The race for the 2027 Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent years, with 119 projects submitted for consideration, representing a 63% increase from last year’s 73. With just five nomination spots available, established favourites Ziggy Marley, Chronixx and Protoje face competition from dancehall heavyweights Alkaline, Vybz Kartel, Masicka and Shaggy. Meanwhile, critically acclaimed contenders such as Runkus and Samory I could emerge as surprise selections when the Recording Academy announces its nominees on Monday, November 16. The big question is whether the final five will reflect industry influence, commercial success, critical acclaim or a combination of all three.
The expanded field features a diverse collection of reggae and dancehall releases from the August 31, 2025 to August 28, 2026 eligibility period. Among the established contenders is Ziggy Marley, whose album Brightside benefited from an extensive North American tour and mainstream media appearances. Chronixx’s Exile, released in October 2025, has also attracted considerable attention, while Protoje could secure his third nomination with Art of Acceptance. Another potential contender is Runkus, whose critically acclaimed Supernova earned recognition from Billboard among its 50 Best Albums released so far in 2026.
Dancehall’s representation could be particularly interesting this year, with Alkaline’s NPT, Masicka’s Forever Reign and Vybz Kartel’s God and Time all presenting compelling cases. Masicka’s project, released through Def Jam Recordings, enjoyed considerable success among Jamaican audiences and in international markets. Alkaline’s NPT connected with younger dancehall fans, while Kartel continued his impressive chart run with God and Time. Music marketing consultant Sean ‘Contractor’ Edwards previously identified Kartel as his preferred choice among the three, although he also tipped Masicka and Alkaline as potential nominees.
Shaggy remains another formidable contender with Lottery, which could benefit from his established relationship with the American music industry and the involvement of rock legend Sting on two tracks. The two-time Grammy winner is seeking his eighth nomination in the category. Elsewhere, producer Clive Hunt’s involvement in Samory I’s Revelation makes it another project worth watching, while Naomi Cowan’s 2026 JUNO Award win for Reggae Recording of the Year adds weight to her campaign for Welcome to Paradise. Capleton’s Heights of Fire, Beenie Man’s Eminence, Buju Banton’s releases, Burning Spear and Queen Ifrica also feature in the wider conversation surrounding this year’s submissions.
Introduced at the 1985 Grammy Awards, the Best Reggae Album category has evolved considerably, reflecting the genre’s expanding international reach and changing musical landscape. This year’s expanded submission pool has made predictions particularly challenging, with established Grammy favourites, contemporary roots acts and dancehall stars all competing for recognition. Whether the Recording Academy rewards familiar names or makes room for a surprise contender, the announcement on November 16 will provide a clearer picture of reggae and dancehall’s standing on one of music’s biggest international stages.
