Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel dominated the 2026 staging of the International Reggae and World Music Awards, capturing nine awards, including two shared honors, during Sunday night’s ceremony at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center.
The annual awards show celebrates excellence in reggae, dancehall, Latin, Caribbean, and African music, recognizing artists and industry professionals who have made significant contributions to global music culture.
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Kartel, often referred to as the “Dancehall King,” secured some of the evening’s most prestigious honors, including Entertainer of the Year, Recording Artist of the Year, and Album of the Year for his Grammy-nominated project, Heart and Soul.
Although he was not in attendance, Kartel expressed gratitude in a message shared on Instagram.
“Tonight, I give thanks to the International Reggae and World Music Awards for this incredible honor,” he wrote. “Awards like these do more than celebrate individuals; they help preserve the heartbeat of our culture. They remind the world that reggae and dancehall are not just music; they are history, struggle, triumph, spirit, and identity.”
He added that being recognized by fellow artists and industry professionals carries special significance.
“To be acknowledged by your peers is one of the highest honors an artiste can receive, because greatness means more when it is recognized by those who truly understand the journey.”
Several other notable artists were also honored during the ceremony. Shenseea won Best Female DJ/Rapper, while Masicka earned recognition for his EP Her Name Is Love. Additional winners included Spice, Sean Paul, Popcaan, and producer DJ Mac, who took home Producer of the Year.
Veteran reggae icon Burning Spear and dancehall star Mavado were each presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their enduring impact on Jamaican and international music.
Gramps Morgan of Morgan Heritage was a double winner, claiming Best Male Vocalist and Best Inspirational Song for People Like You.
Speaking after the ceremony, Morgan said he was both surprised and humbled by the recognition.
“I’m just excited about receiving these awards,” he said. “Winning Best Male Vocalist was both shocking and humbling. And to be honored for ‘People Like You,’ a song that has touched so many lives, is especially meaningful. It was written to give people their flowers while they are still here to receive them.”
