UVI’s Jahman ‘elated’ over Grammy consideration

On November 19, when The Recording Academy announces nominations for the 69th Grammy Awards, roots singer Jahman hopes he will be in the running for Best Reggae Album. Alive is the title of his album, which was released in April. It is one of 119 projects being considered by The Recording Academy for Best Reggae Album. Produced by Masai Harris for Splatter House Records, the 13-song set was partly recorded in Kingston at Tuff Gong International Studio, with musicians such as drummer Kirk Bennett, bassist Donald Dennis, guitarist Miychum Chin and saxophonist Dean Fraser. “I’m elated; it feels great. Just the acceptance and the consideration from a musical entity like the Grammys is phenomenal,” said Jahman, who is from St Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. “Getting nominated would mean that greatness has gotten the opportunity to enter the musical home of excellence.” Alive contains songs like Jah Sun, Strangely and Reality, all of which feature an all-Jamaican cast. The US Virgin Islands has produced several quality roots-reggae acts in the past 20 years, with some of them coming from St Thomas. The best known is Pressure Busspipe, who had a big hit in Jamaica in 2007 with Love And Affection. From neighbouring St Croix came Midnite, a band led by brothers Vaughn and Ron Benjamin. Producer Laurent “Tippy-I” Alfred, owner of I Grade Records, is also from that country. Jahman (real name Jabari Cunningham) was raised on the music of Bob Marley, Steel Pulse and The Roots Radics Band. Three years ago saw the release of his previous album, A Purpose, which had collaborations with Junior Reid and Sizzla. The Reggae Grammy ‘considered’ list includes albums by previous winners of the Best Reggae Album category, such as Ziggy Marley, Burning Spear, Beenie Man, Shaggy and SOJA. Blxxd & Fyah by Keznamdi won the 2026 Grammy for Best Reggae Album. - Howard Campbell