The roots-reggae revival that erupted in Jamaica a decade ago came full circle at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 5. Kabaka Pyramid, one of the movement’s flag-bearers, won the award for Best Reggae Album with ‘The Kalling’.
The Jamaican artist, accompanied by his mother and management on stage, gave a passionate acceptance speech at the Crypto.com Arena.
“Mi caan believe it. Rastafari live! Just want to say thank you to the Academy (NARAS), thank you to all the other nominees who represent Jamaica, who represent the Caribbean. Thank you to everybody supporting reggae music, conscious music. Much love to Damian Marley who produced the album, Stephen Marley, this one is for Jo Mersa Marley who we lost in December and Tyrone McKenzie,” said Kabaka Pyramid.
Koffee's ‘Gifted’, Protoje's ‘Third Time’s The Charm’,
Sean Paul's ‘Scorcha’ and Shaggy's ‘Com Fly Wid Mi’ were the other nominees.
Released last September by the Marley-owned Ghetto Youths International and Kabaka Pyramid’s Bebble Rock Music, ‘The Kalling’ has 15 songs. Most are produced by Damian "Junior Gong" Marley, a two-time winner of the Best Reggae Album Grammy.
The set contains collaborations with Marley, Buju Banton, Jemere Morgan and Protoje.
This is the first album by a member of the neo roots-reggae clan to win a Grammy. Protoje, a member of that group, received his second nomination this year while Jesse Royal got his first nod in 2022.
Written By Howard Campbell