NYC: New York based RoadBlock radio CEO Kacy “G City” Rankine has joined a chorus of global voices celebrating reggae singer Keznamdi, following his triumph at the recent 68th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles where he captured ‘Best Reggae Album’ for his acclaimed project ‘Blxxd & Fyah’ .
Rankine stood alongside the Doctor Beenie Man, Lila Iké, and Jamaica’s Opposition Leader Mark Golding in congratulating the cultural reggae torchbearer, calling the moment a proud one for Jamaica and the wider diaspora.
“Keznamdi is an extremely talented reggae artist. All of Jamaica is proud of you including the diaspora and reggae fans around the globe. We are proud of your achievement,” Rankine said. “And to have won the award on the very day that Reggae Month kicks off in Jamaica and Black History Month here in the USA, is that much more rewarding. Keep the fire burning!”
The win for Keznamdi, who earned the Grammy node the very first time he was nominated, placed the Jamaican star in elite company on Grammy night, sharing the spotlight with hip hop superstar Kendrick Lamar, who became the most decorated rapper in Grammy history. Lamar has now secured five trophies, pushing his career total to 27, which surpasses Jay-Z.
Rankine also extended congratulations to other nominees in the category, Lila Iké, Vybz Kartel, Mortimer and Jesse Royal, noting that the strength of the category reflected the global impact and continued evolution of reggae music.
As Keznamdi walked the red carpet at the Grammy Awards, moments before being named ‘Best Reggae Album’ winner, he paused to reflect on the weight of culture, influence, and legacy in an exclusive interview with RoadBlock Radio host Sandy Daley, the only Caribbean media entity approved to cover the event’s virtual red carpet.
Asked about his role in helping to guide reggae music into its next chapter, Keznamdi answered candidly.
“Yeah, man, music is a responsibility. Influence is a responsibility naturally,” he said. “I’m in a very specific place in my life where I’m young enough to still relate to the younger generation, but old enough to have the wisdom to share the moments and share this music and carry the culture forward. So yeah, man, it’s definitely a responsibility that we hold at the highest regard.” he shared.
Daley thanked the artist for his contributions to reggae and culture.
“Jamaica is proud of you. The Caribbean is proud of you,” she said. “We are so grateful to have you here.”
Keznamdi’s Grammy success for his album ‘Blxxd & Fyah’ further cements his role as a modern cultural ambassador for the genre. His career includes collaborations with Chronixx, Tory Lanez, A-Trak, Mavado, Masicka and Rapsody, while remaining firmly rooted in the traditions passed down through his family lineage.
For Rankine, RoadblockRadio.com listeners on 101.1FM-HD3 NJ-NYC Tri state; 93.7FM-HD3 in Hartford-CT and 102.7FM-HD3 in Miami-South Florida and reggae supporters worldwide, Keznamdi’s win signals not just personal achievement, but a reaffirmation that reggae’s heartbeat remains strong and its future, secure.
