Spragga Benz to Receive Global Cultural Icon Award at Icons of Africa Awards Ceremony in Johannesburg
27 September 2025
Venue: Sandton,Johannesburg, South Africa
Date: 6 December 2025
Reggae and dancehall luminary Spragga Benz is set to be honoured with a Global Icon Cultural Award at the prestigious Icons Of Africa Awards, taking place on 6 December 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa
This significant recognition celebrates Spragga Benz’s exceptional contribution to global music, culture, and the enduring influence of the Jamaican sound. As one of dancehall’s most respected and enduring voices, Spragga has built a career that not only elevated the genre internationally but also served as a bridge between African, Caribbean, and urban global cultures.
A Dancehall Legend with Global Impact
Born Carlton Grant in Kingston, Jamaica, Spragga Benz burst onto the music scene in the early 1990s with a unique blend of lyrical finesse and streetwise charisma. His breakout single “Could a Deal” quickly established him as a force in dancehall, and he went on to release a string of chart-topping tracks including “Jack It Up,” “She Nuh Ready Yet (Hype Up),”* and “Dolly House.”
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Spragga solidified his place as a cultural ambassador for Jamaica, collaborating with a diverse array of artists including Wyclef Jean, Nas,KRS-One, Foxy Brown, and Stephen Marley. His ability to seamlessly blend reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop opened doors to new audiences, particularly in the United States and Europe, where he toured extensively and garnered a devoted fanbase.
His 2019 critically acclaimed album “Chiliagon” was hailed as a bold and innovative project that pushed dancehall’s boundaries, featuring UK grime, hip hop, and electronic influences. The project topped the iTunes reggae charts and reaffirmed his place as a creative force in modern music.
A Cultural Force Beyond Music
Spragga Benz’s impact goes far beyond his discography. He is the founder of the 'Stay In School program' in Jamaica, which supports education initiatives for at-risk youth, and he remains an outspoken advocate for social justice and community upliftment.
He has also appeared in several films, including the cult classic Shottas (2002), further showcasing his artistic versatility and commitment to storytelling rooted in the Jamaican experience.
Iconic Performance at DStv Delicious Festival
Earlier this year, Spragga Benz captivated thousands at the DStv Delicious International Food & Music Festival in Johannesburg, delivering an unforgettable performance alongside Grammy-winning artist Ms. Lauryn Hill,Their back-to-back appearances thrilled fans and highlighted the enduring cultural synergy between Africa and the Caribbean.
The festival, one of Africa’s premier cultural events, was a fitting stage for Spragga’s artistry, as he commanded the crowd with hits spanning his legendary career.
Celebrating Cultural Legacy
The Icons Of Africa Awards aim to honour individuals who have shaped African and diasporic culture on a global scale. Other honourees to be celebrated include the late South African global icon Brenda Fassie, Jackson Dyora, founder and CTO of Khula, Nigerian reality TV star Precious Cvdoy, CEO of Precious Brand Hair, Nerville Johnson, founder of the creativity Platform Studio, along with numerous other influential movers and shakers across Africa.
