In a music industry where awards often draw skepticism for favoritism and lack of transparency, the Reggae North Music Awards (RNMA) has taken a different path. As the annual celebration of Canadian reggae and dancehall prepares to take the stage on September 28, 2025, at the Rose Theatre in Brampton, organizers are doubling down on their commitment to fairness, authenticity, and trust in the judging process.<\/p>\n
Why Judging Matters<\/strong><\/p>\n Each year, reggae and dancehall artists across Canada release powerful and innovative music. Yet too often, their work goes unheard or uncelebrated by the wider music industry at home and abroad. The RNMA was created to change that \u2014 to recognize outstanding talent and provide a platform that tells the world: Canadian reggae and dancehall are here, and ready to thrive.<\/em><\/p>\n But recognition without credibility means little. As RNMA President and Chairman of Reggae North Canada Inc., Mark \u201cTony Anthony\u201d Bennett, explains, skepticism in the community is both expected and valid.<\/p>\n \u201cArtists have witnessed many biases and a lack of authenticity in award shows over the years. So, when questions come up about how we choose our winners, we make sure to outline our process clearly,\u201d Bennett says.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>The Core of the Process<\/strong><\/p>\n From day one, the RNMA decided that all categories involving sound recordings\u2014where scrutiny is often highest\u2014would be judged by international professionals. These are respected figures in the global reggae and dancehall industry, including producers, radio DJs, songwriters, and musicians.<\/p>\n The seven music-focused categories judged internationally are:<\/strong><\/p>\n To safeguard integrity, judges rotate each year. Rarely does one serve two years in a row, ensuring fresh, impartial perspectives.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>The Role of the President<\/strong><\/p>\n Though Bennett himself is the only Canadian judge involved in these categories, his personal artistry never enters the competition. \u201cAs an artist, I\u2019ve committed that none of my own music\u2014or projects I\u2019m associated with\u2014will ever be eligible. That\u2019s non-negotiable,\u201d he affirms.<\/p>\n This separation reinforces the RNMA\u2019s mission: the spotlight belongs to the artists, not the organizers.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Expanding Recognition<\/strong><\/p>\n Beyond the seven internationally judged categories, the RNMA presents 19 awards in total<\/strong>, with the remaining 12 evaluated by seasoned professionals within Canada\u2019s reggae and dancehall scene. These judges are chosen for their credibility, industry knowledge, and dedication to the growth of the genre.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong>Building Trust and Growth<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cNo matter what you do, there are always going to be skeptics,\u201d Bennett acknowledges. \u201cBut as the RNMA grows, we believe more Canadian artists will recognize that our priority is to fuel the growth of reggae and dancehall here. Some of the world-renowned professionals who agreed to judge have even shared their excitement about Canada\u2019s progress\u2014they\u2019re proud to be part of this process.\u201d<\/p>\n A Night to Remember<\/strong><\/p>\n The 2025 Reggae North Music Awards<\/strong> is more than an award show\u2014it\u2019s a statement about integrity in recognition. By ensuring transparent and credible judging, the RNMA is setting a new standard in how Canadian reggae and dancehall artistry is celebrated.<\/p>\n\n