Grammys Reggae -

However, for every step forward, the category takes two shuffling steps back. The most glaring flaw is its chronic case of "veteran favoritism." The Academy has a notorious habit of awarding the artist with the longest career over the best album. Ziggy Marley has won eight times—more than any other artist. While his work is solid, eight wins suggest a category devoid of competition rather than a dynasty of genius.

The Grammy for Best Reggae Album is a necessary annoyance. It is a good gateway for new listeners but a poor barometer of the genre’s health. When the award goes to an innovator (Kabaka Pyramid, Protoje’s A Matter of Time lost to Marley), it feels triumphant. When it defaults to the same five legacy families, it feels like a parody of institution. grammys reggae

Similarly, the posthumous awards to Bunny Wailer (2018) and the perpetual nominations of Marley family members create a perception of nepotism and nostalgia. It often feels like the voters—many of whom are not reggae specialists—simply scan the list, recognize one name (usually Marley or a Wailer), and check the box. This discourages risk-taking and buries the dancehall and dub fusion artists who are actually pushing the genre forward. However, for every step forward, the category takes