are
Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon

Best R&B Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new R&B recordings.

BELOVED
GIVĒON

**Why Not More?**
Coco Jones

The Crown
Ledisi

Escape Room
Teyana Taylor

MUTT
Leon Thomas

Best Rap Performance
For a Rap performance. Singles or Tracks only.

Outside
Cardi B

Chains & Whips
Clipse, Pusha T & Malice Featuring Kendrick Lamar & Pharrell Williams

Anxiety
Doechii

tv off
Kendrick Lamar Featuring Lefty Gunplay

Darling, I
Tyler, The Creator Featuring Teezo Touchdown

Best Melodic Rap Performance
For a solo or collaborative performance containing both elements of R&B melodies and Rap.

Proud Of Me
Fridayy Featuring Meek Mill

Wholeheartedly
JID Featuring Ty Dolla $ign & 6Lack

luther
Kendrick Lamar With SZA

WeMaj
Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon Featuring Rapsody

SOMEBODY LOVES ME
PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake

Best Rap Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Anxiety
Jaylah Hickmon, songwriter (Doechii)

The Birds Don’t Sing
Gene Elliott Thornton Jr., Terrence Thornton, Pharrell Williams & Stevie Wonder, songwriters (Clipse, Pusha T & Malice Featuring John Legend & Voices Of Fire)

Sticky
Aaron Bolton, Dwayne Carter, Jr., Dudley Alexander Duverne, Tyler Okonma, Janae Wherry, Gloria Woods & Rex Zamor, songwriters (Tyler, The Creator Featuring GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne)

TGIF
Lucas Alegria, Dillon Brophy, Yakki Davis, Jess Jackson, Ronnie Jackson, Mario Mims, Jorge M. Taveras & Gloria Woods, songwriters (GloRilla)

tv off
Jack Antonoff, Larry Jayy, Kendrick Lamar, Dijon McFarlane, Sean Momberger, Mark Anthony Spears & Kamasi Washington, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar Featuring Lefty Gunplay)

Best Rap Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new rap recordings.

Let God Sort Em Out
Clipse, Pusha T & Malice

GLORIOUS
GloRilla

God Does Like Ugly
JID

GNX
Kendrick Lamar

CHROMAKOPIA
Tyler, The Creator

Best Spoken Word Poetry Album
For albums containing greater than 50% playing time of new spoken word poetry recordings.

A Hurricane in Heels: healed people don’t act like that — partially recorded live @City Winery & other places
Queen Sheba

Black Shaman
Marc Marcel

Pages
Omari Hardwick & Anthony Hamilton

Saul Williams Meets Carlos Niño & Friends At Treepeople
Saul Williams, Carlos Niño & Friends

Words For Days Vol. 1
Mad Skillz

Jazz, Traditional Pop, Contemporary Instrumental & Musical Theater
Best Jazz Performance

For new vocal or instrumental solo, duo/group or collaborative jazz recordings.

Noble Rise
Lakecia Benjamin Featuring Immanuel Wilkins & Mark Whitfield

Windows – Live
Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade

Peace Of Mind / Dreams Come True
Samara Joy

Four
Michael Mayo

All Stars Lead To You – Live
Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach, Tom Scott, Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold & Rachel Eckroth

Best Jazz Vocal Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal jazz recordings.

Elemental
Dee Dee Bridgewater & Bill Charlap

**We Insist 2025!**
Terri Lyne Carrington & Christie Dashiell

Portrait
Samara Joy

Fly
Michael Mayo

Live at Vic’s Las Vegas
Nicole Zuraitis, Dan Pugach, Tom Scott, Idan Morim, Keyon Harrold & Rachel Eckroth

Best Jazz Instrumental Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new instrumental jazz recordings.

Trilogy 3 — Live
Chick Corea, Christian McBride & Brian Blade

Southern Nights
Sullivan Fortner Featuring Peter Washington & Marcus Gilmore

Belonging
Branford Marsalis Quartet

Spirit Fall
John Patitucci Featuring Chris Potter & Brian Blade

Fasten Up
Yellowjackets

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new large ensemble jazz recordings.

Orchestrator Emulator
The 8-Bit Big Band

Without Further Ado, Vol 1
Christian McBride Big Band

Lumen
Danilo Pérez & Bohuslän Big Band

Basie Rocks
Deborah Silver & The Count Basie Orchestra

Lights on a Satellite
Sun Ra Arkestra

Some Days Are Better: The Lost Scores
Kenny Wheeler Legacy Featuring The Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra & Frost Jazz Orchestra

Best Alternative Jazz Album
For vocal or instrumental albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new Alternative jazz recordings.

honey from a winter stone
Ambrose Akinmusire

Keys To The City Volume One
Robert Glasper

Ride into the Sun
Brad Mehldau

LIVE-ACTION
Nate Smith

Blues Blood
Immanuel Wilkins

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new traditional pop recordings.

Wintersongs
Laila Biali

The Gift Of Love
Jennifer Hudson

**Who Believes In Angels?**
Elton John & Brandi Carlile

Harlequin
Lady Gaga

A Matter Of Time
Laufey

The Secret Of Life: Partners, Volume 2
Barbra Streisan

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new contemporary instrumental recordings.

Brightside
ARKAI

Ones & Twos
Gerald Clayton

BEATrio
Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, Antonio Sánchez

Just Us
Bob James & Dave Koz

Shayan
Charu Suri

Best Musical Theater Album
For albums containing greater than 51% playing time of new recordings. Award to the principal vocalist(s), and the album producer(s) of 50% or more playing time of the album. The lyricist(s) and composer(s) of 50 % or more of a score of a new recording are eligible for an Award if any previous recording of said score has not been nominated in this category.

Buena Vista Social Club
Marco Paguia, Dean Sharenow & David Yazbek, producers (Original Broadway Cast)

Death Becomes Her
Taurean Everett, Megan Hilty, Josh Lamon, Christopher Sieber, Jennifer Simard & Michelle Williams, principal vocalists; Noel Carey, Sean Patrick Flahaven, Julia Mattison & Scott M. Riesett, producers; Noel Carey & Julia Mattison, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast)

Gypsy
Danny Burstein, Kevin Csolak, Audra McDonald, Jordan Tyson & Joy Woods, principal vocalists; David Caddick, Andy Einhorn, David Lai & George C. Wolfe, producers (Jule Styne, composer; Stephen Sondheim, lyricist) (2024 Broadway Cast)

Just In Time
Emily Bergl, Jonathan Groff, Erika Henningsen, Gracie Lawrence & Michele Pawk, principal vocalists; Derik Lee, Andrew Resnick & Bill Sherman, producers (Bobby Darin, composer & lyricist) (Original Broadway Cast)

Maybe Happy Ending
Marcus Choi, Darren Criss, Dez Duron & Helen J Shen, principal vocalists; Deborah Abramson, Will Aronson, Ian Kagey & Hue Park, producers; Hue Park, lyricist; Will Aronson, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)

Best Country Solo Performance
For new vocal or instrumental solo country recordings.

Nose On The Grindstone
Tyler Childers

Good News
Shaboozey

Bad As I Used To Be [From “F1® The Movie”] Chris Stapleton

I Never Lie
Zach Top

Somewhere Over Laredo
Lainey Wilson

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
For new vocal or instrumental duo/group or collaborative country recordings.

A Song To Sing
Miranda Lambert And Chris Stapleton

Trailblazer
Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson

Love Me Like You Used To Do
Margo Price & Tyler Childers

Amen
Shaboozey & Jelly Roll

Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame
George Strait, Chris Stapleton

Best Country Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Bitin’ List
Tyler Childers, songwriter (Tyler Childers)

Good News
Michael Ross Pollack, Sam Elliot Roman & Jacob Torrey, songwriters (Shaboozey)

I Never Lie
Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols & Zach Top, songwriters (Zach Top)

Somewhere Over Laredo
Andy Albert, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson & Lainey Wilson, songwriters (Lainey Wilson)

A Song To Sing
Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure, Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Miranda Lambert And Chris Stapleton)

Best Traditional Country Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new traditional country recordings.

Dollar A Day
Charley Crockett

American Romance
Lukas Nelson

Oh What A Beautiful World
Willie Nelson

Hard Headed Woman
Margo Price

Ain’t In It For My Health
Zach Top

Best Contemporary Country Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new contemporary country recordings.

Patterns
Kelsea Ballerini

Snipe Hunter
Tyler Childers

Evangeline Vs. The Machine
Eric Church

Beautifully Broken
Jelly Roll

Postcards From Texas
Miranda Lambert

Best American Roots Performance
For new vocal or instrumental American Roots recordings. This is for performances in the style of any of the subgenres encompassed in the American Roots Music field including bluegrass, blues, folk or regional roots. Award to the artist(s).

LONELY AVENUE
Jon Batiste Featuring Randy Newman

Ancient Light
I’m With Her

Crimson And Clay
Jason Isbell

Richmond On The James
Alison Krauss & Union Station

Beautiful Strangers
Mavis Staples

Best Americana Performance
For new vocal or instrumental Americana performance. Award to the artist(s).

Boom
Sierra Hull

Poison In My Well
Maggie Rose & Grace Potter

Godspeed
Mavis Staples

That’s Gonna Leave A Mark
Molly Tuttle

Horses
Jesse Welles

Best American Roots Song
A Songwriter(s) Award. Includes Americana, bluegrass, traditional blues, contemporary blues, folk or regional roots songs. A song is eligible if it was first released or if it first achieved prominence during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Ancient Light
Sarah Jarosz, Aoife O’Donovan & Sara Watkins, songwriters (I’m With Her)

BIG MONEY
Jon Batiste, Mike Elizondo & Steve McEwan, songwriters (Jon Batiste)

Foxes In The Snow
Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell)

Middle
Jesse Welles, songwriter (Jesse Welles)

Spitfire
Sierra Hull, songwriter (Sierra Hull)

Best Americana Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental Americana recordings.

BIG MONEY
Jon Batiste

Bloom
Larkin Poe

Last Leaf On The Tree
Willie Nelson

So Long Little Miss Sunshine
Molly Tuttle

Middle
Jesse Welles

Best Bluegrass Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental bluegrass recordings.

Carter & Cleveland
Michael Cleveland & Jason Carter

A Tip Toe High Wire
Sierra Hull

Arcadia
Alison Krauss & Union Station

Outrun
The Steeldrivers

Highway Prayers
Billy Strings

Best Traditional Blues Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental traditional blues recordings.

Ain’t Done With The Blues
Buddy Guy

Room On The Porch
Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’

One Hour Mama: The Blues Of Victoria Spivey
Maria Muldaur

Look Out Highway
Charlie Musselwhite

Young Fashioned Ways
Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush

Best Contemporary Blues Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental contemporary blues recordings.

Breakthrough
Joe Bonamassa

Paper Doll
Samantha Fish

A Tribute To LJK
Eric Gales

Preacher Kids
Robert Randolph

Family
Southern Avenue

Best Folk Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental folk recordings.

What Did The Blackbird Say To The Crow
Rhiannon Giddens & Justin Robinson

Crown Of Roses
Patty Griffin

Wild And Clear And Blue
I’m With Her

Foxes In The Snow
Jason Isbell

Under The Powerlines April 24 – September 24
Jesse Welles

Best Regional Roots Music Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental regional roots music recordings.

Live At Vaughan’s
Corey Henry & The Treme Funktet

For Fat Man
Preservation Brass & Preservation Hall Jazz Band

Church Of New Orleans
Kyle Roussel

Second Line Sunday
Trombone Shorty And New Breed Brass Band

A Tribute To The King Of Zydeco
(Various Artists)

Best Gospel Performance/Song
This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best traditional Christian, roots gospel or contemporary gospel single or track.

Do It Again
Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter

Church
Tasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters

Still Live
Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing III, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters

Amen
Pastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters

Come Jesus Come
Cece Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song
This award is given to the artist(s) and songwriter(s) (for new compositions) for the best contemporary Christian music single or track, (including pop, rap/hip-hop, Latin, or rock.)

I Know A Name
Elevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters

YOUR WAY’S BETTER
Forrest Frank; Forrest Frank & Pera, songwriters

Hard Fought Hallelujah
Brandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Jason Bradley Deford, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings & Brandon Lake, songwriters

Headphones
Lecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Bongo ByTheWay, Clifford Harris, William Roderick Miller, Lecrae Moore, Michael Render & Tyshane Thompson, songwriters

Amazing
Darrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls,songwriters

Category 55

Best Gospel Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional or contemporary/R&B gospel music recordings.

Sunny Days
Yolanda Adams

Tasha
Tasha Cobbs Leonard

Live Breathe Fight
Tamela Mann

Only On The Road Live
Tye Tribbett

Heart Of Mine
Darrel Walls, PJ Morton

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, contemporary Christian music, including pop, rap/hip hop, Latin, or rock recordings.

CHILD OF GOD II
Forrest Frank

Coritos Vol. 1
Israel & New Breed

King Of Hearts
Brandon Lake

Reconstruction
Lecrae

Let The Church Sing
Tauren Wells

Best Roots Gospel Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional/roots gospel music, including country, Southern gospel, bluegrass, and Americana recordings.

I Will Not Be Moved — Live
The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Then Came The Morning
Gaither Vocal Band

Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah
The Isaacs

Good Answers
Karen Peck & New River

Back To My Roots
Candi Staton

Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new vocal or instrumental new age recordings.

Kuruvinda
Kirsten Agresta-Copely

According To The Moon
Cheryl B. Engelhardt, GEM, Dallas String Quartet

Into The Forest
Jahnavi Harrison

NOMADICA
Carla Patullo Featuring The Scorchio Quartet & Tonality

The Colors In My Mind
Chris Redding

Field 8: Children’s, Comedy, Audio Books, Visual Media & Music Video/Film
Category 68

Best Children’s Music Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new musical or spoken word recordings that are created and intended specifically for children.

Ageless: 100 Years Young
Joanie Leeds & Joya

Buddy’s Magic Tree House
Mega Ran

Harmony
FYÜTCH & Aura V

Herstory
Flor Bromley

The Music Of Tori And The Muses
Tori Amos

Best Comedy Album
For albums containing greater than 75% playing time of new recordings.

Drop Dead Years
Bill Burr

PostMortem
Sarah Silverman

Single Lady
Ali Wong

What Had Happened Was…
Jamie Foxx

Your Friend, Nate Bargatze
Nate Bargatze

Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording
Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story
Kathy Garver

Into The Uncut Grass
Trevor Noah

Lovely One: A Memoir
Ketanji Brown Jackson

Meditations: The Reflections Of His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama

You Know It’s True: The Real Story Of Milli Vanilli
Fab Morvan

Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media
Award to the principal artist(s) and/or ‘in studio’ producer(s) of a majority of the tracks on the album. In the absence of both, award to the one or two individuals proactively responsible for the concept and musical direction of the album and for the selection of artists, songs and producers, as applicable. Award also goes to appropriately credited music supervisor(s).

A Complete Unknown
Timothée Chalamet
Nick Baxter, Steven Gizicki & James Mangold, compilation producers; Steven Gizicki, music supervisor

F1® The Album
(Various Artists)
Brandon Davis, Joe Khoury, Kevin Weaver, compilation producers; David Taylor & Jake Voulgarides, music supervisors

KPop Demon Hunters
(Various Artists)
Spring Aspers & Dana Sano, compilation producers; Ian Eisendrath, music supervisor

Sinners
(Various Artists)
Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson & Serena Göransson, compilation producers; Niki Sherrod, music supervisor

Wicked
Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, (& Wicked Movie Cast)
Stephen Oremus, Stephen Schwartz & Greg Wells, compilation producers; Maggie Rodford, music supervisor

Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film And Television)
Award to Composer(s) for an original score created specifically for, or as a companion to, a current legitimate motion picture, television show or series, or other visual media.

How To Train Your Dragon
John Powell, composer

Severance: Season 2
Theodore Shapiro, composer

Sinners
Ludwig Göransson, composer

Wicked
John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, composers

The Wild Robot
Kris Bowers, composer

Category 73

Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media
Award to Composer(s) for an original score created specifically for, or as a companion to, video games and other interactive media.

Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Secrets of the Spires
Pinar Toprak, composer

Helldivers 2
Wilbert Roget, II, composer

Indiana Jones And The Great Circle
Gordy Haab, composer

Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card & A Pirate’s Fortune
Cody Matthew Johnson & Wilbert Roget, II, composers

Sword of the Sea
Austin Wintory, composer

Best Song Written For Visual Media
A Songwriter(s) award. For a song (melody & lyrics) written specifically for a motion picture, television, video games or other visual media, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

**As Alive As You Need Me To Be — From “TRON: Ares”**
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, songwriters (Nine Inch Nails)

**Golden — From “KPop Demon Hunters”**
EJAE & Mark Sonnenblick, songwriters (HUNTR/X: EJAE, Audrey Nuna, REI AMI)

**I Lied to You — From “Sinners”**
Ludwig Göransson & Raphael Saadiq, songwriters (Miles Caton)

**Never Too Late — From “Elton John: Never Too Late”**
Brandi Carlile, Elton John, Bernie Taupin & Andrew Watt, songwriters (Elton John, Brandi Carlile)

**Pale, Pale Moon — From “Sinners”**
Ludwig Göransson & Brittany Howard, songwriters (Jayme Lawson)

**Sinners — From “Sinners”**
Leonard Denisenko, Rodarius Green, Travis Harrington, Tarkan Kozluklu, Kyris Mingo & Darius Povilinus, songwriters (Rod Wave)

Best Music Video
Award to the artist, video director, and video producer.

Manchild
Sabrina Carpenter
Vania Heymann & Gal Muggia, video directors; Aiden Magarian, Nathan Scherrer & Natan Schottenfels, video producers

So Be It
Clipse
Hannan Hussain, video director; Daniel Order, video producer

Anxiety
Doechii
James Mackel, video director; Pablo Feldman, Jolene Mendes & Sophia Sabella, video producers

Love
OK Go
Aaron Duffy, Miguel Espada & Damian Kulash Jr., video directors; Petra Ahmann, video producer

Young Lion
Sade
Sophie Muller, video director; Aaron Taylor Dean & Sade, video producers

Category 76

Best Music Film
For concert/performance films or music documentaries. Award to the artist, video director, and video producer.

Devo
Devo
Chris Smith, video director; Danny Gabai, Anita Greenspan, Chris Holmes & Chris Smith, video producers

Live At The Royal Albert Hall
Raye
Paul Dugdale, video director; Stefan Demetriou & Amy James, video producers

Relentless
Diane Warren
Bess Kargman, video director; Peggy Drexler, Michele Farinola & Kat Nguyen, video producers

Music By John Williams
John Williams
Laurent Bouzereau, video director; Sara Bernstein, Laurent Bouzereau, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard, Meredith Kaulfers, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Steven Spielberg & Justin Wilkes, video producers

Piece By Piece
Pharrell Williams
Morgan Neville, video director; Morgan Neville, Caitrin Rogers, Mimi Valdes & Pharrell Williams, video producers

Package, Notes & Historical

Best Recording Package
And The Adjacent Possible
Hà Trinh Quoc Bao, Damian Kulash, Jr., Claudio Ripol, Wombi Rose & Yuri Suzuki, art directors (OK Go)

Balloonerism
Bráulio Amado & Alim Smith, art directors (Mac Miller)

Danse Macabre: De Luxe
Rory McCartney, art director (Duran Duran)

Loud Is As
Farbod Kokabi & Emily Sneddon, art directors (Tsunami)

Sequoia
Tim Breen & Ken Shipley, art directors (Various Artists)

The Spins — Picture Disc Vinyl
Miller McCormick, art director (Mac Miller)

Tracks II: The Lost Albums
Meghan Foley & Michelle Holme, art directors (Bruce Springsteen)

Best Album Cover
CHROMAKOPIA
Shaun Llewellyn & Luis “Panch” Perez, art directors (Tyler, The Creator)

The Crux
William Wesley II, art director (Djo)

Debí Tirar Más Fotos
Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, art director (Bad Bunny)

Glory
Cody Critcheloe & Andrew J.S., art directors (Perfume Genius)

moisturizer
Hester Chambers, Ellis Durand, Henry Holmes, Matt de Jong, Jamie-James Medina, Joshua Mobaraki & Rhian Teasdale, art directors (Wet Leg)

Best Album Notes
Adios, Farewell, Goodbye, Good Luck, So Long: On Stage 1964-1974
Scott B. Bomar, album notes writer (Buck Owens And His Buckaroos)

After The Last Sky
Adam Shatz, album notes writer (Anouar Brahem, Anja Lechner, Django Bates, Dave Holland)

Árabe
Amanda Ekery, album notes writer (Amanda Ekery)

The First Family: Live At Winchester Cathedral 1967
Alec Palao, album notes writer (Sly & The Family Stone)

A Ghost Is Born — 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
Bob Mehr, album notes writer (Wilco)

Miles ’55: The Prestige Recordings
Ashley Kahn, album notes writer (Miles Davis)

Best Historical Album
Joni Mitchell Archives – Volume 4: The Asylum Years — 1976-1980
Patrick Milligan & Joni Mitchell, compilation producers; Bernie Grundman, mastering engineer (Joni Mitchell)

The Making Of Five Leaves Left
Cally Callomon & Johnny Chandler, compilation producers; Simon Heyworth & John Wood, mastering engineers; John Wood, restoration engineer (Nick Drake)

Roots Rocking Zimbabwe – The Modern Sound Of Harare’ Townships 1975-1980 — Analog Africa No.41
Samy Ben Redjeb, compilation producer; Michael Graves, mastering engineer; Michael Graves & Jordan McLeod, restoration engineers (Various Artists)

Super Disco Pirata – De Tepito Para El Mundo 1965-1980 — Analog Africa No. 39
Samy Ben Redjeb, compilation producer; Michael Graves, mastering engineer; Jordan McLeod, restoration engineer (Various Artists)

You Can’t Hip A Square: The Doc Pomus Songwriting Demos
Will Bratton, Sharyn Felder & Cheryl Pawelski,compilation producers; Michael Graves, mastering engineer; Michael Graves & Jordan McLeod, restoration engineers (Doc Pomus)
Category 81

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical
An Engineer’s Award. (Artists names appear in parentheses.)

All Things Light
Jesse Brock, Jon Castelli, Tyler Johnson, Nick Lobel, Simon Maartensson, Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell, Anders Mouridsen, Ryan Nasci, Ernesto Olivera-Lapier, Ethan Schneiderman & Owen Stoutt, engineers; Dale Becker, mastering engineer (Cam)

Arcadia
Neal Cappellino & Gary Paczosa, engineers; Brad Blackwood, mastering engineer (Alison Krauss & Union Station)

For Melancholy Brunettes & sad women
Joseph Lorge, Blake Mills & Sebastian Reunert, engineers; Patricia Sullivan, mastering engineer (Japanese Breakfast)

That Wasn’t A Dream
Joseph Lorge & Blake Mills, engineers; Patricia Sullivan, mastering engineer (Pino Palladino, Blake Mills)

Best Engineered Album, Classical
An Engineer’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.)

Cerrone: Don’t Look Down
Mike Tierney, engineer; Alan Silverman, mastering engineer (Sandbox Percussion)

Eastman: Symphony No. 2; Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2
Gintas Norvila, engineer; Jennifer Nulsen, mastering engineer (Franz Welser-Möst & The Cleveland Orchestra)

Shostakovich: Lady Macbeth Of The Mtsensk District
Shawn Murphy & Nick Squire, engineers; Tim Martyn, mastering engineer (Andris Nelsons, Kristine Opolais, Günther Groissböck, Peter Hoare, Brenden Gunnell & Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Standard Stoppages
Sean Connors, Robert Dillon, Peter Martin, Bill Maylone, Judith Sherman & David Skidmore, engineers; Joe Lambert, mastering engineer (Third Coast Percussion)

Yule
Morten Lindberg, engineer; Morten Lindberg, mastering engineer (Trio Mediæval)

Producer Of The Year, Classical
A Producer’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.)

Blanton Alspaugh
All Is Miracle – The Choral Music Of Kyle Pederson (Timothy J. Campbell & Transept) (A)
Heggie: Intelligence (Kwame Ryan, Janai Brugger, Jamie Barton, J’Nai Bridges & Houston Grand Opera) (A)
Marsalis: Blues Symphony (Jader Bignamini & Detroit Symphony Orchestra) (A)
Massenet: Werther (Robert Spano, Matthew Polenzani, sabel Leonard & Houston Grand Opera) (A)
The Mirage Calls (Charles Bruffy & Kansas City Chorale) (A)
Sheehan: Ukrainian War Requiem (Michael Zaugg, Axios Men’s Ensemble & Pro Coro Canada) (A)
Sun, Moon, Stars, Rain (Christopher Gabbitas & Phoenix Chorale) (A)

Sergei Kvitko
Biedenbender: Enigma; River Of Time (Kevin L. Sedatole & Michigan State University Wind Symphony) (A)
Chiaroscuro (Vedrana Subotic) (A)
Dancing In A Still Life (Tasha Warren) (A)
Excursions (Vuorovesi Trio) (A)
Four Hands. Two Hearts. One Hope. Ukrainian And American Music For Piano Duo (Mykhailo Diordiiev & Anastasiia Larchikova) (A)
Here And Now – Trumpet Music By Virginia Composers (Jason Crafton, Richard Masters, Annie Stevens & Paul Langosch) (A)
Lansky: Touch And Go (Gwendolyn Dease) (A)
Orbiting Garden (William Hobbs) (A)
Would That Loving Were Enough (Haven Trio) (A)

Morten Lindberg
Fred Over Jorden (Peace To The World) (Elisabeth Holte, Kjetil Bjerkestrand & Uranienborg Vokalensemble) (A)
Stjernebru (Anne Karin Sundal-Ask & Det Norske Jentekor) (A)
Yule (Trio Mediæval) (A)

Dmitriy Lipay
Heggie: Before It All Goes Dark (Joseph Mechavich, Megan Marino, Ryan McKinny & Music Of Remembrance Ensemble) (A)
Odyssey (Jorge Glem, Gustavo Dudamel & Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra Of Venezuela) (A)
Ortiz: Yanga (Gustavo Dudamel, Alisa Weilerstein & Los Angeles Philharmonic) (A)

Elaine Martone
Berlioz: Symphonie Fantastique (Franz Welser-Möst & The Cleveland Orchestra) (A)
Chopin & Rachmaninoff: Cello Sonatas (Brian Thornton & Spencer Myer) (A)
Dear Mrs. Kennedy (Ryan Townsend Strand) (A)
Eastman: Symphony No. 2; Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2 (Franz Welser-Möst & The Cleveland Orchestra) (A)
LeFrak: Romántico (Sharon Isbin, Lopez-Yañez & Orchestra Of St. Luke’s) (A)
Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 27 & Symphony No. 29 (Garrick Ohlsson, Franz Welser-Möst & The Cleveland Orchestrea) (A)
The Poet & The Prodigy (Debra Nagy & Mark Edwards) (A)
Shapes In Collective Space (Tallā Rouge) (A)
Songs Of Orpheus (Kelley O’Connor) (A)

Best Immersive Audio Album
For vocal or instrumental albums in any genre. Must be commercially released for physical sale or on an eligible streaming or download service and must provide a new immersive mix of four or more channels. Award to the immersive mix engineer, immersive producer (if any) and immersive mastering engineer (if any).

All American F—boy
Andrew Law, immersive mix engineer (Duckwrth)

Immersed
Justin Gray, immersive mix engineer; Michael Romanowski, immersive mastering engineer; Justin Gray, Drew Jurecka & Morten Lindberg, immersive producers (Justin Gray)

An Immersive Tribute To Astor Piazzolla — Live
Andrés Mayo & Martín Muscatello, immersive mix engineers; Andrés Mayo & Martín Muscatello, immersive producers (Various Artists)

Tearjerkers
Hans-Martin Buff, immersive mix engineer; Hans-Martin Buff, immersive producer (Tearjerkers)

Yule
Morten Lindberg, immersive mix engineer; Morten Lindberg, immersive mastering engineer; Arve Henriksen & Morten Lindberg, immersive producers (Trio Mediæval)

Best Instrumental Composition
A Composer’s Award for an original composition (not an adaptation) first released during the Eligibility Year. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only

First Snow
Remy Le Boeuf, composer (Nordkraft Big Band, Remy Le Boeuf & Danielle Wertz)

Live Life This Day: Movement I
Miho Hazama, composer (Miho Hazama, Danish Radio Big Band & Danish National Symphony Orchestra)

Lord, That’s A Long Way
Sierra Hull, composer (Sierra Hull)

Opening
Zain Effendi, composer (Zain Effendi)

Train To Emerald City
John Powell & Stephen Schwartz, composers (John Powell & Stephen Schwartz)

Why You Here / Before The Sun Went Down
Ludwig Göransson, composer (Ludwig Göransson Featuring Miles Caton)

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella
An Arranger’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Be Okay
Cynthia Erivo, arranger (Cynthia Erivo)

A Child Is Born
Remy Le Boeuf, arranger (Nordkraft Big Band & Remy Le Boeuf)

Fight On
Andy Clausen, Addison Maye-Saxon, Riley Mulherkar & Chloe Rowlands, arrangers (The Westerlies)

Super Mario Praise Break
Bryan Carter, Charlie Rosen & Matthew Whitaker, arrangers (The 8-Bit Big Band)

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals
An Arranger’s Award. (Artist names appear in parentheses.) Singles or Tracks only.

Big Fish
Erin Bentlage, Sara Gazarek, Johnaye Kendrick, Nate Smith & Amanda Taylor, arrangers (Nate Smith Featuring säje)

**How Did She Look?**
Nelson Riddle, arranger (Seth MacFarlane)

Keep An Eye On Summer
Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier)

Something In The Water — Acoustic-Ish
Clyde Lawrence, Gracie Lawrence & Linus Lawrence, arrangers (Lawrence)

What A Wonderful World
Cody Fry, arranger (Cody Fry)

Best Orchestral Performance
Award to the Conductor and to the Orchestra.

**Coleridge-Taylor: Toussaint L’Ouverture, Ballade Op. 4, Suites From ’24 Negro Melodies’**
Michael Repper, conductor (National Philharmonic)

Messiaen: Turangalîla-Symphonie
Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Ravel: Boléro, M. 81
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor (Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra Of Venezuela)

Still & Bonds
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor (The Philadelphia Orchestra)

Stravinsky: Symphony In Three Movements
Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor (San Francisco Symphony)

Best Opera Recording
Award to the Conductor, Album Producer(s) and Principal Soloists, and to the Composer and Librettist (if applicable) of a world premiere Opera recording only.

Heggie: Intelligence
Kwamé Ryan, conductor; Jamie Barton, J’Nai Bridges & Janai Brugger; Blanton Alspaugh, producer (Houston Grand Opera; Gene Scheer)

Huang Ruo: An American Soldier
Carolyn Kuan, conductor; Hannah Cho, Alex DeSocio, Nina Yoshida Nelsen & Brian Vu; Adam Abeshouse, Silas Brown & Doron Schachter, producers (American Composers Orchestra; David Henry Hwang)

Kouyoumdjian: Adoration
Alan Pierson, conductor; Miriam Khalil, Marc Kudisch, David Adam Moore, Omar Najmi, Naomi Louisa O’Connell & Karim Sulayman; Mary Kouyoumdjian, producer (Silvana Quartet; The Choir Of Trinity Wall Street)

O’Halloran: Trade & Mary Motorhead
Elaine Kelly, conductor; Oisín Ó Dálaigh & John Molloy; Alex Dowling & Emma O’Halloran, producers (Irish National Opera Orchestra; Mark O’Halloran)

Tesori: Grounded
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor; Ben Bliss, Emily D’Angelo, Greer Grimsley & Kyle Miller; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus; George Brant)

Best Choral Performance
Award to the Conductor, and to the Choral Director and/or Chorus Master where applicable and to the Choral Organization/Ensemble.

Advena – Liturgies For A Broken World
Craig Hella Johnson, conductor (Simon Barrad, Emily Yocum Black & Michael Hawes; Conspirare)

Childs: In The Arms Of The Beloved
Grant Gershon, conductor (Billy Childs, Dan Chmielinski, Christian Euman, Larry Koonse, Lyris Quartet, Anne Akiko Meyers, Carol Robbins & Luciana Souza; Los Angeles Master Chorale)

Lang: Poor Hymnal
Donald Nally, conductor (Steven Bradshaw, Michael Hawes, Lauren Kelly, Rebecca Siler & Elisa Sutherland; The Crossing)

Ortiz: Yanga
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Grant Gershon, chorus master (Los Angeles Philharmonic; Los Angeles Master Chorale)

Requiem Of Light
Steven Fox, conductor; Emily Drennan & Patti Drennan, chorus masters (Brian Giebler & Sangeeta Kaur; The Clarion Choir)

Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance
For new recordings of works with chamber or small ensemble (twenty-four or fewer members, not including the conductor). One Award to the ensemble and one Award to the conductor, if applicable.

Dennehy: Land Of Winter
Alan Pierson & Alarm Will Sound

La Mer – French Piano Trios
Neave Trio

Lullabies For The Brokenhearted
Lili Haydn & Paul Cantelon

Slavic Sessions
Mak Grgić & Mateusz Kowalski

Standard Stoppages
Third Coast Percussion

Best Classical Instrumental Solo
Award to the Instrumental Soloist(s) and to the Conductor when applicable.

**Coleridge-Taylor: 3 Selections From ’24 Negro Melodies’**
Curtis Stewart; Michael Repper, conductor (National Philharmonic)

Hope Orchestrated
Mary Dawood Catlin; Jesús David Medina & Raniero Palm, conductors (Venezuela Strings Recording Ensemble)

Inheritances
Adam Tendler

Price: Piano Concerto In One Movement In D Minor
Han Chen; John Jeter, conductor (Malmö Opera Orchestra)

Shostakovich: The Cello Concertos
Yo-Yo Ma; Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Shostakovich: The Piano Concertos; Solo Works
Yuja Wang; Andris Nelsons, conductor (Boston Symphony Orchestra)

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album
Award to: Vocalist(s), Collaborative Artist(s) (Ex: pianists, conductors, chamber groups) Producer(s), Recording Engineers/Mixers with greater than 50% playing time of new material.

Alike – My Mother’s Dream
Allison Charney, soloist; Benjamin Loeb, conductor (National Symphonia Orchestra)

Black Pierrot
Sidney Outlaw, soloist; Warren Jones, pianist

In This Short Life
Devony Smith, soloist; Danny Zelibor, pianist; Michael Nicolas, artist

Kurtág: Kafka Fragments
Susan Narucki, soloist; Curtis Macomber, artist

Schubert Beatles
Theo Hoffman, soloist; Steven Blier, pianist (Rupert Boyd, Julia Bullock, Alex Levine, Andrew Owens, Rubén Rengel & Sam Weber)

Telemann: Ino – Opera Arias For Soprano
Amanda Forsythe, soloist; Robert Mealy, Paul O’Dette & Stephen Stubbs, conductors (Boston Early Music Festival Orchestra)

Best Classical Compendium
Award to the Artist(s) and to the Album Producer(s) and Engineer(s) of over 50% playing time of the album, and to the Composer and Librettist (if applicable) with over 50% playing time of a world premiere recording only.

Cerrone: Don’t Look Down
Sandbox Percussion; Jonathan Allen, Victor Caccese, Christopher Cerrone, Ian Rosenbaum, Terry Sweeney & Mike Tierney, producers

The Dunbar/Moore Sessions, Vol. II
Will Liverman; Jonathan Estabrooks, producer

Ortiz: Yanga
Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Dmitriy Lipay, producer

Seven Seasons
Janai Brugger, Isolde Fair, MB Gordy & Starr Parodi; Nicholas Dodd, conductor; Jeff Fair, Starr Parodi & Kitt Wakeley, producers

Tombeaux
Christina Sandsengen; Shaun Drew & Christina Sandsengen, producers

Best Contemporary Classical Composition
A Composer’s Award. (For a contemporary classical composition composed within the last 25 years, and released for the first time during the Eligibility Year.) Award to the librettist, if applicable.

Cerrone: Don’t Look Down
Christopher Cerrone, composer (Conor Hanick & Sandbox Percussion)

Dennehy: Land Of Winter
Donnacha Dennehy, composer (Alan Pierson & Alarm Will Sound)

León: Raíces — Origins
Tania León, composer (Edward Gardner & London Philharmonic Orchestra)

Okpebholo: Songs In Flight
Shawn E. Okpebholo, composer (Will Liverman, Paul Sánchez & Various Artists)

Ortiz: Dzonot
Gabriela Ortiz, composer (Alisa Weilerstein, Gustavo Dudamel & Los Angeles Philharmonic)

Oliver Samuels New Play To Make U.S. Premiere And Support Hurricane Relief In Jamaica

News Americas, New York, Mon. Nov. 10, 2025: Legendary Jamaican actor and comedian Oliver Samuels is returning to the U.S. stage this month — and he’s doing it for a cause. His newest comedy, Di Prodigal Pickney, will make its American premiere in the New York Tri-State area, with part proceeds going directly to hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The production, written, directed, and headlined by Samuels, will tour Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey across two weekends, with final performances in Maryland in early December.

Tesfa Edwards (left) and Oliver Samuels in Di Prodigal Pickney.

Performances are scheduled for:

Bridgeport, Connecticut – Central High School (Fri. Nov. 14)

Brooklyn, New York – Wingate High School (Sat. Nov. 15)

East Orange, New Jersey – Cicely Tyson School for the Performing Arts (Sun. Nov. 16)

Jamaica, Queens – Springfield Gardens High School (Fri. Nov. 21)

Hartford, Connecticut – Thomas Weaver High School (Sat. Nov. 22)

The Bronx – Harry S. Truman High School (Sun. Nov. 23)
The tour concludes Dec. 7 at High Point High School in Beltsville, Maryland.

A Stage Comedy With A Mission

Oliver Samuels and Karen Harriott in Di Prodigal Pickney.

New Jersey-based producer Patrick M. Reid said the decision to dedicate part of the show’s proceeds to hurricane recovery came swiftly after the Category 5 storm ravaged Jamaica’s western region on October 28.

“We had been eagerly anticipating Oliver’s return to the New York area,” Reid explained, “but once we saw the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Melissa, we knew we had to do something. Part proceeds from the U.S. premiere will now go to the Jamaica Organization of New Jersey, which is actively fundraising for relief. Oliver himself is deeply committed to the cause and will be promoting the effort across major media platforms.”

The Westwood High School for Girls Alumnae Chapter in New York will also receive proceeds. Their school in Trelawny suffered severe hurricane damage, including the destruction of its newly built medical clinic, auditorium, classrooms, and boarding facilities.

“They were already fundraising to finish their clinic,” Reid added. “Melissa set them back enormously. We hope audiences will turn out in large numbers to help rebuild Westwood and Jamaica, while enjoying a production that’s both hilarious and heartwarming.”

A Jamaican Tale With Universal Themes

Set in Jamaica, Di Prodigal Pickney reimagines the Biblical parable of the Prodigal Son through a distinctly Caribbean lens. Samuels stars alongside acclaimed actress Karen Harriott and rising talent Tesfa Edwards as a Jamaican family whose world unravels when their spoiled son demands his inheritance early. The play blends sharp wit and social commentary with laughter, exploring forgiveness, family bonds and modern parenting.

“Spare the rod and spoil the child at your peril!” Samuels quipped, noting that the play’s mix of comedy and conscience has resonated with international audiences from Canada to St. Kitts, St. Maarten, and the U.K., where it received rave reviews.

A Legendary Career of Laughter and Legacy

With over 60 stage productions to his name, Oliver Samuels – affectionately dubbed “Jamaica’s King of Comedy” – has spent more than five decades shaping Caribbean theatre. He first made his mark in the Jamaican National Pantomime “Music Boy” alongside cultural icon Louise Bennett-Coverley (Miss Lou), and later appeared in films such as The Mighty Quinn (with Denzel Washington) and Great Moments in Aviation (with Vanessa Redgrave).

Samuels’ accolades include the Jamaican Actor Boy Award, the Silver Musgrave Medal, an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of the West Indies, and national honors — the Order of Distinction (Officer and Commander classes) — for his contribution to the arts.

Presented by Sky’s The Limit Foundation and Jammins Events

The U.S. premiere of Di Prodigal Pickney is presented by Sky’s The Limit Foundation and Jammins Events in collaboration with STL Promotions.

Tickets and more information are available at STLVentures.org or by calling 973-801-1923 and 929-242-9156 (Westwood Alumnae line).

With laughter as its vehicle and compassion as its engine, Di Prodigal Pickney promises to bring joy to audiences while helping rebuild homes, schools, and hope in Jamaica.

New Soca Music To Know This New Music Friday As The Countdown To Trinidad Carnival 2026 Begins

By News Americas ET EDITOR

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Nov. 7, 2025: With Trinidad & Tobago’s 2026 Carnival season heating up, Soca music lovers are being treated to a wave of brand-new anthems ready to ignite the fetes, the road, and the global diaspora’s playlists. This week’s New Music Friday lineup features a mix of legends, fresh talent, and cross-Caribbean collaborations – all guaranteed to bring that infectious energy we know and love.

Machel Montano & Tano – “Compromise

Machel Montano and Tano team up for ‘Compromise’

The King of Soca, Machel Montano, joins forces with rising producer and artist Tano for “Compromise,” a rhythmic blend of melody and message that explores the delicate dance of love, pride, and partnership.

Produced by Tano, and recorded by Klase Gonzales at Baby Monster Studio in Trinidad, the single showcases smooth vocal chemistry, layered percussion, and an irresistible groove that’s pure Carnival bliss. The track was mixed and mastered by Richard McClashie, with visuals directed by Twin Island Company and produced by Josiah Persad.

Watch the official video HERE

Hey Choppi & Voice – “In We Veins”

Carnival veterans Hey Choppi and Voice reunite with Monk Music for an anthem that captures the spirit and soul of Caribbean unity — “In We Veins.”

Produced by Madman Johann and mixed by Precision Productions, the track is an ode to rhythm, identity, and the unbreakable heartbeat of the islands. The music video, directed by Shania Perez, features real Carnival footage and vibrant energy that perfectly matches the song’s uplifting message.

Watch In We Veins

Destra Garcia x MadLypso – “Free Again”

The Queen of Bacchanal is back! Destra Garcia links up with MadLypso for “Free Again,” a euphoric reminder of Carnival’s freedom and joy. Produced by Johann Seaton under Lypso Music, the track fuses Destra’s signature powerhouse vocals with pulsating production — setting the tone for every waistline ready to “free up” in 2026.

STREAM NOW: lnkfi.re/destra-free_again

Preedy x Patrice Roberts – “Bacchanal Mode”

Talk about chemistry! Preedy and Patrice Roberts deliver a cinematic collaboration with “Bacchanal Mode,” produced by Nine Mind Entertainment and brought to life through a star-studded video shot by Motion Studio and Aaron Caruth.

It’s the perfect mix of playful and passionate, spotlighting the visual artistry of Trinidad Carnival — complete with mas, paint, powder, and pan.

Watch it here: YouTube – Bacchanal Mode

Added Rankin & Boogy Rankss – “Property Riddim”

The Property Riddim is officially out, and it’s pure Carnival fuel! Created by Added Rankin and Boogy Rankss, the project unites a regional mix of talent for a groove-driven, mid-tempo vibe perfect for both the road and the lime.

Highlights include Hypasounds’ energetic single “Made Fuh Dat (All Bumpas)”, produced by Boogy Rankss for the Boogy Bounce Project — already being hailed as one of the first true road tunes of the 2026 season.

STREAM: lnkfi.re/theboogybounceproject

Fay-Ann Lyons & Maino – “Give It Space”

Soca powerhouse Fay-Ann Lyons teams up with U.S. rapper Maino for a cross-genre Carnival anthem that blends island rhythm with New York grit.

Produced by Jeaucar and Th3rd under Bad Beagle / Husle Hard, “Give It Space” is a bold fusion of 2026 Trinidad Soca and hip-hop energy – showcasing Fay-Ann’s commanding vocals and Maino’s smooth bars.

The result? A fiery, bass-driven track built for the road, the gym, and the dancefloor.

STREAM NOW: ffm.to/giveitspace

Carnival 2026 Countdown Is On

From soca’s reigning royalty to the new wave of Caribbean hitmakers, this week’s releases prove that the region’s creativity shows no signs of slowing down.

Each track offers a slice of the Carnival experience — the freedom, the rhythm, the spirit of togetherness – reminding us all that the road to Trinidad Carnival 2026 is paved with pure musical magic.

So turn up the volume, grab a drink, and get in your Bacchanal Mode – Soca season has officially begun.

Cedella Marley Donates $10K As Bob & Rita Marley Foundation Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund Gets Underway

By News Americas Staff Writer

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Sat. Nov. 1, 2025: The Bob and Rita Marley Foundation’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Fund is rapidly gaining support as donations pour in from around the world to assist Jamaica’s recovery.

Cedella Marley, seen here at the Bob Marley Hope Road premiere at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on July 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, is stepping up to help Jamaican victims of Hurricane Melissa. (Photo by Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Bob Marley Hope Road)

The Foundation’s GoFundMe campaign, launched to aid victims of Hurricane Melissa, has now raised nearly USD $30,000 toward its $250,000 goal. Among the most notable contributors is Cedella Marley, daughter of the late reggae legend Bob Marley and his wife Rita Marley, who personally donated $10,000, making her the campaign’s top donor so far.

Joining the effort is Jamaican-born UFC fighter Aljamain “Funk Master” Sterling, who contributed $5,000, underscoring the global Jamaican community’s commitment to helping those affected by the deadly storm.

“Every dollar raised on this fundraiser will be delivered to trusted organizations and local response efforts throughout Jamaica,” organizers stated on the campaign page.

Debris is seen littering the side of a road following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Black River, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. (Photo by RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images)

In their appeal, the Foundation emphasized unity and gratitude: “Jamaica has given the world so much — music, champions, and culture that moves hearts everywhere. Now it’s time for us to give back. Let’s stand together as one global family to bring relief, recovery, and renewed strength to the island we love.”

According to the campaign, funds will be used to provide emergency supplies such as clothing and hygiene items to affected families, as well as to support rebuilding efforts through the distribution of roofing kits to homeowners who suffered structural damage.

Each roofing kit, valued at US$3,800, includes zinc, lumber, nails, screws, and on-site installation by a certified technician. The Foundation says it will work closely with local partners to ensure equitable distribution of aid across communities in need.

Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across Jamaica, displacing thousands and devastating key infrastructure. The Foundation’s initiative aims to bring tangible, immediate relief to those struggling to rebuild their lives.

To donate or learn more, visit the official campaign page:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-bob-and-rita-marley-foundation-relief-fund

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Bayou Bacchanal 2025 Dedicates Weekend To Hurricane Melissa Relief

Jamaican Entertainers Step Up To Help As Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica

Jamaican Entertainers Step Up To Help As Hurricane Melissa Devastates Jamaica

NewsAmericasNow.com, KINGSTON, Jamaica, Oct. 31, 2025: Jamaican entertainers at home and abroad are rallying to support their country in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm ever to hit the island.

Leading the charge is Grammy Award–winning musician Shaggy, who has teamed up with Orlando attorney Dan Newlin to fly in emergency aid using two private jets. Together, they are delivering water, medicine, flashlights, and other essentials to some of Jamaica’s hardest-hit communities.

Singer Shaggy is among entertainers pitching in to help their homeland.

“My country has been devastated by this,” Shaggy told NBC6. “My wife was on the ground at our home in Jamaica, and the destruction was horrendous.”

The musician, born Orville Burrell in Kingston, personally organized two flights that arrived Thursday, with a third scheduled for Saturday. The aircrafts will land in Kingston before distributing supplies in coordination with local relief teams.

“They don’t have the infrastructure that we do. So we’ve been blessed to live the American dream in different ways. This is our time to give back,” Newlin said.

Officials confirmed Thursday that several of Jamaica’s airports have reopened to receive relief flights, with 13 planes expected to land throughout the day yesterday.

Known for his deep philanthropic work, including raising over JMD $100 million for the Bustamante Hospital for Children, Shaggy’s latest effort reinforces his reputation as both an artist and humanitarian. His arrival with much-needed aid has been met with gratitude and praise from citizens and government officials alike.

Sean Paul Launches $50,000 Matching Fund for Relief Efforts

Meanwhile, Jamaica dancehall superstar Sean Paul has also joined the recovery efforts, pledging to match donations up to US$50,000 through his Sean Paul Foundation, in partnership with Food For The Poor Jamaica.

In a heartfelt Instagram video, Paul urged fans around the world to contribute: “My island Jamaica is going through a tough time right now. Hurricane Melissa has caused a lot of damage. People are misplaced, people are hurt, people are without help right now. I’m just asking from your heart, if you can give to the country that has given you so much – for your entertainment and peace of mind.”

Paul’s foundation is working to deliver humanitarian aid to the most affected areas, focusing on food, water, and shelter for displaced families.

Beenie Man, Spice, and Lady Saw Join the Movement

Sean Paul is also stepping up for Jamaica.

Dancehall legend Beenie Man is mobilizing his Beenie Man Foundation Crisis Rescue Team to assist residents, particularly in rural communities cut off by flooding and landslides.

Bennie Man has stepped up to help those in need.

Posting a serene morning video of the sky after the storm, Beenie Man shared a message of faith and resilience: “Grateful for life and calm after Hurricane Melissa. Start your day with love and help out a neighbor who needs assistance. Together we will rebuild.”

Meanwhile, Spice announced that her Grace Hamilton Women Empowerment Foundation is coordinating direct assistance and urged those in need to email gracehamiltonfoundation@gmail.com.

In another powerful act of generosity, Lady Saw offered to open her eight-bedroom home to single mothers with babies who have lost everything in the storm.

A Nation of Stars, United in Service

From corporate partners and diaspora donors to Jamaica’s biggest music icons, the outpouring of support underscores the country’s enduring spirit of solidarity. As the nation begins the long road to recovery, these entertainers are proving that when the music stops, the mission to uplift Jamaica continues.

Feel-Good New Music Friday: Incredible Caribbean Releases from Alborosie, Honorebel & More

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Oct. 25, 2025: This New Music Friday, the Caribbean once again proves its boundless creativity, with new releases spanning reggae, soca, dancehall, and dub. From Alborosie’s Nine Mile to Honorebel’s high-energy remix featuring Alison Hinds, this week’s lineup showcases the rhythm, innovation, and cross-cultural flair that define modern Caribbean music.

Alborosie Returns With “Nine Mile” – A Global Reggae Journey

Reggae icon Alborosie is back with Nine Mile, his ninth studio album — a rich blend of roots reggae, dub, bossa nova, and 80s rock. The record honors the influence of legends like Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Johnny Osbourne, and Augustus Pablo, while also exploring new sounds shaped by Alborosie’s global touring and collaborations.

Led by the singles “Come My Way” and “Trench Town Legend,” the album cements his legacy as one of reggae’s most innovative and authentic voices.

Stream here: Alborosie – Nine Mile

Honorebel, Alison Hinds & Ackah Dan Ignite Soca with “Roll Your Waist Remix”

Honorebel makes his Soca debut with “Roll Your Waist Remix,” featuring Queen of Soca Alison Hinds and multi-talented producer Ackah Dan.
Released under Phantom Music Group/Zojak Worldwide, the track blends Afro-Caribbean rhythms and Carnival energy with Alison’s signature spice and Honorebel’s global appeal.

With over 2.2 million YouTube views on the original track, the remix takes things higher — a celebration of Caribbean unity and creativity.
Stream now: Roll Your Waist Remix

“This song embodies the energy of Soca, the excitement of Carnival, and the unity of Caribbean culture,” Honorebel says.

The track will appear on Honorebel’s upcoming album Winner Circle (February 2026) and his 15th studio release in summer 2026.

Pablo YG Speaks Truth with “Fight and Lose”

Dancehall newcomer Pablo YG continues to impress with “Fight and Lose,” a powerful track tackling violence, corruption, and youth struggle. Produced by Tevin “YGF” Richards, the single follows “Celebration” with Jah Villani and “Maui Wowie” from his forthcoming debut album Key to the Century.

Watch the video

Blindman Brings Hope with “Be Strong”

Roots reggae artist Blindman delivers a heartfelt anthem with “Be Strong,” featuring a powerhouse lineup that includes Aston Barrett Jr., Donald Kinsey, and Rica Newell — names synonymous with the Marley legacy.

Mixed by Josh Gannet, known for work with Wu-Tang Clan, Eric Clapton, and Keith Richards, the track blends generations of reggae artistry with a universal message of perseverance.

Listen here

Nailah Blackman Ushers in the 2026 Soca Season

Trinidadian star Nailah Blackman is back with “As A Friend,” produced by Hang Jack and co-written with Mical Teja. Recorded at 47 Productions, the track delivers a modern Soca groove that blends emotional storytelling with infectious rhythm – the perfect start to the 2026 season.

Watch the official visualizer

Omaiah Hall Drops Feel-Good Soca Vibes

Emerging artist Omaiah Hall debuts “Happy Feeling,” her first contribution to the 2026 Soca lineup – a bright, upbeat anthem celebrating Caribbean joy and positivity.

Omaiah Hall drops Happy Feeling.

Stream Happy Feeling

Ras Teo Brings Deep Roots Dub Energy

Roots defender Ras Teo follows up last month’s hit “Deh Pon Dem” with “Deh Pon Dem in Dub.” Produced by Zion I Kings and released via Forward Bound Records, the seven-track album transforms his conscious reggae sound into a meditative dub experience rich in spiritual texture and sonic depth.

Listen to Deh Pon Dem in Dub

The Beat Goes On

From roots reggae to Soca remixes, dub to dancehall anthems, this New Music Friday celebrates the pulse of the Caribbean – where rhythm, resistance, and joy converge. Each artist brings a fresh chapter to the region’s ever-evolving soundscape, reminding the world that Caribbean music doesn’t follow trends – it sets them.

Caribbean Spirit Returns to Congo Square: Bayou Bacchanal 2025 Marks 23 Years of Carnival In New Orleans

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Thurs. Oct. 23, 2025: The rhythm of the Caribbean will once again pulse through the streets of New Orleans this November as Friends of Culture presents the 23rd Annual Bayou Bacchanal Caribbean Carnival, a two-day celebration of heritage, music, and unity taking place November 1–2, 2025.

This year’s festivities honor Port of New Orleans Commissioner and former City Councilman James J. Carter, Jr., who will serve as Grand Marshal, recognizing his contributions to civic leadership and cultural diplomacy. Joining him are special guests and cultural ambassadors from across the Caribbean, including Mtima Solwazi, Founder of The Oral Tradition ROOTS Foundation of Trinidad & Tobago, and Daniel Griffith, Steelpan Ambassador with The Musical Instruments of Trinidad & Tobago Company, (MITTCO). Their participation highlights the Caribbean’s enduring global influence through art, rhythm, and storytelling.

23rd Annual Bayou Bacchanal Caribbean Carnival is set for Nov. 1 and 2, 2025.

A Weekend of Music, Mas, and Caribbean Flavor

The celebration kicks off on Saturday, November 1st, with the All-White Feté Kickoff Party at Congratulations Event Hall, 1900 Lafayette Street, Gretna, Louisiana, beginning at 9:00 p.m. The event will feature electrifying performances by The Revolution Band of Atlanta and DJ sets by MC Wassey, DJ Tek, and DJ Fire Flame, setting the stage for a weekend of nonstop soca, dancehall, and steelpan energy.

The main event – the Bayou Bacchanal Parade – begins on Sunday, November 2nd at 11:00 a.m., departing from the Hilton Riverside Hotel driveway on Convention Center Blvd. The parade route travels along Canal Street, Claiborne Avenue, and Orleans Avenue before culminating at the historic Congo Square inside Louis Armstrong Park, the birthplace of New Orleans’ vibrant Afro-Caribbean soundscape.

From noon to 6:30 p.m., the Congo Square Carnival Festival will transform the park into a feast for the senses, complete with live performances from St. Lucian soca star Messiah and Pan Vibrations Steelband. Revelers can also enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine from local and regional vendors and admire dazzling carnival costumes designed by Rachelle Lawrence of the Krewe of Bulbancha.

Honoring Heritage and Building Bridges

“It’s an honor to bring the ROOTS Foundation and MITTCO to New Orleans,” said Mtima Solwazi. “The connection between Port of Spain and Congo Square reminds us that the music, language, and stories of our ancestors are still alive and uniting us today.”

Marilyn LaForce, President of Friends of Culture, emphasized the festival’s deeper mission: “Bayou Bacchanal is a cultural bridge between the Caribbean and Louisiana. It represents the rhythm of our shared history and the promise of collaboration that keeps our heritage thriving across generations.”

Now celebrating its 23rd year, Bayou Bacchanal holds the distinction of being New Orleans’ original Caribbean Carnival, connecting Caribbean nations and the U.S. Gulf Coast through creative expression, cultural diplomacy, and the spirit of freedom that defines the region’s legacy.

Support and Community Partnerships

This year’s Bayou Bacchanal is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners, including Hilton New Orleans Riverside, New Orleans & Company, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation, Office of Sheriff Susan Hutson, Ashé Cultural Arts Center, Ujamaa EDC, and NolaCaribe. The organizers also expressed gratitude for the volunteer service of the LSU Caribbean Students Association, whose participation reflects the next generation’s commitment to preserving and celebrating Caribbean identity.

As New Orleans prepares to once again embrace the energy of Carnival season, Bayou Bacchanal 2025 stands as a living testament to the enduring influence of Caribbean culture — a colorful, musical, and unifying force that continues to shape the heartbeat of the Crescent City.

Jamaican Roots Designer Grace Wales Bonner Makes History As Hermès’ First Black Woman Creative Director

BY NAN ET EDITOR

News Americas, LONDON, England, Weds. Oct. 22, 2025: The fashion world is celebrating a historic moment as Jamaican-roots British designer Grace Wales Bonner has been named Creative Director of Hermès Men’s Ready-to-Wear, making her the first Black woman to lead a major luxury fashion house. The announcement cements Wales Bonner’s reputation as one of the most visionary designers of her generation and marks a new chapter for the nearly two-century-old French brand.

Hermès confirmed the appointment in a statement, saying: “Hermès is pleased to announce the appointment of Grace Wales Bonner as Creative Director of Men’s Ready-to-Wear. The Founder and Artistic Director of Wales Bonner has developed a contemporary and innovative approach to menswear over the last 10 years. Passionate about craft and culture, she will present her first collection for Hermès in January 2027.”

Pierre-Alexis Dumas, the General Artistic Director of Hermès, praised the designer’s global vision and depth of creativity. “I am really pleased to welcome Grace to the Hermès Artistic Director family. Her take on contemporary fashion, craft, and culture will contribute to shaping Hermès men’s style, melding the house’s heritage with a confident look on the now. Grace’s appetite and curiosity for artistic practice strongly resonate with Hermès’ creative mindset and approach. We are at the start of an enriching mutual dialogue,” Dumas said.

Jamaican heritage designer Grace Wales Bonner attends the Dover Street Market open house to celebrate Photo London 2025 on May 15, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Wales Bonner, the daughter of a Jamaican immigrant, responded with gratitude and purpose, calling the opportunity “a dream realized.”

“I am deeply honoured to be entrusted with the role of Creative Director of Hermès Men’s Ready-to-Wear,” she said. “It is a dream realised to embark on this new chapter, following in a lineage of inspired craftspeople and designers. I wish to express my gratitude to Pierre-Alexis Dumas and Axel Dumas for the opportunity to bring my vision to this magical house.”

From South London to the World Stage

Born in South London in 1990 to a Jamaican father and an English mother, Grace Wales Bonner’s dual heritage has been the cornerstone of her artistic voice. Raised between Dulwich and Stockwell, she learned early on how identity, culture, and creativity could coexist in layered harmony.

After graduating from Central Saint Martins in 2014 with her acclaimed collection “Afrique,” she launched her namesake label later that year. Her brand, Wales Bonner, soon became known for blending European tailoring with Afro-Atlantic history, philosophy, and style.

Her collections—often inspired by music, post-colonial theory, and spirituality – earned her the LVMH Young Designer Prize in 2016, the British Fashion Council/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund in 2019, and the CFDA International Men’s Designer of the Year in 2021. In 2022, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to fashion.

Grace Wales Bonner, Chance The Rapper at the UTA Pre-Met Soiree at Nubeluz held at The Ritz-Carlton on May 04, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Marsha Bernstein/WWD via Getty Images)

Jamaican Roots, Global Resonance

While based in London and Paris, Wales Bonner has never strayed far from her Caribbean roots. Her Jamaican heritage runs through her creative work – from her music-inspired collections to her collaborations with Adidas, where she reimagined the official Jamaican Football Federation kits. Each design blends heritage, rhythm, and pride, transforming national identity into global luxury.

Her work celebrates the Caribbean as a site of innovation, not limitation. “My mission,” she once said, “is to honor the beauty and intellectual history of the African diaspora through a refined and poetic lens.” With Hermès, that mission now steps onto the world’s most elite runway.

A Scholar, Curator, and Cultural Storyteller

Beyond fashion, Wales Bonner’s interdisciplinary approach has influenced museums and galleries worldwide. Her 2019 exhibition “A Time for New Dreams” at London’s Serpentine Gallery and her 2023 MoMA exhibition “Spirit Movers” explored how art, music, and spirituality intersect in the Black experience. Her shows attracted tens of thousands of visitors and positioned her as a bridge between haute couture and cultural scholarship.

A Caribbean Legacy in Paris

As Wales Bonner prepares to debut her first Hermès menswear collection in January 2027, her appointment marks a profound shift in how heritage and identity shape global luxury. She is not just designing clothes; she is redefining what power, creativity, and elegance look like from a diasporic perspective.

For the Caribbean, her ascent is more than symbolic – it’s proof that cultural excellence born from Kingston, London, and beyond continues to influence the world’s most prestigious stages.

Caribbean Music Roundup: Feel-Good Vibes and Fresh Anthems This New Music Friday

By NAN Entertainment Writer

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Oct. 17, 2025: From soca to dancehall reggae and riddims built for the road, the Caribbean music scene is heating up this new music Friday with fresh releases from some of the region’s most dynamic artists and producers. Here’s what’s spinning, trending, and streaming across the islands and beyond.

Patrice Roberts x IzyBeats – “Mudda Dey”

Released for the Carnival 2026 season, “Mudda Dey” is a groovy, feel-good soca anthem celebrating Caribbean men. Trinidadian powerhouse Patrice Roberts teams up with Grammy-winning producer IzyBeats for a rhythm that’s smooth, witty, and instantly addictive.

With its signature hook – “Whey yuh mudda dey?” – and playful call-and-response style, the song is already taking over TikTok and Carnival playlists across the region. The vibrant music video, directed by Shania Perez, captures the humor and flirtation of the track, featuring model David Lyn and eye-catching visuals by The Lost Tribe Talent Band.

Stream now: https://ampl.ink/y3nDo

Al Campbell – “Declaration of Rights” (Remastered)

A reggae treasure is reborn. Jamaican icon Al Campbell’s 1980s take on The Abyssinians’ classic “Declaration of Rights” has been digitally remastered from the original tapes for a new generation.

Produced by George Phang and backed by legendary duo Sly & Robbie, this version preserves the roots message that once inspired Bob Marley’s “Get Up, Stand Up.” The reissue is part of VP Records’ ongoing high-definition master tape series — reminding listeners why timeless reggae anthems never fade.

Listen: YouTube Link

Stick Figure – “Free Flow Sessions” – Album Coming November 13th

Reggae’s biggest touring act right now, Stick Figure, is preparing to drop their highly anticipated album “Free Flow Sessions.”

Led by producer and multi-instrumentalist Scott Woodruff, the California-based roots band has already made Billboard history, with Set in Stone (2015), World on Fire (2019), and Wisdom (2022) still dominating the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart.

The upcoming record, built from Woodruff’s “freestyle beat-making” sessions, features early singles “Moon Palace,” “Welcome to My World,” and “Forever.” Released under Ruffwood and supported by the independent powerhouse Ineffable Music Group, Free Flow Sessions promises a journey of spiritual positivity and sonic innovation.

Album drops: November 13, 2025

Dilly Chris x IzyBeats – “Whine Up”

Dancehall fans, this one’s for you. Jamaican artist Dilly Chris links up with IzyBeats again for “Whine Up,” a smooth, sexy gyal tune built for the clubs and dance floors.

The track fuses crisp production with contagious bounce — the kind that DJs wheel up before the first verse ends. With clean and explicit versions available, “Whine Up” is poised for crossover success on TikTok and global Caribbean radio.

Stream now

Relief Riddim – Xklusiv Muzic Productions

The energy is pure bacchanal with the new Relief Riddim from Xklusiv Muzic Productions – four artistes, one riddim, and endless vibes.

Billed as “Soca Therapy,” the riddim features uplifting production, vibrant percussion, and a message of release and joy. Perfect for jump-up season and fete playlists, this one’s guaranteed to keep the soca spirit alive heading into 2026.

Buy/Stream now

Pablo YG – “Fight and Lose”

Rising dancehall artist Pablo YG returns with “Fight and Lose,” produced by Tevin “YGF” Richards. The powerful single tackles corruption, violence, and the struggles facing today’s youth — themes that resonate far beyond Jamaica.

Following his recent collaborations “Celebration” with Jahvillani and “Maui Wowie,” the track sets the tone for his upcoming debut album Key to the Century.

Listen now: https://music.youtube.com/watch?

The Pulse of the Caribbean

From Patrice Roberts’ Carnival anthem to Al Campbell’s timeless reggae revival, the Caribbean soundscape remains as diverse as ever – blending tradition with innovation, and rhythm with rebellion. Whether it’s soca, reggae, or riddim, the islands continue to set the global beat.

Chronixx Returns With Exile — A Glorious Rebirth for Reggae Music

By NAN ET Editor

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Oct. 13, 2025: Chronixx is back – and reggae music feels whole again. The Jamaican artist who helped redefine modern roots reggae has returned with Exile, his long-awaited sophomore album, and the world is listening. Released unexpectedly on October 10, 2025, the 17-track project arrived without hype or a headline single — just pure conviction, artistry, and spirit. Within hours, it shot straight to No. 1 on the U.S. Reggae iTunes Chart, proof that in a noisy digital age, authenticity still cuts through.

Released under his own Forever Living Originals label, Exile carries a symbolic name — a meditation on solitude, self-work, and spiritual grounding. Chronixx, now 33, has spent years away from the spotlight. That silence, it seems, was preparation. This isn’t an artist chasing streams; this is a man returning home to his calling.

FLASHBACK: Chronixx performs onstage during All Points East on August 15, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

A Global Homecoming

Even without promotion, Exile resonated far beyond Jamaica. On Apple Music, the album entered charts across continents — No. 5 in Seychelles, No. 9 in Mauritius, No. 10 in Kenya, and No. 15 in Malawi, with similar traction across Europe and Asia. On iTunes, it hit No. 1 in Trinidad & Tobago, No. 2 in the Cayman Islands and Poland, and landed in the Top 25 in the U.K. and Germany. That reach underscores what reggae has always been — global, healing, and borderless.

The drop also coincided with Chronixx’s birthday — a serendipitous alignment fans dubbed “Chronixx Day.” Across X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, the celebration felt like a family reunion. One fan wrote, “This is more than an album; this is a spiritual moment.” Another added, “Chronixx has given us a classic. Mad respect!”

Recording artist Devin Di Dakta captured the mood perfectly: “It’s a true Jamaican Sunday back ina di day — music a play loud, yard a sweep, Sunday dinner a cook. Home, family, love, joy.”

Back to the Roots, Forward With Vision

While Chronology (2017) made Chronixx an international name, Exile feels like a reclamation. The production leans analog — warm basslines, live horns, and stripped-back arrangements that honor the 1970s spirit of reggae while sounding defiantly current. There’s growth, yes, but not distance; he hasn’t abandoned the roots, he’s deepened them.

Tracks like “Family First,” “Keep On Rising,” “Resilient,” and “Don’t Be Afraid” stand out — soulful affirmations wrapped in intricate rhythm. Fans praise their sincerity: uplifting without being naïve, conscious without being preachy.

As one listener posted: “On this new album, he went back — like 70s beats, more live and analogue. It worked!”

Another echoed: “Chronixx was trying to do something different with Exile — and it worked.”

That collective approval speaks volumes. In a landscape dominated by viral singles, Chronixx released a 17-track album as one complete story — a bold artistic statement and a subtle act of rebellion.

Faith, Family, and Frequency

More than a record, Exile feels like a frequency — a spiritual recalibration. Chronixx sings not just to the ear but to the soul, urging listeners to reconnect with truth and self. The album’s sonic palette — meditative drums, ethereal harmonies, and grounded lyricism — mirrors the internal journey many in his generation are walking.

For the reggae community, it’s also validation. The genre often fights for space in a digital world that rewards quick content over timeless craft. But Exile’s success proves that depth still sells — and that the reggae faithful remain a global force.

A Return That Feels Like Renewal

Eight years after Chronology, Exile isn’t a sequel; it’s a rebirth. It shows that patience and purpose still matter in music — that silence can be strategy, and introspection can fuel innovation.

In Exile, Chronixx reminds us that reggae isn’t just rhythm — it’s revelation. It’s the sound of a people who’ve turned struggle into song and faith into fuel. And now, with his return, reggae’s next chapter begins where it always has — in truth, vibration, and love.