Keznamdi Says Vybz Kartel Personally Congratulated Him On Grammy Win
The vibes between recent Grammy Award winner Keznamdi and Dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel remain nothing but respectful, despite the firestorm ignited by MC Nuffy earlier this week. According to Keznamdi, the Worl’ Boss personally reached out to congratulate him on his first win for “Best Reggae Album”, effectively squashing the notion that there was any animosity regarding the results.
Speaking on Irie FM Thursday, the singer addressed the chatter and urged fans not to get distracted by social media noise.
“His [Vybz Kartel’s] team immediately reached out,” Keznamdi said. “And just say, ‘Yo, congratulations, youth. Love what you a do and keep… you make we proud.’ This is his team reaching out.”
Keznamdi’s revelation comes just days after Kartel was forced to issue a public statement disavowing his hype man, MC Nuffy, who had posted a rant questioning Keznamdi’s win and the integrity of the Recording Academy. Kartel stated that Nuffy was “not authorized” to speak on his behalf, while Nuffy later issued an apology.
On Thursday, Keznamdi warned fans that getting caught up in online commentary leads to a “dead end road” where “you ago end up start fight you own self.”
The BLXXD & FYAH singer added that direct communication from an industry giant meant a lot to him.
“Fi get a direct call from the King of Dancehall himself, it was a honor fi even receive that call, you know what I mean?” he told host Kshema Francis. “So big up Kartel and big up TJ [Kartel’s manager]. Unu respect large and we love what unu a do and keep on… and we wish much more success along the way for all of the nominees…”
Keznamdi also opened up about his shock at winning the award last Sunday.
He admitted that when he first saw the list of nominees, which included Lila Iké, Jesse Royal, Mortimer, and Kartel, he felt like a long shot due to the backing and support that his competitors had.
“It was already a win for me to be nominated because everybody on that list has massive company behind them,” Keznamdi explained.
He pointed to Easy Star Records backing Jesse Royal and Mortimer, and Ineffable Records supporting Lila Iké and the In.Digg.Nation Collective. Regarding Kartel, Keznamdi noted, “Vybz Kartel is also independent, but he’s also a massive force behind him[self]. He’s [like] a label himself.”
In contrast, Keznamdi described his operation as a “micro team” running a truly independent hustle.
“My project is up on TuneCore. My TuneCore a pay $20 a month,” he revealed.
“Me’s a youth me never really look for the clout from the industry. I always was on the outside, the black sheep when it come on to industry stuff… So I really underestimated the power of the Grammys.”
On Tuesday (February 4), fresh off his victory, Keznamdi released the music video for Bread and Butta, a track from the Grammy-winning album.
In the video’s description, the singer framed the release as a tribute to that same independent spirit that secured him the win. “We’ve been receiving a lot of love for the song so Keznamdi thought it was best to show Bread & Butta isn’t just a song, it’s a mindset,” the caption read.
“This is for the hustlers who turn struggle into strategy and knowledge into power… Independent. Educated. Empowered.”