Update: The Fight for Reggae's Recognition at the JUNO Awards
I’m excited to share important news regarding the Reggae Recording of the Year category at the JUNO Awards. Allan Reid, President & CEO of CARAS, has announced that, following community feedback, they will not be putting the reggae category on hiatus for the 2025 awards! This is a victory for the reggae community, and it highlights the power of our collective voices.
However, while this is an important step forward, it’s only part of the larger battle. Reggae must not only remain a recognized category, but it should also be elevated to receive the full respect it deserves. This means:
- Broadcasting the Reggae Award live on television, instead of during an off-camera ceremony.
- Allowing reggae artists to perform during the live broadcast to showcase their contributions to Canadian music.
Preservation of Cultural Heritage in Canada
This fight is about more than just one award—it’s about the preservation of reggae as a vital part of Canada’s cultural heritage. Canada’s Department of Canadian Heritage and organizations like the Canadian Conservation Institute are committed to preserving and promoting the rich diversity of cultural expressions in our country. This includes not only physical monuments but also intangible cultural heritage, like music. Reggae, with its deep roots in Black and Caribbean communities, is an essential part of Canada’s cultural landscape and must be protected and celebrated. en.wikipedia
By removing or sidelining the reggae category, we risk erasing a key piece of our national heritage. Music, especially reggae, reflects the stories, struggles, and triumphs of communities that have contributed so much to the fabric of Canadian identity. Preserving this genre in the JUNO Awards aligns with Canada’s broader commitment to cultural preservation. Government of Canada Canada.ca
CRTC Mandate: Fair Representation of Reggae in Canadian Media
Another key issue is the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) mandate, which requires Canadian radio stations to dedicate a portion of their airplay to Canadian artists (CanCon). However, we must ask: how many of these artists are reggae musicians? Reggae deserves its fair share of representation within Canada’s music industry, both on the airwaves and at prestigious events like the JUNO Awards. Ensuring that reggae artists receive the same level of support and visibility as other genres is critical for their continued success and recognition.
What’s Next?
As we await further details in the official announcement on Monday, September 23rd, it’s important that we keep pushing for more. The JUNO Awards need to reflect the diversity of Canada’s music scene by giving reggae its rightful place on the main stage. To even consider removing this category was a mistake, and we must ensure it is never an option again.
This fight isn’t just about this year—it’s about respect. Reggae is more than a genre; it’s a cultural force that deserves celebration. I’m committed to educating and collaborating with all of you—our community, supporters, and industry allies—so that reggae’s place in Canadian music is never questioned again.
Thank you for your continued support. Let’s keep fighting for the recognition that reggae—and our community—deserves!