Luciano happy to showcase Garnet Silk Jr at Reggae Gold Awards

The year 2026 is off to a flying start for reggae’s Messenger, Luciano, and he couldn’t be happier with how things are progressing. He has already performed at Goa Sunsplash, billed as India’s biggest reggae celebration, completed four shows in the US, performed in the US Virgin Islands, and is looking forward to performing with the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra on February 27 at the National Arena in Kingston.

“My mother always tells me to start the year on a high note. The first month of 2026 I had four shows in the US,” Luciano said.

He confessed that he was a bit concerned when confirming the dates, as January is usually a month when disposable income doesn’t flow freely, owing to the hectic Christmas season. But the Rastafarian reggae singer was pleasantly surprised by the turnout for his shows in Philadelphia, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Boston.

“In Philly, it was a nice theatre which has its own fan base and the tickets were sold out. The promoters had good intentions,” Luciano said with a smile.

Currently overseas for a number of shows, he returns next week to rehearse with the Reggae Symphony Orchestra – conducted by Peter Ashbourne – in preparation for the Reggae Gold Awards and Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame Induction. Excited as he is for himself, he is equally thrilled to give Garnet Silk Jr a major platform to perform.

“I want to do this for Garnett Silk ... therefore I have invited his son to perform on the show. If I can help his son to showcase his talents to the world, ... it’s the least I can do [to] pay homage to Garnett. And, Lovey (mother of Garnet Jr) always makes sure that I am treated fairly, so it’s wonderful for me to do this,” Luciano explained.

He is bringing his A-game to the National Arena, where he will share the stage with top reggae acts, including Reggae Month Ambassador Etana, LUST, Chris Malachi, and Richie Stephens.

“It is going to be a wonderful showcase for the Jamaican people,” Luciano promised.

The Messenger, as he is called, continues his tour with eight shows in the Caribbean and may possibly perform at Rebel Salute in Florida in April.

GOOD SHOW

“[Tony] Rebel is like a brother to me. I love to see how him stand up in the business for so long and stage Rebel Salute every year. That is always a good show to start the year. Once yuh perform good and the reviews are good, then the calls start pouring in from promoters across the world. I really missed it this year,” Luciano told The Gleaner.

This year also sees him working on a new album, as well as a number of singles with producer Anthony Cargill.

A release from the Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, revealed that this year, 15 persons will be presented with the Reggae Gold Award. The awardees are: Steve Golding, Mikie Bennett, Desmond Young, Delroy ‘Fatta’ Pottinger, Noel ‘Echo Minott’ Phillips, Tristan Palmer, Colin ‘Bulby’ York, The Wailing Souls, John ‘Little John’ McMorris, Elaine Wint, Winston Barnes, Anthony ‘Lone Ranger’ Waldron, Pinchers, Lester Randall ‘Dillinger’ Bullock, and Hugh ‘Redman’ James. Reggae royalty Ken Boothe, will be inducted in the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame and 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.

Minister Grange, in a press release, noted that “the 2026 awardees represent the depth, diversity, and enduring strength of reggae music.”

“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,” she further stated.

Launched in 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of reggae music, the Reggae Gold Awards were created to preserve the genre’s essence and ensure it continues to inspire future generations. Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport through its agency, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, the awards are a signature part of the annual Wray & Nephew Reggae Month.

The event is open to the public and free to attend.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com