Lucci Gabana Voices Concern Over Juno Awards’ Removal of Reggae Category

Toronto, ON – Jamaican Canadian rapper and producer Lucci Gabana has expressed profound disappointment at the recent announcement that the Canadian Juno Awards will be removing the reggae category from its 2025 awards lineup. Gabana, known for his impactful music and community activism, believes that this decision will have far-reaching negative effects on youth, particularly in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where youth violence is a pressing concern.

Gabana argues that the removal of the reggae category is akin to taking away a crucial instrument of expression and representation for young Black and Caribbean artists. “At a time when youth violence is at alarming levels, particularly in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, removing the reggae category is like taking the guitar away from the youth and replacing it with a gun,” Gabana asserts. “Its counter productive. It should be the other way around,  we are active in the streets trying to put guitars in the youths hand so they don’t pick up guns.” He emphasizes that the category has been a vital platform for young artists to see themselves represented and to strive for success, providing a crucial source of motivation and hope.

The impact of this category goes beyond just individual success stories. Gabana points to the example of Juno Award winner Kirk Diamond, who achieved significant recognition and community impact through his success. Diamond’s accomplishments, which include a park named after him in Brampton, ON, underscore the positive influence the awards can have on both artists and their communities.

Removing the reggae category, Gabana argues, not only diminishes representation but also deprives young artists of opportunities to gain national and international recognition. The Juno Awards serve as a significant platform for Canadian artists, often leading to performances at major international festivals and broader exposure to audiences of hundreds of thousands.

In Gabana’s view, the decision to eliminate the reggae category from the Juno Awards reflects a broader trend of undervaluing and underrepresenting Caribbean and Black artists. He calls on the music industry and award institutions to reconsider this decision and to recognize the vital role that categories like reggae play in fostering talent and providing critical representation for marginalized communities.

As discussions around this decision continue, Gabana’s stance highlights the need for a more inclusive and supportive environment for all artists, ensuring that every community has a platform to shine and inspire the next generation.

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