Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia “Babsy” Grange, today revealed fifteen Reggae Gold awardees and one Hall of Fame inductee for the 2026 Reggae Gold Awards & Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame Induction, scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. at the National Arena, National Stadium Complex.
The awardees span multiple areas of the Jamaican music industry, including musicianship, songwriting and production, music engineering, broadcast journalism and deejaying, reflecting the collaborative foundation upon which Reggae music has been built.
The 2026 Reggae Gold Awardees are:
Mr. Steve Golding – Musician (Guitarist)
Mr. Mikie Bennett – Songwriter/Producer
Mr. Desmond Young – Singer
Mr. Delroy “Fatta” Pottinger – Music Engineer
Mr. Noel Phillips (Echo Minott) – Singer
Mr. Tristan Palmer – Singer/Producer
Mr. Colin “Bulby” York – Producer
The Wailing Souls (to be represented by Mr. George Bancroft “Buddy” Haye) – Singing Group
Mr. John McMorris (Little John) – Deejay
Ms. Elaine Wint – Broadcast Journalist
Mr. Winston Barnes – Broadcast Journalist
Mr. Anthony Alphanso Waldron (Lone Ranger) – Deejay
Pinchers – Singer
Mr. Lester Randall Bullock (Dillinger) – Deejay
Mr. Hugh James (Redman) – Deejay
“I am proud to announce the 2026 awardees who represent the depth, diversity and enduring strength of reggae music,” Minister Grange said. “Through their talent and dedication, they have strengthened Jamaica’s cultural identity and contributed to the global reach of our music. Reggae remains one of Jamaica’s most powerful cultural exports, and we must continue to honour those who have shaped its journey.”
Launched in 2019 to mark the 50th Anniversary of Reggae Music, the Reggae Gold Awards were conceptualised to preserve the genre’s essence and ensure it continues to inspire future generations. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport (MCGES) through its agency, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the awards form a signature part of the annual Wray & Nephew Reggae Month.
Each year, one of our music icons is showcased with the Reggae Symphony Orchestra, and this year will be no different, with “Reggae’s Messenger” Luciano taking centerstage. The orchestra will be under the baton of celebrated conductor Peter Ashbourne. Embedded in the orchestra will be Megaband, a reggae ensemble with Michael “Megabass” Fletcher as Band Leader. Already excitement is fever pitch, with music lovers salivating as they await the unfolding of this amazing and powerful fusion of roots reggae and orchestral excellence.
The induction of reggae royalty Ken Boothe to the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame will in of itself be a very special moment, as some of reggae’s best voices will be on hand to pay special musical tribute to the Inductee. This will be led by the 2026 Reggae Month Ambassador Etana, sensational singing group LUST (with Lukie D, Singing Melody, Thriller U and Tony Curtis), and Chris Malachi, one of Reggae’s rising stars. Richie Stephens will also be on hand to add to the musical artistry of the evening.
Minister Grange also announced that veteran bass player and founding member of the Fab 5 band, Frankie Campbell will also be honoured with the presentation of the Minister’s Life Time Achievement Award.
The Minister also outlined that in a further demonstration of reggae’s international reach, the programme will include a performance by KAWA, a reggae band straight out of China.
“Reggae’s message of resilience, faith and social consciousness continues to resonate across continents,” Minister Grange noted. “The inclusion of a reggae band from China is a testament to the music’s universal appeal. Though born in Jamaica, reggae belongs to the world and the world continues to embrace it.”
Admission to the event is free to the public.