“It is my prediction that ‘Colors Of Royal’ will be the one taking home the Grammy,” declares Alexx Antaeus of Monom Records.
Alexx, a first-time Grammy nominee in collaboration with Julian Marley, released the album on March 24, 2023, and he says the feedback from fellow voters has been positive.
“I am confidently standing by this prediction for several compelling reasons. We executed a formidable campaign, and the response from fellow voters has been exceptionally positive towards this groundbreaking chapter in reggae music,” affirms Alexx as final round of voting concludes today, January 4, at 6:00 pm PT.
This year 5 albums were nominated for Best Reggae Album and several other Grammy voters have already hinted at their favorites to World Music Views as artists and their agencies campaign for reggae most prestigious trophy.
One Grammy voter told WMV on condition of anonymity that he agrees with Alexx’ prediction, but added that the likely choices will come down to Julian Marley and Alex Antaeus’ Colors Of Royal and Buju Banton’s “Born For Greatness” released on Def Jam Records.
Last year’s Best Reggae Album winner Kabaka Pyramid explicitly stated to WMV in an interview that his his choice for this year’s award would go to Burning Spear’s No Destroyer.
The other Nominees are Beenie Man’s “Simma,” Collie Buddz‘ “Cali Roots Riddim 2023.”
Only 6% of Grammy voters are of reggae interest according to a report by The Recording Academy’s 2023 Member Class survey, unveiled on Thursday, November 30. This places the genre’s membership at No. 18 out of 22 genres, with Pop leading the chart with 41% of Grammy voting members.
Reggae, encompassing only one category, has been limited to the Best Reggae Recording/ Best Reggae Album since 1985, which also incorporates nominees from the dancehall and Ska genres. This award is traditionally announced in a pre-televised ceremony. However, last year, the category was broadcasted in a ceremony on YouTube.
