Landmark ‘Link Up’ Event Honors 2026 Best Reggae Album Nominees in Los Angeles

The Link Up honors the 2026 Best Reggae Album nominees through a landmark partnership event that features panel discussions, industry dialogue, live performances, and meaningful community impact during Grammy Week.

Grammy-nominated artiste Jesse Royal is among the panelists.

As Grammy Weekend approaches this weekend in Los Angeles, Jamaican music will be honored through a standalone, genre-focused celebration, placing Jamaican music and culture at the heart of one of the world’s most influential music weekends.

The special event, scheduled for January 30 during Grammy Week, is presented by Soundcheck JA and Boomyard LA, in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). Hosted at Delicious Pizza in West Adams - a historic Black cultural corridor and creative hub in Los Angeles, the event merges live music, industry dialogue, culture, and community into a uniquely Jamaican experience on a global stage.

“The Link Up is a space where culture, industry, and community meet,” says event co-producer Carleene Samuels, Founder of Soundcheck JA. “During Gramy Week, we wanted to create something that not only celebrates our nominees, but also sparks real dialogue, collaboration, and long-term growth for Jamaican music and creatives worldwide.”

This landmark celebration will honor the 2026 Best Reggae Album nominees, including Lila Iké, Vybz Kartel, Keznamdi, Mortimer, and Jesse Royal.

The event will feature a thought-provoking panel titled “Amplifying Reggae: Growth, Visibility & Industry Power”, running from 4:00–6:00 PM. The discussion will explore the global growth of reggae and dancehall, examining touring, marketing infrastructure, cultural impact, and the genre’s continued elevation worldwide.

Panelists include Jesse Royal (2026 Reggae Grammy-nominated artist), Zach Borson (Music Touring, CAA), Jason Campbell (Chief Creative Officer, UnitedMasters & Translation), Kristopher DaCosta (Marketing Manager, Jamaica Tourist Board), Cristy Barber (Music Executive & Grammy-nominated producer), Jon Phillips (Silverback Music / Red Light Management), Adam Gross (President, Ineffable Records), and Michael Goldwasser (President & Co-Founder, Easy Star Records). The panel will be moderated by Lexi Chow, Founder and CEO of CODA Network.

“We wanted to create something that not only celebrates our nominees, but also sparks real dialogue, collaboration, and long-term growth for Jamaican music and creatives worldwide.”

The evening will shift into live band performances and DJ sets, with all live performances backed by 3PEAT Band. Performers include Bam Marley, Blvk H3ro, Ghetto Youths Sound, Zuri Marley and more.

“Can’t wait to celebrate the culture and link up the music fam - The Link Up is pure vibes, and that’s exactly what we’re about at Boomyard,” says event co-producer Leslie Cooney, Founder of Boomyard.

In addition to honoring excellence, the event will give back, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Jamaican hurricane relief efforts, reinforcing its commitment to community and cultural sustainability.

“This is a moment to celebrate the culture, the community, and the sound that continues to move the world,” adds event co-producer Kertia Marley.

As reggae and dancehall continue to influence global sound, fashion, and culture, this celebration stands as a historic milestone - affirming Jamaica’s crea