This Saturday, October 19th, 2024, CBS New York will shine a spotlight on Reggae music with a special feature on the 2024 Reggae GRAMMY category during The Donna Drake Show. Reaching an estimated 26.1 million homes across major U.S. cities like New York, Boston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Atlanta, the program will air at 6:00 a.m. EST and offer viewers a preview of some of the top contenders in reggae music. With GRAMMY nominations set to be announced on November 8th, 2024, the show will discuss some of the leading albums up for consideration, including Shenseea’s latest project and the Bob Marley One Love Movie soundtrack.
Among the highlights, the feature will delve into the uptick in entries for the Reggae GRAMMY category this year. With 75 submissions, the 2024 tally marks a modest recovery from the decline seen in 2023, when the category saw a sharp drop to just 67 entries. Sean “Contractor” Edwards, whose project Dancehall Diaries Volume is in contention, will share insights during an exclusive interview. The album, which features tracks from reggae icons Buju Banton, Capleton, and Ky-Mani Marley, has already garnered over two million streams on Spotify, making it a strong contender this awards season.
This slight rebound in submissions comes at a critical time for reggae. Over the past few years, the genre has seen a worrying decline in its presence at the Grammys. As other global genres like Afrobeats, K-Pop, and Latin Pop rise in prominence, the reggae community has had to confront its diminishing visibility on the international stage. However, according to Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, the decisions made during the voting process have the power to shape trends and revive reggae’s influence. “Your votes highlight individual achievements, shape trends, and fuel creative innovation within the global music industry,” Mason said as this year’s voting began. With notable albums from established and emerging talents alike, the 2025 GRAMMY season may mark a turning point for reggae.
