Petition to Reinstate the Reggae Category at the Juno Awards

To the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and the Juno Awards Committee,

We, the undersigned, urge you to reinstate the Reggae category at the Juno Awards and give reggae artists in Canada the recognition they rightfully deserve. Reggae music has been an essential part of Canada’s cultural landscape for decades, yet the recent quiet removal of this category from the Juno Awards is a complete disregard for the legacy and contributions of reggae artists in this country.

Since the early days of reggae, Jamaican artists have come to Canada, bringing with them the richness and vibrancy of reggae music. Despite their immense contributions to the music scene and Canadian culture, these pioneers were never given the acknowledgment they deserved. Reggae legends who live and create in Canada are celebrated internationally, yet here at home, their work is overlooked and under-appreciated.

In 2024, Kirk Diamond won his third Juno Award for Reggae Recording of the Year for his critically acclaimed album "DREAD", a project that seamlessly blends rub-a-dub, dancehall, and traditional reggae sounds. His continued success serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring influence of reggae music in Canada. Reggae artists like Diamond receive global recognition, further proving the need for platforms like the Juno Awards to celebrate this genre. The removal of the Reggae category not only ignores the relevance of reggae today but erases the cultural and musical history that reggae has built in Canada. We cannot allow this disservice to continue, and we must stand together to demand reggae artists receive the respect and recognition they deserve.

This erasure of reggae music from the Juno Awards further amplifies the total disrespect reggae artists have faced in Canada since the beginning. It ignores the impact of reggae on generations of fans and the role it has played in shaping Canada’s musical and cultural identity.

By removing this category, the Juno Awards sends a message that reggae music and its creators are not valued, despite their global recognition. This is unacceptable. Reggae has earned its place on the world stage, and Canadian reggae artists deserve the same respect and recognition that their peers in other genres receive.

We call on CARAS and the Juno Awards Committee to reinstate the Reggae category immediately. It’s time to honour and respect the cultural contributions of reggae artists in Canada and ensure that their legacy continues to be celebrated.

 
Sign this petition to demand justice for reggae artists in Canada. Together, let’s ensure their voices are heard and their contributions are recognized.