Ghanaian artist Blakk Rasta’s album Salaga Soljah is the only African reggae submission for the 67th Grammy Awards’ Best Reggae Album category.
As the first round of voting for the 67th Grammy Awards progresses, Ghanaian artist Blakk Rasta has officially submitted his album Salaga Soljah for consideration in the Best Reggae Album category. Notably, Salaga Soljah stands out as the only African reggae album among over 75 submissions vying for a nomination in this competitive category.
The album faces competition from prominent international artists, including Vybz Kartel (Party With Me), The Wailers (Evolution), and UB40 (UB45), as well as notable compilations such as the Jamaica Festival Song 2024 Competition and Celebrating Jamaica 62.
According to the Recording Academy, the Best Reggae Album category acknowledges excellence in reggae music, encompassing roots reggae, dancehall, and ska. For an album to be eligible, it must contain more than 75% new reggae recordings, with contributors such as featured artists, producers, and engineers eligible for nomination only if they account for over 50% of the album’s playing time.
Salaga Soljah is a live-recorded, twenty-track album that features performances in English, French, and various African languages, including Dioula, Dagbani, Hausa, Sissala, Akan, and Gruni. The album includes collaborations with international reggae stars like Anthony B, Tiken Jah Fakoly, and King Ayisoba.
Blakk Rasta who is also radio presenter is optimistic that a nomination or potential Grammy win for an African reggae album would highlight the genre’s significance and impact on the African continent. He believes that winning the Best Reggae Album award would pay tribute to the legacy of reggae pioneers such as Bob Marley and The Wailers.
The nominees for the 67th Grammy Awards will be announced on November 8, 2024, with the main awards ceremony scheduled for February 2, 2025
