Jesse Royal ‘grateful’ for Reggae Grammy nomination - Says it comes at perfect time as Ja rebuilds

Jesse Royal said his Reggae Grammy nomination "already feels like a win" and comes at a perfect time when Jamaicans are grappling to recover from Hurricane Melissa, reminding them that there's still 'no place like home', referring to the album's title.

"I'm incredibly grateful. It was definitely expected because of the quality of work but never expected because we never really have our eye set on it. We get three months to promote this album and we did it in literally three days after the crash (he was involved in a car accident). So it definitely was a surprise but a pleasant surprise," Jesse told THE STAR.

When asked if he believes his unfortunate near-death experience propelled the support around his album, he said he has a "very loyal legion of fans" but would not have a problem if his situation inspired their choices.

"I feel like is almost a full circle moment with this project so it had to be out and in the atmosphere so people can get what dem need fi get from it. I'm very happy that people coulda understand the message and di quality and di importance of sounds like these in a time like these," said Jesse.

The artiste said the album's resonating title will bring hope and comfort to the shattered people of Jamaica.

"It's sort a bittersweet because what's happening in Jamaica right now is beyond devastating and I have people directly and indirectly involved. But as a Jamaican, yuh feel it from yuh heart fi all yuh fellow citizens weh a guh through hardship in this time. So a lot a dat was more on my mind," said Jesse, who has been conducting monetary donations and providing care packages for those in needs.

"When people is at dem lowest point, I don't necessarily see it as an opportunity to highlight, but I do give thanks that I'm in a position to give, suh wi just do dat willingly," he said.

The artiste said he was overjoyed to deliver the album, calling it an intentional project.

"Despite everything wah a gwaan, no place like home it is, and we have songs that speak to the resilience, love, caring and kindness and the confidence that comes with being a Jamaican. We're grateful of the nod but still very mindful of our people," said the singer.

Already a win

No Place Like Home's nomination follows his 2022 nomination for Royal, both produced by Dretegs and Grammy-winning producer, Sean Alaric. With local acts sweeping the reggae nominees, Jesse credited his colleagues on the quality music they all presented.

"There's already a win that's taking place because this is one of the first all-Jamaican lineups with very current and meaningful projects to the culture in a time like this. [We all] listened to each other's project and all of us have really nice projects," he said.

"It's good for us to be representing the culture from a Jamaican perspective because reggae/dancehall music has always inspired the world, but it's good to see that the actual root and seed dem of reggae music is representing and standing strong in a high way," he added.

The other nominees are From Within by Mortimer, Keznamdi's Blood & Fyah, Treasure Self Love by Lila Ike and Heart & Soul by Vybz Kartel.

Jesse said since the nominations were announced last Friday, the reactions and receptions have been "lovely and every weh mi guh people nuh stop bless mi up".

The 68th Grammy Awards will be aired live from Crypto.com Arena on February 1, 2026 in Los Angeles.