Five Canadian reggae artists have secured nominations for the 2025 Juno Awards after the organization reversed its controversial decision to remove the Reggae Recording of the Year category. The reversal came after strong backlash from the music community.
The nominees for Reggae Recording of the Year include “Born to Be Free” by 5 time Juno Award winner Exco Levi, “FALLBACK” by King Cruff, the grandson of Bob Marley. “Destiny” by Bob Riddim, “Sky’s The Limit” by Skystar and “Rise” by Tonya P.
Cruff’s song released via Tuff Gong Collective/Universal Music Canada Inc. also features Runkus, however non-Canadians receive named credit only and are not considered nominees or winners if part of a nominated song or technical project according to the JUNOS rules. The only exceptions are if they are in a nominated group that meets the 50% Canadian criteria or are nominated in the International Album of the Year category.
Allan Reid, President and CEO of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS), addressed the controversy on Instagram last September, stating, “Given the feedback from the community, CARAS will not put these three categories on hiatus this year.”
Reid explained that CARAS spent the past year reviewing award categories based on submission numbers, consumption metrics, and other data. However, after public outcry, the Reggae, Children’s Album, and Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album categories will remain.
While Reid emphasized CARAS’ commitment to diversity and excellence in Canadian music, his statement notably excluded any mention of the International Album of the Year category, which was also slated for removal.
Boi-1da will receive the International Achievement Award while Sum41 will be inducted in the Canadian Music Hall Of Fame.
The Canadian Music Hall of Fame was established by CARAS in 1978 to acknowledge artists who have made a remarkable impact on Canadian music, both nationally and internationally.
See full list of nominees and recipients here.
