Gospel Albums Enter Best Reggae Grammy Consideration
The Recording Academy list grows to 119 potential nominees for the upcoming 69th Grammy Awards.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Reggae
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Eleven gospel albums have appeared on the provisional list for the Best Reggae Album Grammy Award this year. The total number of entries for the category has risen significantly to 119, up from 73 in the previous cycle.
Why it matters
The inclusion of gospel projects in the reggae consideration pool highlights a growing diversity of musical styles under the reggae category. This broader list of 119 entries will be narrowed down to five official nominees by the Recording Academy.
The Recording Academy has expanded the Best Reggae Album consideration list to 119 entries, compared to 73 last year. Shaggy, a two-time winner in this category, remains on the current list alongside other past winners like SOJA.
The players
The Recording Academy
This is a United States-based organization of musicians, producers, and recording engineers that presents the annual Grammy Awards.
Shaggy
He is an internationally recognized dancehall artist who has won the Best Reggae Grammy twice in his career.
Vybz Kartel
He is a prominent Jamaican dancehall artist whose work is currently under consideration for a Grammy Award.
SOJA
This is a Grammy-winning American reggae band that previously secured the Best Reggae Album award in 2022.
Keznamdi
He is a reggae artist who most recently won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 2026.
The details
Artists such as Vybz Kartel, Masicka, Shaggy, and Beenie Man are named on the consideration list, which now features 11 gospel albums. The list also includes contributions from Cario Young, DJ Nicholas, Brotha George, and Sone G.
Timeline
1996: Shaggy won his first Best Reggae Grammy.
2019: Shaggy won his second Best Reggae Grammy.
2022: SOJA won the Best Reggae Grammy.
2026: Keznamdi won the Best Reggae Grammy.
November 16, 2026: The Recording Academy announces Grammy nominations.
Industry Dynamics
The expansion of the consideration list reflects broader shifts in how the Recording Academy defines and categorizes genre-specific music for awards. By including gospel-influenced works, the industry is navigating the increasingly fluid boundaries between traditionally distinct musical styles.
Fans can look forward to the official nomination announcement on November 16 to see which of the 119 submitted projects secure a spot in the final five. This selection process dictates which albums will receive widespread visibility and potential award recognition in the coming year.
The takeaway
The surge in consideration entries suggests a highly competitive season for reggae artists in the coming months. Listeners can monitor the official nomination release to identify which of the 119 albums will define the genre for this awards cycle.
What happens next
The Recording Academy is scheduled to announce the final nominations for the 69th Grammy Awards on November 16, 2026.
Further reading
For more context on the industry, visit the Reggae section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Jamaica Observer.
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