Jamaica continues to cement its status as a global reggae and dancehall powerhouse after earning 13 nominations across three categories at the 2026 African Music Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA). The island’s biggest stars dominate the Best Male and Best Female Reggae/Dancehall categories, while Shenseea and Skillibeng also picked up a Song of the Year nomination for their contribution to Moliy’s international hit, Shake It to the Max. The strong showing reinforces Jamaica’s enduring influence on African music and the wider global diaspora.
Leading the Jamaican contingent in the Best Male Reggae/Dancehall category are Vybz Kartel, Popcaan, Skillibeng, Kranium and Valiant. They will compete against Ghana’s Shatta Wale, Nigeria’s Patoranking and Grenadian soca and dancehall star Mr. Killa. On the women’s side, Shenseea, Spice, Koffee, Jada Kingdom, Lila Iké, Shaneil Muir and Vanessa Bling headline a formidable Jamaican line-up alongside Ghanaian singer Moliy, reflecting the island’s continued dominance within the genre.
Jamaica’s presence extends beyond the reggae and dancehall field through the Song of the Year category, where Shenseea and Skillibeng earned recognition for their feature on Moliy’s Shake It to the Max. The collaboration has enjoyed widespread international success and further highlights the growing musical connection between Africa and the Caribbean, with cross-continental collaborations continuing to resonate with audiences around the world.
Founded in 2014, the African Music Magazine Awards celebrates excellence across African music while recognising artists, producers, DJs and other entertainment professionals who have made an impact over the past year. Since launching its inaugural ceremony in Dallas, Texas, AFRIMMA has evolved into one of the continent’s leading music awards platforms, showcasing Africa’s diverse musical landscape while strengthening cultural ties with the global diaspora. With Jamaica once again heavily represented among this year’s nominees, all eyes will be on the 2026 ceremony to see whether the island’s stars can convert their nominations into another successful night on the international stage.
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