Female artists have made history at the JUNO Awards, dominating the Reggae Recording of the Year category for the first time since its inception in 1985. JUNO Awards is Canada’s equivalent of the Grammys.
The nominations for the 53rd edition of Canada’s version of the Grammys were unveiled in Toronto, showcasing a diverse range of talent including Ammoye featuring Turbulence, Feel Like Home by Exco Levi, Roots Girl by Jah Mila, Dread by Kirk Diamond and Finn and Rush Dem by Omega Mighty featuring 4Korners and Haviah Mighty.
Ammoye, hailing from Clarendon, earns her seventh nomination at the JUNO Awards, while Exco Levi, also from Clarendon, receives his 11th nomination, having won the award five times, according to Jamaican Observer.
Jah Mila and Omega Mighty receive their first nominations, while Finn earns his third and Kirk Diamond his sixth. Diamond, who won in 2018 for “Greater,” collaborated with Finn on last year’s winning song, “Reggae Party,” by Kairo McLean.
The JUNO Awards ceremony, celebrating excellence in Canadian popular music, is scheduled to take place in Halifax on March 23.
The JUNO Awards, Canada’s prestigious music recording industry awards, have been presented by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) since 1975.
Initially a televised event, the awards ceremony gained widespread popularity after 1995 when it transitioned from an industry affair to a public event held at large arena concert venues, according to Britannica.
The JUNO Awards also include the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, which was founded by CARAS in 1978.