The 2025 Grammy nominations dropped this morning (November 8), with two Jamaican superstars receiving their first Grammy nominations for their work.
In 2017, Shenseea made waves with her remix of Vybz Kartel’s “Loodi”; today, the dancehall star joins Kartel in receiving a 2025 Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album It’s never late here. Published on May 24th, It’s never late here Shenseea’s second studio album, featuring collaborations with Masicka, Di Genius, Anitta, Coi Leray and Wizkid. The album peaked at number four on the Reggae Albums Chart, becoming Shenseea’s second consecutive top five record.
“I was in the office getting an IV, and I started screaming. People in the office were like, ‘Oh my God! Who’s dead?’ advertising billboard On her initial reaction to the nomination. “I am finally among the greats, that was my first thought. It was [been] It’s been a long road coming here for my country and my culture. Sometimes momentum and hype are accepted faster than quality, especially among newer generations. For me, after going through all the stages of starting from scratch, to even be here, I feel like I’m ten years old. This is just the icing on the cake for victory.
Shenseaa received two Grammy nominations in 2022 (Album of the Year and Best Rap Album) for her performance on Ye’s Billboard 200 chart a wound LP. She appeared on “Pure Souls” with Roddy Ricch, which peaked at No. 52 on the Billboard Hot 100. “I told myself I wouldn’t go to the Grammys until I got my own project nominated for Best Reggae Album,” she revealed. “Even if a wound I was nominated, but I didn’t go to the awards. [This nomination] Means everything to me. I feel like my hard work is finally paying off. I’ve been dreaming of this moment ever since I found out I could sing!
If given the chance to perform on a telecast or premiere, Shenseea would choose “Face Lift (Intro),” which features her son, as her go-to song. If she takes home the Grammy next February, Shenseea will join JA star Koffee as the only women to win the award for Best Reggae Album.
Just months after regaining his freedom, Portmore’s own Vybz Kartel has earned his first career Grammy nomination party with mereleased this spring (May 31) via Adidjahiem Records. Kartel has been a leader in the dancehall genre for over three decades, thanks to a near-constant stream of releases and hit crossovers, from 2009’s Spice-assisted “Romping Shop” to 2016’s “Fever.”
Earlier this summer (July 31), the Court of Appeal unanimously ruled that Cartel and his co-defendants – Sean Campbell, Kahira Jones and Andre St. John – would not be charged with the 2011 Cartel was freed after facing a new trial for Clive’s murder. Back in 2014, Cartel was initially sentenced to 35 years in prison after a historic 64-day trial, but he and his co-defendants have always denied involvement in Williams’ death.
The 2025 Grammy nominees for Best Reggae Album are play with me (Vibuz Kartel), It’s never late here (Shenhai), take it easy (Buzz the Shepherd), Bob Marley: A Love – Music Inspired by the Movie (various artists) and evolution (The Wailer).
The Grammy Awards will return to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 2.
