With the 67th Annual Grammy Awards set for February 2, the battle for Best Reggae Album has intensified, with industry insiders betting on two frontrunners—dancehall icon Vybz Kartel and the Marley-backed compilation Bob Marley: One Love – Music Inspired By The Film. While both nominations represent different eras of Jamaican music, pundits believe these projects stand the best chance of securing the coveted golden gramophone. Kartel’s Party With Me marks a significant career moment following his highly publicized release from prison, while the One Love album benefits from the global success of the Bob Marley biopic, which has grossed nearly $200 million USD and secured multiple award nominations.
“Bob Marley: One Love has industry clout, a star-studded lineup, and the Marley legacy. It’s the type of album that Grammy voters appreciate—nostalgic, commercially successful, and culturally significant,” said one entertainment analyst. The film-inspired project, featuring artists like WizKid, Skip Marley, and Shenseea, has already garnered four NAACP Image Award nominations and dominated Netflix’s streaming charts. Given Julian Marley’s win last year with Colors of Royal, many speculate that the Marley name could secure back-to-back victories.
However, Kartel’s first-ever Grammy nomination has sparked excitement, particularly among younger voters. Released in May 2024 while he was still incarcerated, Party With Me has fueled his post-prison resurgence. “His story is appealing—he’s been on the cover of Billboard, featured in The New York Times, and his Freedom Street concert in Kingston was historic. Grammy voters who favour cultural impact and media buzz may lean towards him,” they added. Kartel’s nomination also signals a shift, as dancehall increasingly carves out space within the Grammy’s traditionally reggae-focused category.
Still, the competition remains fierce. The Wailers’ Evolution, featuring reggae veterans Mykal Rose, Marcia Griffiths, and Gramps Morgan, is another strong contender, bolstered by producer Emilio Estefan’s Grammy-winning pedigree. Meanwhile, Collie Buddz’s Take It Easy delivers a laid-back, classic reggae sound, while Shenseea’s Never Gets Late Here bridges dancehall, pop, and R&B, showcasing the genre’s evolving sound. Each nominee brings something distinct, making this one of the most unpredictable Best Reggae Album races in years.
While the Marley-backed album and Kartel’s dancehall dominance appear to be leading the pack, the Grammys have been known to surprise. Will nostalgia and industry power win out, or will Kartel’s headline-making return sway voters? Fans will have their answer when the winners are revealed at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles this Sunday.
