U.S. based reggae artist Kenny Vanella, has submitted his debut album Revival of the Spirit, for the Best Reggae Album category at the 2025 Grammys.
The 10 track project featuring Richard Raw, Kumar, Squidly Cole and Andrew Tosh was released on June 28 via DubShot Records.
The Grammys award the best in music that was released in the United States throughout the previous year and the 2025 ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, Feb. 2, live at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
In an exclusive interview with World Music Views, Vanella shared his thoughts on the significance of a Grammy nomination, the artistry behind his latest project, and his deep connection to reggae music.
“A nomination at this time would be a dream come true for me…but honestly and most importantly…a nomination for this album, Revival of the Spirit, would show the world the musical genius of Squidly Cole,” Vanella said. “The work he did producing this album deserves high recognition. And I would love to see that. I strongly believe in the passion and expression my songwriting and lyrical abilities carry…but the construction of this album resides in Squids musical genius…and recognition of that is what means the most.”
The album itself is a product of over a decade of songwriting, Vanella explained, “This album is a culmination of the last 12-13 years of songwriting…but going on a lifetime of love and spiritual expression. The spirit resides beautifully inside every single living being…but we spend most of our lives covering it up. So this is Revival of the Spirit…a message of love, hope, determination, forgiveness, and redemption through the peoples’ music of this reggae.” He described the album’s purpose as not only to inspire listeners but to spread love, goodwill, and help raise unity consciousness.
Vanella is also a strong advocate for changes in how reggae is recognized at the Grammy Awards. “Well, yes definitely. I feel reggae and dancehall should have separate categories.” For the past two years, the Best Reggae Album category has been streamed live on YouTube from the Peacock Theatre, alongside several other less prominent categories. This marks an improvement from previous years when it wasn’t broadcasted either online or on television.
Stilling Vanella says it should be part of the televised broadcast. “And I also strongly feel that the Academy should televise the Best Reggae Album award, as well as, have a performance from a reggae artist every single year,” he stated. Vanella believes this moment in history is crucial for reggae music to take its rightful place in the global spotlight, emphasizing that, “When it comes down to everything…all people have a strong desire for the same things. We want love…we want freedom…we want happiness…and we really want to come together. But the system has been built to divide us…and let’s be honest…we allow it to do just that…we fall for the trickery a lot of the times.”
Reflecting on his submission among the 75 projects up for consideration, Vanella shared his humility and gratitude. “I look at the list of considerations and I get the chills. It humbles me to my core. To be included with names like Samory I, Mykal Rose (and Emch), Mike Love, UB40, The Wailers, Mutabaruka, and wow the One Love movie soundtrack! I could go on. So much great art and music being produced,” he said.
For Vanella, the journey of reggae is deeply personal, particularly due to his connection to Bob Marley’s legacy. “I am from Wilmington, Delaware…and if you don’t know the history of Bob Marley and Wilmington, it’s very important. Because you cannot tell the story of Bob without talking about Wilmington. And I was struck by the spirit and message of Bob from a very very early age, and I am a disciple of HIM…so being on the same list as The Wailers and Bob…man…again…goosebumps.”
