Jamaican reggae artist Keznamdi McDonald won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album for BIxxd & Fyah at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday.

This marks his first-ever Grammy win.

The album outranked competition from notable artistes, including Lila Iké, nominated for Treasure Self Love, Vybz Kartel First Week Out, Jesse Royal No Place Like Home, and Mortimer From Within.

Keznamdi was born in Kingston, Jamaica, into a musical family. His parents, Errol and Kerida McDonald, led the reggae group Chakula. His eldest sister, Kamila McDonald, is a fitness expert, Jamaican media personality, and former wife of Reggae singer Jah Cure. Another sister, Kelissa McDonald, is a singer and musician and the wife of Reggae star Chronixx.

In his acceptance speech, Keznamdi emphasised the importance of reggae music in redemption and liberation.

“Reggae music has always been a music weh defend truths and rights and African liberation and black man redemption so we affi give thanks…Yow we a represent Jamaican culture, and dancehall and reggae. Rastafari!”

He also expressed appreciation to his team and parents for this win.

Keznamdi’s victory is significant, highlighting the growing influence of independent Caribbean artists on the global stage. His win was announced by presenter Dee Dee Bridgewater during the Premiere Ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.