Ghanaian reggae artist, Blakk Rasta, has submitted his album ‘Salaga Soljah’ for consideration in the Best Reggae Album category, as the first round of voting for the 68gh Grammy Awards continues.
Notably, it is the only African reggae album competing among over 75 eligible submissions in this category.
Other prominent artists, including Vybz Kartel (Party With Me), The Wailers (Evolution), UB40 (UB45), as well as compilations like Jamaica Festival Song 2024 Competition and Celebrating Jamaica 62, have also been submitted for consideration.
The Recording Academy, noted that, the Best Reggae Album category “recognizes excellence in albums of reggae music, including roots reggae, dancehall, and ska”.
To be eligible for Grammy consideration, albums must feature over 75% new reggae recordings, with key contributors qualifying for nomination if they worked on more than 50% of the album.
Blakk Rasta’s ‘Salaga Soljah’, a live-recorded, twenty-track album performed in English, French, and several African languages, meets this criterion.
The album includes collaborations with renowned reggae artists like Anthony B, Tiken Jah Fakoly, and King Ayisoba.
Blakk Rasta is hopeful that a Grammy nomination or win would highlight reggae’s influence in Africa and pay tribute to pioneers like Bob Marley and The Wailers.
The 67th Grammy nominees will be revealed on November 8, 2024, ahead of the awards ceremony on February 2, 2025.